Best time to travel to Malta
Choosing the right period for your trip to Malta can make all the difference. It's important to consider weather elements, seasonal events and busy tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.
Location
Climate
Low and high season in Malta
First of all, it's essential to know the tourist seasons to help you choose the best time to plan your trip. There are two main seasons in Malta:- Low season : from November to March. During this period, tourist numbers are lower, allowing you to benefit from lower prices and a certain calm in the tourist areas. However, the climate is less suitable for beach activities, with cooler temperatures and sometimes rainy days.
- High season : from May to September. This period corresponds to the summer vacations, when tourist numbers increase considerably. Prices may be higher, but you'll enjoy a warm, sunny climate, ideal for enjoying the beaches and the sea.
The shoulder season: an interesting compromise
For those wishing to avoid the crowds of the high season without sacrificing a pleasant climate, April and October are a good time to visit. shoulder season interesting. Temperatures are mild, days are generally sunny, and tourist numbers are moderate.Major cultural events in Malta
In addition to climate and tourist numbers, it may be advisable to take into account the following cultural events which take place in Malta throughout the year. Here are just a few of the highlights:- Carnival: Celebrated in February or March, depending on the year, the Maltese Carnival is a traditional festival rich in color and entertainment. The towns of Valletta and Nadur are particularly renowned for their festivities.
- The Baroque Music Festival : This event takes place every January in Valletta, and features Baroque music in historic venues such as the St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Manoel Theater.
- Malta Festival: also known as "L-Imnarja", this traditional festival takes place in June and celebrates the arrival of summer with bonfires, concerts and religious processions.
- Valletta Film Festival: held every year in June, this festival showcases European and international cinema, with a selection of films screened in the Maltese capital's cinemas.
- The Malta International Arts Festival: This multi-disciplinary event takes place in July, bringing together artists from all over the world for performances in dance, theater, music and the visual arts.
Public holidays in Malta: what to bear in mind when planning your stay
When planning your trip to Malta, it is useful to be aware of the following public holidaysWe're also looking at the impact of the holiday season on transport, and on the opening hours of tourist attractions and shops. Here are some key dates to remember:- January 1st : New Year's Day
- February 10 : Feast of Saint Paul, patron saint of Malta
- March 19 : St. Joseph's Day
- March/April : Good Friday (date varies)
- May 1st : Labour Day
- June 7 : Sette Giugno commemorative day
- June 29 : Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
- August 15 : Assumption
- September 8 : Feast of Our Lady of Victory
- September 21 : Independence Day
- December 8 : Immaculate Conception
- December 13 : Republic Day
- December 25 : Christmas
Festas: local religious festivals
Throughout the year, Malta's various localities celebrate their patron saints in festivals called "festas". These events, although local, offer a unique opportunity to discover Maltese culture from an authentic angle. You can attend religious processions, fireworks displays, concerts and open-air banquets.Insurance
Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.
Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.
Flights
Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.
In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!
Statistics on immigration to Malta
Malta has seen a significant increase in its population in recent years, mainly due to the influx of immigrants from all over the world. According to data published by the Maltese National Statistics Office, the archipelago's total resident population stood at around 514,000 in 2019, an increase of almost 3% on the previous year.Geographical origins of immigrants
Immigrants to Malta come from a wide variety of countries. The main geographical origins are :- The European Union (EU), with a high proportion of immigrants from Italy, France United Kingdom and of France
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and the Swiss
- Third countries, notably in North Africa and the Middle East, but also in South Asia and Latin America.
Reasons for immigration to Malta
There are many reasons why people choose to immigrate to Malta. The main reasons include :- Family reunification, particularly for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
- Looking for a job or professional opportunity
- Access to education, particularly for international students wishing to study at Maltese universities
- Asylum applications for refugees and applicants for international protection
Most popular visas in Malta
To stay in Malta, there are several types of visa, depending on the length and purpose of your stay. The most popular visas are :Schengen short-stay visa (type C)
This visa allows third-country nationals to stay in the Schengen area, of which Malta is a member, for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period. It is generally required for tourism, family visits or business.National long-stay visa (type D)
This visa is for third-country nationals wishing to stay in Malta for more than 90 days, in particular for the purposes of employment, study or family reunification. Holders of a long-stay visa must also apply for a Maltese residence permit.European Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals wishing to work in the EU, including Malta. It offers several advantages, such as facilitating mobility within the EU and the possibility of family reunification.International tourism figures for Malta
Tourism is a major pillar of the Maltese economy. Here are some key figures concerning the international tourism in Malta :- Around 2.8 million tourist arrivals in 2019an increase of 5.6% over 2018
- Visitors come mainly from the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Spain.
- The tourism sector accounts for around 12% of Malta's gross domestic product (GDP).
- The average length of a tourist stay in Malta is 6.7 days.
- The islands of the Maltese archipelago recorded a record tourist arrivals in August 2019with over 330,000 visitors.