Malta in April brings out the island’s quirks in the best way. Mild weather, fewer crowds, and festivals you didn’t know you needed all come together in this guide that explores what makes this time of the year in Malta truly unique.
Spring in Malta arrives with purpose. Skies clear, seas calm, and the island finally settles into its best rhythm. This small Mediterranean country carries an outsized personality shaped by centuries of cultural crossovers. You’ll see it in the food, hear it in the language, and feel it along the winding roads.
There’s no shortage of tours and experiences in Malta that bring these layers to life. Meanwhile, flights to Malta in April are often easier on the budget, making it a smart time to go.
Lastly, stick around. We’re covering what to do, how to pack, and why one of these Malta travel packages might just be the best thing you'll need.
Reasons To Visit Malta in April
Malta in April is a curious little marvel. This island is known for its stone architecture, ancient temples, and a language that sounds like Arabic and Italian had a baby. It has its quirks, and that’s part of the charm. Keep reading to see why April might be the best time to visit.
- Spring is kind to your suitcase: You won’t need to pack bulky winter gear or sweat through your only nice shirt. Days average in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, and nights stay manageable. A light jacket, sunglasses, and walking shoes will do the job. Malta in April is both pleasant and practical.
- Flights and hotels do not break your spirit: April still counts as shoulder season, which means travel deals are easier to find. You avoid the inflated summer prices and the competition for accommodation. It’s the sweet spot between affordability and decent weather, which is rare and worth grabbing while it lasts.
- Outdoor exploring is actually enjoyable: The sun behaves in April. You can walk around ancient ruins, climb coastal paths, or wander through quiet backstreets without needing an emergency fan. Crowds are light, the pace is relaxed, and your sunscreen might even survive the day without reapplication. It’s one of the best months for outdoor activities in Malta.
- Local life is still visible: April hasn't been overtaken by tourist season yet. So, cafes have locals in them. Markets still cater to residents. In addition, city tours in Malta feel more personal, offering a better glimpse of real life, which includes unexpected celebrations, patient bus drivers, and meals that somehow always involve olives.
Weather in Malta in April
April in Malta means cooler mornings, mild afternoons, and a few surprise showers. The weather is steady enough for sightseeing but keeps you on your toes. While it is not quite swimming season, it is perfect for walking, exploring, and avoiding heat exhaustion. For updates, always check Malta's local weather service before heading out.
- Wind: Winds in April are steady but not harsh. They mostly come from the northwest and average around 10 to 15 miles per hour. While sea breezes are common near the coast, inland areas feel calmer. A light jacket usually does the trick if you're outside for long.
- Precipitation: Rain in April is brief and unpredictable. Expect around 6 to 8 days of light rainfall during the month. Storms are rare, and most showers pass quickly. Roads may get slippery, but nothing that ruins your day. Carrying a small umbrella is a smart move.
- Heat Index: The heat index stays low. Daytime temperatures usually range from 60 F to 70 F (16 C to 21 C). Nights cool down to the 50s F (10 C to 13 C). It is warm enough for comfort but cool enough that hiking or walking won't feel like a workout.
- Daylight: Malta gets about 12 to 13 hours of daylight in April. Sunrise is usually around 6:30 AM, and sunset happens close to 7:30 PM. This gives you plenty of time to explore without rushing. The longer days also help if you're planning tours outside the main towns.
- Humidity: Humidity levels stay between 60 and 75 percent. It can feel slightly sticky after rainfall, but nothing extreme. Clothing dries quickly, and the air remains breathable. You may notice a damp feel in the mornings, especially near the coast, but it clears as the day warms up.
Malta in April Top Destination: Valletta
If you want to see Valletta at its most pleasant, April offers the sweet spot. The days are sunny, but not scorching. Crowds haven’t arrived in full force, so you can actually hear yourself think in the city’s echoing limestone streets. More importantly, the smallest capital in the EU packs an outsized punch of history.
Valletta is no accidental beauty; it’s Europe’s first purpose-built capital, planned with military precision and Renaissance flair. You won’t need to hike for miles either. Everything sits within easy walking distance, from Baroque palaces to seaside fortifications. Plus, the sea breeze adds just enough drama without blowing your hat off.
- Getting to Valletta: Direct flights to Valletta from major European cities make arrival easy. Though there are no trains, ferries run between Malta and nearby islands, offering scenic alternatives. April’s mild weather also means smoother flights and calmer seas. You won’t need to fight through summer airport crowds just yet.
- Best places to stay in Valletta: Generally, hotels in Valletta put you close to historic landmarks, restaurants, and museums. For quieter evenings, Floriana is a short walk away. Sliema offers waterfront views and easy ferry access. If you prefer livelier nightlife, St Julian’s is a quick ride and has more energy without being chaotic.
