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Averages for Malta in August

Weather lowdown

On average, August is the hottest month of the year in Malta, assisted by the surrounding seas that are typically at their warmest in August and September. The mean maximum temperature at Luqa Airport is 31°C and the mean overnight minimum is 22°C, which, combined with relatively high humidity, can make sleeping at night difficult, though it also means that the weather is good for outdoor activities during the evenings and overnight.

Although excessive heat is quite rare, when southerly winds suck up hot air from northern Africa, temperatures can get extremely hot. The all-time record maximum temperature for Malta was 43.8°C in August 1999.

The mean monthly precipitation total is only 7mm during August, and there is only one day per August on average with measurable precipitation. This implies that many Augusts are completely rain-free, but on the rare occasions that it does rain, the rain is often heavy and thundery.

August boasts a mean of 338 hours of sunshine per August, which is a mean of just under 11 hours per day. Despite the dry and sunny weather, humidity is relatively high thanks to the surrounding seas, with a mean relative humidity of 73%. The sea temperature climbs to approximately 26°C during August which makes August a particularly good time of year to cool off by going swimming, diving and/or snorkelling.

Dates for the diary

The Feast of St.Peter in Chains is held on the 3rd August each year and is celebrated in the town of the town of Birżebbuġa, The Feast of the Assumption on the 15th August is worth trying out, which features feasts and fireworks displays at many centres across the island of Malta, specifically Għaxaq, Gudja, Ħ'Attard, Mosta, Mqabba and Qrendi in Malta, and Victoria in Gozo. It is also a public holiday in Malta.

Things to do

There are many good dive centres in the Algarve region, and August is a particularly good time of year to try diving, thanks to the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea at this time of year, and the way it offers an opportunity to cool off from the heat of the outdoors.

Buddies Dive Cove at 24 Pioneer Road, Bugibba is a popular family-run dive centre, which offers to put together holiday packages for visitors based on their choice of hotels. There is a range of dive courses for divers ranging from beginner to advanced, there are guided tours and trips to good dive sites around the region, and facilities for relatively advanced divers to acquire new diving qualifications. Scuba diving and open water diving courses are available for beginners.

Another good option is Go Dive Malta at Triq Dun Frangisk Sciberras, Mellieha. This organisation offers a similar range of dives and courses, including various escorted dives at the best dive sites around Malta and the popular Discover Scuba Diving beginners’ course. Watercolours Dive Centre at Tower Road, Sliema Aquatic Sports Club, offers a Bubble Maker course, for those who would like to learn the art of breathing underwater for long periods, in addition to the usual range of diving courses and guided dive tours.

August is also quite a good time of year to visit the Lower Barrakka Gardens, which boast stunning views over the nearby harbour and World War II monument, combined with classic arches and monuments, and a coffee shop. Of the two main monuments, one is there to commemorate Alexander Ball being the first British governor of Malta, and the other is in remembrance of the Great Siege of Malta.

The nearby Upper Gardens are also worth considering for their relaxation opportunities and stunning views. During hot spells it may be advisable to visit near sunset, when temperatures are more comfortable and the lighting can be spectacular.

Where to eat & drink

Malta hosts an impressive number of high-quality pubs, bars and restaurants, catering for most tastes. Those who like French food and don’t mind spending a fair amount of cash on a high-quality meal can consider Rebekah’s Restaurant at Triq It-Tgham, Mellieha, which serves French and Mediterranean food. There are many good Asian restaurants in Malta, and the TemptAsian Restaurant & Lounge at High Street, Sliema serves a wide variety of Asian cuisine and has offers and discounts for those celebrating their birthdays.

Malta has many good wine bars, including the Etienne Restaurant and Wine Bar at 13 Main Street, Attard, which is good for local cuisine and wines. There are also some good nightclubs, including Twenty Two at Portomaso Business Tower Level 22, Saint Julian’s.

Hit the beach

August is the most popular time of year for tourists in Malta, so the beaches can get busy, though there are usually free spots available to set up and relax. Ghajin Tuffieha, situated within a 15 minute bus journey of St Paul’s Bay, is quite secluded as it is relatively difficult to access (a long steep staircase has to be negotiated in order to get there) but it is excellent for swimming in the nearby seas, and is a popular location for hosting barbeques.

Ghadira Bay at Mellieha Bay, the largest beach in the Maltese islands, as well as offering good relaxation and sunbathing opportunities, has facilities for water skiing, parasailing and other activities such as pedalos and banana boat rides.

Where to stay

There are many good accommodation options in Malta, and there is something to cover most tastes. While there are not many good all-inclusive options, the San Antonio Hotel & Spa at Triq it Turisti, Qawra is an exception, a good mid-priced option that boasts a large outdoor swimming pool. A good modern hotel is the 4-star Hotel Valentina at Dobbie Street, Paceville, Saint Julian's, which is handy for the various attractions in Paceville. The Valletta Suites, located at St Patrick Street, Valletta, are old-fashioned and high-quality apartments which offer good B&B options.

Those on tight budgets can consider the three-star Imperial Hotel at Rudolph St, Sliema, which offers reasonably-priced accommodation and meals and serves as a good romantic retreat. Self-catering options are numerous and include the Studio Mini penthouse, which boasts good views over the sea, and is mainly suitable for singles and couples.