Malta & Gozo, situated in the middle of the mediterranean, boast some of the best weather conditions with hot summers and mild winters for freediving. No wonder it’s voted one of the best diving destinations in Europe, making it the perfect freediving destination if you’re looking to escape the cold and not so common sunshine back at home. Of course, it’s not perfect throughout the whole year, which means weather extremes can occasionally occur.
So, if you’re in the middle of planning your next freediving holiday and wondering when’s the best time to visit or what to pack, we’ve dug a little deep and come up with Malta & Gozo’s average weather forecast; month by month.
Before we begin, we’d just like to point out that one of the many reasons Gozo was chosen to set up shop is because of it’s favourable shape and size, which leaves us able to always find shelter during high wind speeds. Of course, sometimes, during unstable months this may not always be the case but the chances are almost always good. It’s also worth to know that 90% of the time, Malta is covered with sunshine!
Freediving weather in January: Can you brace the cold?
January is the beginning of winter by Maltese standards and is one of the coldest months of the year; a blend of sunny, rainy, cloudy and windy days. When the wind picks up, especially from the North, the temperature can feel much colder. Again, this is by Maltese standards so the temperature is nowhere close to that of the northern countries and although it can sometimes rain, it’s usually isolated so it won’t be spitting at you all day long.
Now for the good stuff; the water in January is slowly starting to decrease towards the coldest point which happens in March, to a nice cool 17℃. So if diving in cold lakes is what you’re used to, this should be a piece of cake. The prevailing winds are usually from the North which leaves for freediving on the south side of the islands, where in Gozo you can easily access 50 metres.
What to pack: We recommend no less than a 5mm freediving wetsuit along with warm jumpers, thick socks, jackets and things to wrap yourself up with. If you are coming for a course and don’t have your own equipment, we’ve got your covered.
Statistics:
Tourism – low
Temperature – high 16℃ / low 13℃
Hours of daylight – 5 hours
Rainfall – 12 days
Sea temperature – 17℃
UV index – 2
Possible thunderstorm – Yes
Recommendation – If you are the adventurous type and don’t mind the cold then why not?
Freediving weather in February: Sorry, still cold.
January and February are considered to be low season in Malta so if you’re on a budget and looking to save some cash, make sure to look at our low season deals. During this month, it can be very windy with extremely high waves so you must be cautious about your freediving plan; it’s always best to ask a local. The water temperature is still dropping, reaching around 16℃ which still makes great conditions for those who freedive in cold water lakes. As for wind direction, it’s just like January making the South of the island a great location to dive; 50 metres will be easily accessible for depth.
What to pack: Refer to January
Statistics:
Tourism – low
Temperature – high 16℃ / low 13℃
Hours of daylight – 7 hours
Rainfall – 12 days
Sea temperature – 16℃
UV index – 4
Possible thunderstorm? – Yes
Recommendation – If you are the adventurous type and don’t mind the cold then why not?
Freediving weather in March: Longer days
We don’t really have four seasons in Malta. Spring and autumn are usually an extension of winter and summertime, more often than not, summer. As the days of March get longer, the biting cold in your bones slowly starts to fade away whilst the heating at home switches off.
The sea temperature is at its’ lowest; a cold 15/14℃, however during these months the visibility is clear and crisp. March is still considered to be low season and for this reason all dive sites are quiet. Barley any people in your sight and no boats to disturb you. If you are a lake freediver and have a good tolerance to the cold, March is a wonderful time to come.
If you’re into trekking, Gozo boasts some scenic countryside, quaint little villages, magnificent beaches with rocky coastlines and some lovely trails along the coast.
What to pack: Refer to January. Include some warmer dress.
Statistics:
Tourism – low
Temperature – high 18℃ / low 15℃
Hours of daylight – 7 hours
Rainfall – 9 days
Sea temperature – 14/15℃
UV index – 5
Possible thunderstorm? – No
Recommendation – It is the coldest time of the year (sea temperature) so if you’re a lake diver the answer is yes!
Freediving weather in April: Welcoming spring
April is now warming up so it’s time for you to ditch all that heavy clothing during the day but do be prepared for the night time. The water temperature is very slowly rising; the first couple of weeks will be just at 16℃ creeping up to 17℃ towards the end of the month. The waters are not yet busy with boats or people so April would definitely be another great month to come freediving; only if you can bare the water temperature!
The same applies for trekking as it does in March.
What to pack: Refer to January. Include some warmer dress.
Statistics:
Tourism – low/medium
Temperature – high 20℃ / low 17℃
Hours of daylight – 8 hours
Rainfall – 6 days
Sea temperature – 17℃
UV index – 7
Possible thunderstorm? – No
Recommendation – Yes (refer to sea temperature)
Freediving weather in May: The optimal temperature
We’ve almost hit summer weather by May, which means it’s extremely comfortable during the day but can get on the chilly side in the evening. During this month, the islands are still relatively quiet but tourist arrivals are on the increase. This means that boat traffic will also slowly increase and the beaches are filling up.
As for freediving, the water temperature will be around 19℃, making it a perfect temperature to spend quite a few hours in the water. Although tourists are on the increase, the waters are still relatively quiet and the visibility still nice and crisp.
The green hills of Gozo start losing their green colour as the sun start to dry them up.
What to pack: You would still need at least a 5mm freediving jacket and/or 3/5m, pants. Short sleeved tops and shorts should be enough during the day and light jumpers for the evening.
Statistics:
Tourism – low/medium
Temperature – high 24℃ / low 20℃
Hours of daylight – 10 hours
Rainfall – 0 days
Sea temperature – 19℃
UV index – 9
Possible thunderstorm? – No
Recommendation – Yes!