- Getting around Valleta: Valletta’s small size invites walking. Most streets lead somewhere worth stopping. You can also rent bikes or use the bus system. Renting a car in Valletta works better for day trips outside the city, but inside the capital, your feet are usually the best form of transport.
Malta in April: Top Activities To Do in Valletta
April gives Valletta room to breathe. The city is sunlit and breezy, perfect for long walks, sea views, and a full calendar of exploring. History lives in the architecture, flavor lives in the streets, and adventure waits just outside the walls.
The activities below are ideal for the capital city of Malta in April. To explore more activities, check out these tours and experiences in Valletta.
Explore Valletta’s Streets on Foot
Limestone walls catch the afternoon light, glowing gold while casting shadows across tight corners and arched doorways. Valletta feels much larger than it is, built with purpose yet packed with stories. Because it’s so compact, walking from one century to another takes just a few steps and almost no planning.
Booking a guided walking tour in Valletta gives those stories a proper voice. As you pass lookout points, palaces, and city gates, the tour uncovers layers often missed by solo visitors. With the sea on three sides and history on every block, there’s plenty to take in without ever rushing.
Taste Your Way Through the City
Food in Valletta reflects centuries of cultural tug-of-war. Maltese cuisine borrows from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and even the British. Expect dishes rich with garlic, olive oil, capers, and slow-cooked sauces. The city’s streets smell like fresh pastries, grilled seafood, and that one snack the locals keep recommending.
This mix of flavor and tradition comes to life during this food and culture walking tour in Valletta. The tour winds through backstreets and open markets, offering tastings of local bites along the way. You’ll learn how invaders, traders, and time shaped what ends up on today’s Maltese table.
See Ancient Temples Beyond the City
Rural Malta holds stories carved in stone. In the island’s southern region, prehistoric temples predate the pyramids and continue to puzzle archaeologists. These ancient sites stand quietly in open fields, their massive stones arranged with an eye for the sky and a mind for rituals long forgotten.
For a look into this mysterious past, a full-day tour of prehistoric temples from Valletta takes you well beyond the capital. Alongside temple visits, the tour includes coastal cliffs, traditional villages, and a few scenic stops that feel untouched by time. It’s history, but without the textbook tone.
Discover Gozo by Buggy and Boat
Green hills roll through the countryside, ending in sheer cliffs that drop straight into the sea. Gozo is smaller and quieter than Malta, but more rugged and raw. Villages move at a slower pace, while the coastline delivers postcard views without the crowds or noise.
To experience the island's wilder side, a full-day Gozo buggy tour from Valletta combines off-road fun with coastal boat rides. The day includes a mix of scenic trails, hidden caves, and an outdoor lunch with views. You won’t need a map or a plan—just a helmet and maybe some sunscreen.
Wander Through Coastal Villages and Caves
South of Valletta, life shifts into something quieter. Fishing boats rock gently in the harbor. Coastal cliffs catch the light just right. Stone paths lead to ancient ruins tucked between hills. This corner of Malta feels less rehearsed and more lived-in, perfect for slow discovery and fresh sea air.
To see the best of this stretch, the Marsaxlokk and Blue Grotto tour includes traditional markets, seaside caves, and archaeological sites. It moves at a local pace, giving you space to look around and take it in. For a coastal escape without leaving the mainland, this is the one to book.
Malta in April Top Destination: Attard
Just outside of the capital, Attard waits quietly between the flashier Mdina and Valletta, content to mind its gardens and citrus groves. In April, the trees bloom, the streets stay calm, and even the cats seem relaxed. Though small, it’s steeped in history dating back to the Copper Age, with archaeological sites and old tombs that raise more questions than they answer.
Meanwhile, the locals—known as saraċini—are quick with a nod and happy to let you wander. Since the sun is kind and the winds are gentle this time of year, there's really no excuse not to explore it.
- Getting there: You’ll find public buses from Valletta running regularly to Attard, with routes that take under an hour. Taxis and private transfers are quicker, if you’re feeling fancy. Most visitors choose flights to Malta International Airport, then take ground transport to Attard, which sits right in the island’s central pocket.
- Best places to stay: The best hotels in Attard are close to parks and historic villas, offering a quieter alternative to the coastal crowd. Many are housed in restored buildings, mixing old stone with new comforts. Because it’s centrally located, you’ll also have quick access to Mdina, Rabat, and the capital without the traffic.
- Getting around: Attard is perfect for walking, with short distances and wide pavements. Biking is common too, thanks to flat terrain and low-speed roads. Public buses connect you to nearby towns. For those planning day trips across Malta, look into car rentals in Attard for flexibility beyond the village borders.
