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Averages for Malta in April

Weather lowdown

Temperatures usually begin to rise significantly in April in Malta, though the rate of warming is limited by the moderation from the surrounding seas, which are only just recovering from their coolest temperature values. The mean maximum temperature at Luqa Airport is 19°C and the mean overnight minimum is 12°C. Although the warmth is usually moderate, temperatures above 30°C are observed on very rare occasions.

Rainfall becomes increasingly rare in Malta as the spring progresses, and the mean monthly precipitation total during April is just 22mm, spread over a mean of 6 days with measurable precipitation, implying that dry spells are frequent during the month of April. On the occasions that it does rain, the rain is often heavy and short-lived.

Sunshine is quite reliable during April with a mean total of 246 hours, an average of over eight hours per day. Due to the moisture from the surrounding sea, April is a fairly humid month in Malta, in spite of low rainfall, with a mean relative humidity of 77%. The sea temperature still struggles at 16°C during April, though it tends to warm up during the second half of the month, which is on the cool side for swimming or diving in.

The hot, dry and dusty sinoco wind from northern Africa blows occasionally during the spring months, associated with depressions moving eastwards across the Mediterranean Sea, which makes for rather unpleasant conditions.

Dates for the diary

There are numerous events in Malta during April. The Malta Fireworks Festival is held at various major resorts around Malta every April, featuring experts launching competitions to determine which fireworks experts can produce the most spectacular fireworks displays. It is normally held near the end of the month, and dates and locations vary from year to year.

The Malta National Folk Festival takes place in the Argotti Botanical Gardens in Floriana, Valletta, and boasts crafts displays, opportunities to try out traditional Maltese food and drink, and a range of Mediterranean and Maltese folk music performances.

Things to do

April is quite a good time of year to try some sightseeing around Malta’s many outdoor gardens. The Barrakka Gardens at Battery Street, Valletta offer displays of flowers and some good views over the Grand Harbour, and there are numerous statues and monuments to take in. Another good landmark is the Blue Grotto at Coast Rd, Zurrieq has spectacular cliffs and an array of wildlife, and if seas are sufficiently calm, regular boat rides are offered between 9:00 and 16:00 (16:30 in the summer months).

The San Anton Gardens at Attard offer a range of trees and flowers to sample, including acaranda trees, Norfolk Pines, Bougainvillea and roses, while walking through a tranquil garden environment (despite the gardens apparently being situated in a busy area) and also a garden kitchen. Palazzo Parisio & Gardens at Victory Square, Naxxar is an impressive palace, with Baroque-themed gardens outside, and some in-house eateries that serve a variety of highly-rated foods, and the palace also boasts some good Baroque-themed architecture, so it contains a lot of features that are worth seeing.

For those of an adventurous type, MC Adventure offer rock climbing, off-road biking, hiking and kayaking trips. Kayaking trips include visits to the island of Comino, which features various bridges and caves that the tours pass through, and trips to the St. Paul’s islands, which also involve going past some fish farms and Selmun Bay. Hiking and off-road biking trips are also offered, while the organisation’s primary focus is rock climbing. Rock climbing activities on offer involve sport and traditional climbing, sea level traversing, deep water soloing and bouldering. The rock climbs are varied and cater for novices as well as experienced rock climbers.

Where to eat & drink

Malta has a large number of excellent places to eat and drink. Piadina Caffe at Triq Santa Lucija, Valletta has a pleasant outdoor eating area, and is primarily an Italian restaurant, which sells a good range of snack foods in particular. For those after a more British type of experience, the Cafe Jubilee Valletta at 125 St Lucia Street, Valletta sells a range of restaurant and pub food, with British and international menu options.

Simon’s- The Elvis Tribute Bar at Tourist Street, Qawra features regular musical performances during evenings. The bar features a special “Elvis Tenderly” night on every Monday and Friday, to commemorate Elvis Pressley, and also features a big screen that broadcasts major sporting events. As part of a ten pin bowling trip, you can enjoy a good disco night at the Eden Superbowl at Saint Julian's.

Hit the beach

April is quite a good time of year to hit the beach in Malta, for the weather is generally reliable and not too hot, and tourist volumes tend to be relatively low, though the surrounding seas are still a little cool for swimming in. Hola Beach, at Marfa, is a quiet beach with a good view of Gozo and Comino, and hosts palm trees and beds with mattresses and pillows, and contains an on-site bar. Those after a secluded resort can consider Ramla Bay on the island of Gozo, which contains a number of snack bars and is ideal for a period of relaxation.

Where to stay

Malta has numerous good accommodation options, and regardless of tastes, most visitors will find themselves spoilt for choice. For those with large budgets, a good beach hotel is the 5-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands at Golden Bay, Mellieha. The Palace at High Street, Sliema provides 5-star accommodation and good breakfasts, and also contains spa facilities, for those who particularly appreciate having a spa at their choice of accommodation. Selmunett  at San Pawl Tat Targa, Naxxar provide luxury B&B accommodation and also offer help with finding good restaurants nearby.

For those on a tight budget, a good choice is the Relax Inn Hotel at Halel Street, Bugibba, which is handy for nearby attractions in the resort of Bugibba. There are many self-catering options available, and one luxury self-catering resort is the Templar House at the edge of Vittoriosa, which is a large Maltese stone house.