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Averages for Malta in February

Weather lowdown

February is the second-coldest month of the year on average in Malta, though there is little to choose between January and February. At Lupa Airport the mean maximum temperature is 15.5°C, while the temperature falls to a mean of 9°C overnight, although inland parts of the island are often a little cooler at night. The record low minimum temperature at the airport is 1.7°C, highlighting the rarity of frost. Some parts of the island experienced an air frost on the 1st February 1962, the only time that air frosts have been reported at Malta.

February is generally a drier month than January with a mean precipitation total of 61mm, spread over an average of 11 days with measurable precipitation. Thus, rain is quite frequent, though it tends to be heavier and over with more quickly than in northern and central Europe. On occasion, February can be a very wet month, if low pressure systems track further south than usual, but there are also occasional Februarys that are very dry thanks to the lows tracking further north than usual.

The mean monthly sunshine total is 172 hours which equates to a mean of approximately six hours per day. This is well in excess of what would normally be expected over central and northern Europe. February tends to be quite a humid month with a mean relative humidity of 79%. The sea temperature averages 16°C during February, which is rather cool for swimming in.

Weather hazards are generally rare, but crop up occasionally. Following rare snowfalls on the 31st January 1962, an air frost was widely reported over inland parts of the island on the 1st February 1962 and the all-time low temperature record of -1.7°C was recorded on that date at Ta' Qali airfield. Wet snow was observed briefly across the island during February 1895 but it failed to settle.

Dates for the diary

February features Carnival Week, in which people in colourful costumes and colourful floats have processions around many of Malta’s major centres, particularly Valletta, and there are usually special food events and fireworks displays, and plentiful wine and beer. At Paceville, St Julian’s, parties often continue through the night. On the 10th February, Malta celebrates the Feast of the Shipwreck of St. Paul which features a parade where people hold St. Paul’s statue, with accompanying fireworks and bands. The celebration is held at Valletta, Marsalforn and Munxar.

Things to do

A good attraction to try out is the Chamber of Mysteries at Valley Road, Qormi, which offers good meals and a range of entertainment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. Monday and Friday nights feature a three-course meal, some wine, and the Chamber of Mysteries show, which features entertainment and some presentations of illusions. Monday evenings also feature musical performances at the meal. Wednesday nights are more extravagant, with fiesta decorations in the dining area and an extended musical performance during the main meal. The chamber also offers to pick up visitors from their choice of hotel.

There are many historic sites on display at Malta. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum at Burial Street, Paola offers insights into how people used to construct spectacular architecture using primitive tools, and there are many good displays of ancient architecture, though it is advisable to book online well in advance of arrival. A good “living museum” is the Casa Rocca Piccola at Triq Repubblika, Valletta, which boasts a range of furniture stemming from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

The Magalithic Temples of Malta at Qrendi represent another good landmark to pay a visit to, which offer some impressive exhibits dating from as far back as 3000 BC. The Manoel Theatre is the second-oldest theatre in Europe, and as well as providing much historical interest, it also contains a courtyard with a cafeteria, and a museum, and features guided audio tours of the museum and theatre, which are held at 10.15, 11.00, 11.45, 12.30, 13.15, 14.00, 15.30 and 16.00, Mondays to Fridays. In addition there are apartments at the theatre that are available for rent.

Where to eat & drink

There are many good restaurants in the island of Malta. One luxurious option is the expensive, but excellent, Bouquet Garni Restaurant in Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha. This restaurant serves mainly Mediterranean cuisine, and also a large range of seafood. Those who enjoy Chinese meals can consider Peking at Triq it-turisti, Qawra, which is a highly-rated Chinese restaurant, which offers the options of eating in or ordering a takeaway.

For those after good cocktails and some high-quality pub food, the Murella Piano Lounge at Menqa, Marsalforn, Island of Gozo is a good bet. There are also many good nightclubs in Malta, and Footloose Fun Bar, at St. George's Road, Paceville, Saint Julian's, has frequent disco nights which feature traditional party music to dance to.

Hit the beach

Malta is a small island and has a relatively limited number of good beaches, but there are some that are worth a try, though February’s weather is often not reliable enough for a relaxing beach stay. The Sliema sea front contains some rocky areas that can be used for relaxation, and many boat cruises are based at the Sliema sea front. St. George’s Bay only offers a small stretch of beach, but is good for its close proximity to various attractions including the clubbing centre of Paceville and the Eden Superbowl.

Where to stay

Malta has many excellent accommodation options to choose from. The Hotel Phoenicia at The Mall, Valletta is ideally situated for various attractions in Valletta and boasts a pleasant swimming pool and good 5-star accommodation. A good spa hotel is the Seabank All Inclusive Hotel & Spa at Marfa Road, Mellieha Bay, Mellieha, which also houses a Chinese, Brazilian and buffet restaurant. The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux at Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina is a good option for a romantic retreat, and offers suites with jacuzzis and good food options.

A good bed and breakfast hotel is Villa del Porto at Marina Street 1, Kalkara, which is relatively inexpensive and thus suitable for those on tight budgets. There are also many good self-catering options, including the Valletta Apartments 19 on St Paul’s Street.