Malta in April: Top Activities to Do in Attard
Attard in April may be quiet, but it’s surrounded by activity. With gardens blooming, cliffs glowing at sunset, and boats ready to sail, this tiny village becomes a perfect base for wider exploring. If you're planning to experience Malta in April, these day trips are easy, scenic, and well worth your time.
Explore Gardens, Clifftops, and a Silent City
Stone lanes, silent courtyards, and baroque balconies come together in Mdina, Malta’s old capital. Just beyond the walls, Dingli Cliffs drop steeply into the sea, creating a dramatic contrast to the peaceful San Anton Gardens, which sit much closer to Attard and bloom brightly throughout the month. These stops pair beautifully in one route.
Thanks to their close proximity, a half-day tour from Attard lets you enjoy all three without sprinting through them. You get history, sea views, and floral calm, all within a few kilometers. It’s a relaxed way to see Malta’s contrasting sides—ancient, coastal, and cultivated.
Sail Along Coves and Clear Waters
On the island of Comino, Santa Maria Bay stays tucked away from crowds. The beach is smaller than most, but that’s the charm. Here, sea caves and still waters invite a slower kind of beach day. Birds call overhead, waves stay gentle, and the only rush is getting the best spot in the sand.
For those ready to explore the coast in April, a sailboat tour of Malta's coastline includes Santa Maria Bay, sea cave visits, and a stop at the popular Blue Lagoon. The pace is breezy, the views are nonstop, and the entire day feels like one long deep breath.
Wander Through Traditional Village Life
Red domes rise above Mosta’s skyline, while the narrow streets of Naxxar wind around quiet squares. Mgarr feels more rural, known for its farms and strawberries, especially in April. Meanwhile, Mellieha’s hillside location offers sweeping views toward the sea. Together, these towns form a loop of tradition, charm, and very little traffic.
Each village brings something distinct. You’ll see architecture shaped by time, bakeries that haven’t changed their recipes in decades, and town squares where life still runs on conversation. A local villages tour from Attard ties them together in a single day, without losing their individual flavor.
Malta in April Top Destination: St. Paul’s Bay
We’ve already mentioned that it’s still too cold for swimming in Malta in April. That said, St. Paul’s Bay makes a strong case for visiting anyway. The sea is photogenic, the air smells like salt and wild herbs, and the promenade is refreshingly uncrowded.
There’s a layered charm here, with a mix of historic weight and relaxed energy. This is where ancient shipwreck stories meet seafront cafes and where the views do most of the talking. April keeps things calm, which is perfect for strolls and even slower lunches.
- Getting there: From Malta International Airport, the drive takes about 45 minutes. Buses run regularly and connect easily with Valletta, Sliema, and other key hubs. Taxis and hotel transfers are reliable options. If you're looking at flights to Malta, St. Paul’s Bay is a convenient place to base your northern coast adventures.
- Best places to stay: There’s a good balance of seaside resorts, holiday apartments, and family-run guesthouses. Bugibba is great for nightlife and dining, while Qawra feels more laid-back. Most accommodations in St. Paul’s Bay are within walking distance of the promenade, and many offer balconies where you can watch the sun drop behind the sea.
- Getting around: The area is flat, so walking and biking are easy and enjoyable, especially in April’s mild weather. Public buses serve the region well, reaching nearby towns and beaches. If you’re planning to explore the rest of the island, car rentals in St. Paul’s Bay offer flexibility without the stress of city driving.
Malta in April: Top Activities to Do in St. Paul’s Bay
St. Paul’s Bay in April is just the right mix of quiet charm and coastal energy. While the sea may still be brisk, the sun is out, the skies are clear, and the views stretch far beyond the horizon. If you're spending time in Malta in April, these activities offer a perfect excuse to stay outdoors, indulge a little, and see what makes this northern bay so special.
Explore Crystal Waters by Catamaran
Coastal cliffs rise behind the bay, while the sea stays as clear as glass, gently rocking boats and bouncing off sunlight. You won’t find sand here, but the water is inviting, and the views are timeless. In April, the breeze is just right for a lazy day at sea.
One of the best ways to enjoy the water is on a catamaran tour of the bay from Bugibba. The trip includes swim stops, visits to nearby bays, and plenty of open deck space for sunbathing or just zoning out. It’s scenic, smooth, and quieter than the peak summer rush.
Cruise in Style with a Private Boat
Sometimes you want a little more elbow room, or maybe just the chance to feel like you’ve made it. A private cruise gives you just that. The coastline near St. Paul’s Bay is dotted with caves and tiny coves, perfect for those who prefer their exploring paired with snacks and soft cushions.
For a more elevated experience, try a private boat trip from Bugibba that includes swimming stops and a local platter. You’ll float past limestone formations and enjoy crystal waters without bumping elbows. It’s peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly down-to-earth considering how fancy it feels.
Sip and Taste with a Local Twist
Malta’s love affair with sweets and spirits goes back generations. While wine gets plenty of attention, gin has become a rising star, often infused with local botanicals. Meanwhile, chocolate has never needed an excuse. In this corner of the island, both come together in ways that are unexpectedly clever and delicious.
The gin and chocolate pairing workshop in Buggiba brings together handcrafted chocolates with locally inspired gins. You’ll learn what makes a pairing work, sample boldly, and maybe walk away with a new favorite combo. It's cozy, a little indulgent, and ideal for those avoiding the cold sea but still looking for a treat.
Important Facts You Need To Know Before Going to Malta in April
Malta in April strikes a balance between sunny days and manageable crowds. It’s the shoulder season, which means fewer tourists, blooming gardens, and events starting to fill the calendar. Before packing your bags, here are a few things to know that can help you make the most of your trip.
- The sea looks inviting, but it’s still chilly. Most locals skip swimming in April, though boat tours are popular.
- Pack a light jacket. Temperatures range from 55 F to 70 F (13 C to 21 C), with cool evenings and mornings.
- Flowering season peaks in April, especially around public gardens, rural paths, and coastal cliffs like Dingli and Gozo.
- Rain showers are brief but possible. Bring a small umbrella or a waterproof layer, just in case the skies change.
- Most attractions are open, but opening hours may vary. Always double-check ahead, especially for smaller sites.
- Easter sometimes falls in April. Expect processions, church bells, and closures during Holy Week if your trip overlaps.
- Public transport runs regularly, but routes are slightly reduced compared to peak summer schedules. Check timetables in advance.
- Outdoor dining starts up again. Many seaside cafés reopen their terraces in April, especially in places like Sliema and Bugibba.
- April sunsets are earlier than summer, usually around 7:30 PM. Plan hikes or views accordingly if chasing golden light.
- Tour prices are usually lower than in summer. April is ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for value.
- Bees and wasps are more active near gardens and orchards. If allergic, bring medication and avoid wearing floral prints.
Final Thoughts: April in Malta
If you're the type who enjoys sunshine without the sunburn and sights without the selfie-stick stampede, Malta in April might just be your perfect match. It’s warm enough to feel like a holiday but cool enough to actually enjoy walking around. Locals are still relaxed, the air smells like blooming orange trees, and your gelato won’t melt before you finish it.
You won’t need to wrestle for restaurant tables or queue behind forty people to snap a photo of a door. And while the beaches aren’t quite ready for full-on sunbathing, the coastal walks and day trips more than make up for it.
Of course, if you're still deciding when to go, we’ve covered that too. Check out our full guide on the best time to visit Malta to see how April stacks up against the rest of the year. Just don’t be surprised if April quietly wins you over.
Frequently Asked Questions: Malta in April
Is Malta crowded in April?
April is considered shoulder season, which means fewer crowds compared to summer. Popular spots like Valletta, Mdina, and Marsaxlokk are easier to explore without feeling rushed. While weekends and Easter week may bring in more visitors, the overall atmosphere stays relaxed. It’s a good month for those who prefer space without isolation.
Is April a good month for outdoor activities in Malta?
Absolutely. April’s mild weather is ideal for hiking, sightseeing, garden strolls, and coastal tours in Malta. Since the sun isn’t too harsh and the air is fresh, you can walk long distances comfortably. While it’s not peak swimming season, boat tours, cliff walks, and biking routes are all very enjoyable this month.
Are restaurants and cafes open in Malta in April?
Most restaurants and cafes are open and operating normal hours in April, especially in tourist-friendly areas. Some coastal kiosks and seasonal eateries reopen around this time too. If you’re visiting during Easter, check ahead for adjusted hours. It’s also a great month to join one of the many food and drink tours in Malta for local flavors.
Is it easy to get around Malta in April?
Getting around is straightforward. Public buses are frequent and cover most of the island. Roads aren’t congested yet, so driving is smoother if you rent a car. Taxis and rideshare options are available. Walking and biking are also pleasant, especially in towns like Valletta, Attard, and around the northern coastline.
Are there any festivals in Malta in April?
April often includes Easter celebrations, local religious feasts, and the International Fireworks Festival, depending on the calendar year.
Is Gozo worth visiting in April?
Yes, Gozo is peaceful and beautiful in April. The hills are green, the air is crisp, and the sea views are stunning. With fewer tourists around, you can explore its villages, cliffs, and temples in a quieter setting. It’s also the perfect month for a scenic buggy tour or coastal hike.