Freediving weather in June: Freediving mode ON!
June is that time of the year where the transition from that fresh cool sunny weather in May to the blistering heat is literally on a fine line. For locals it’s still considered a cool month, however the islands can find themselves in a hot heat pool with global warming on the rise. During the nighttime, it’s still considered to be nice and fresh. The influx of tourists starts to increase along with boat traffic.
With the water temperature rapidly climbing up to 22℃, freediving around the islands is just blissful. A perfect temperature to cool off from the heat on land whether you are freediving or just at the beach.The visibility is still pretty much good during this time and the good news is that excursion dives are on the increase since all the service boats are in the water for the summer season.
What to pack: For some, a 5mm freediving jacket would still be needed along with 3mm pants. As for everyday clothes, pack nice and light along with a light warm jumper for the breezy evenings.
Statistics:
Tourism – high
Temperature – high 29℃ / low 24℃
Hours of daylight – 11 hours
Rainfall – 1 day
Sea temperature – 22℃
UV index – 10
Recommendation – Yes!
Freediving weather in July: Ditch the 5mm wetsuit.
July is where the heat starts to get quite unbearable, where temperatures reach into the low to mid 30’s, and can sometimes reach high 30’s when heat-waves approach.
As for the freediving, jumping into the water is a blessing and this is where you want to spend most of your time! From feeling the heat on your skin to rapidly cooling, although the water temperature is almost at its peak – 26℃! Diving during sunset and sunrise is a great option if you want to escape the heat, along with all the boat traffic.
As for the freediving, jumping into the water is a blessing and this is where you want to spend most of your time! From feeling the heat on your skin to rapidly cooling, although the water temperature is almost at its peak – 26℃! Diving during sunset and sunrise is a great option if you want to escape the heat, along with all the boat traffic.
What to pack: Nothing more than a 3mm wetsuit along with the obvious; t-shirts, suncream, flip-flops, tennis shoes and some sort of a hat.
Statistics:
Tourism – high
Temperature – high 32℃ / low 27℃
Hours of daylight – 12 hours
Rainfall – 0 day
Sea temperature – 26℃
UV index – 10
Recommendation – Yes!
Freediving weather in August: How’s your tolerance to heat?
August is officially the hottest and busiest month of the year and it’s usually when most heat waves happen, along with rising humidity which makes it even hotter. Tourist capacity is at its maximum where the beaches are flooded, as well as the over crowding and high traffic level of boats.
Freediving during this month can be a little frustrating; with the high heat and busy seas, it kind of takes away what freediving is all about and although we are here to promote freediving, we do not recommend coming to freedive during the time of Santa Maria. Population density is at its highest along with all the boat traffic. Most Maltese citizens have shut down which lasts two weeks. It’s a literally a nightmare out at sea, so if you’re planning on coming during this month, send us an email and ask which weeks will be best.
What to pack: Nothing.
Statistics:
Tourism – high
Temperature – high 32℃ / low 28℃
Hours of daylight – 12 hours
Rainfall – 1 day
Sea temperature – 27℃
UV index – 9
Recommendation – Only certain weeks, get in touch for more information.
Weather in September: Diving in the rain!
As the temperature starts to cool down, humidity levels are still quite high which means the first seasonal showers are in order. They are usually torrential and occur suddenly, but they don’t last for long. Tourism starts to dip as does the water temperature, and during this time, winds from the south start picking up which means freediving up north is more common.
What to pack: A 3mm wetsuit would still suffice along with t-shirts and shorts. Bring along with you some trousers and light jumpers.
Statistics:
Tourism – medium/high
Temperature – high 28℃ / low 25℃
Hours of daylight – 9 hours
Rainfall – 5 days
Sea temperature – 26℃
UV index – 7
Possible thunderstorm? Yes
Recommendation – Yes!
Freediving weather in October: Time to enjoy the weather elements.
October is by far one of our favourite months for freediving where tourism is low and the temperature is optimal; both air and water. Torrential and unexpected rain and thunder is possible so it can sometimes be a gamble. Having said that, with what we’ve experienced freediving is possible around 85% of the time. The air is crisp, the clouds are fluffy and the contrasting colours come to life.
Whilst children start school, all the boating life comes to a hault which only means the visibility starts to get better whilst the bays are completely free. The water temperature is cooling down but only slightly, to a cool 24℃
What to pack: packing for your October holiday can be a bit of a conundrum. Be on the safe side by getting a mixture of both light, summer clothing and some long sleeved tops. Yet, with temperature lows of 22℃, there is still no need to bring your favourite knits and hoodies with you.
Statistics:
Tourism – low/medium
Temperature – high 25℃ / low 22℃
Hours of daylight – 7 hours
Rainfall – 9 days
Sea temperature – 24℃
UV index – 5
Possible thunderstorm? Yes
Recommendation – Yes!
Freediving weather in November: Weather stabilises.
November in our opinion is another great month for freediving as the weather becomes more stable, however bare in mind that you may be rolling the dice at times. At times we have no rain or thunder whilst there have been some years where we did.
The water temperature is still nice and warm at 22℃, and the water still crystal clear (unless it down-poors) whilst the bays are peaceful.
What to pack: Although the weather stabilises, the temperature does drop. We would recommend a 5mm suit, but some may prefer a 3mm. Time to get a little cosy and pack some warm jumpers but still bring along a pair of shorts and t-shirts.
Statistics:
Tourism – low/medium
Temperature – high 21℃ / low 18℃
Hours of daylight – 7 hours
Rainfall – 13 days
Sea temperature – 22℃
UV index – 3
Recommendation – Yes
Freediving weather in December: Sunny and wet!
Over the past years, we’ve had very warm Decembers although usually, it tends to be the wettest month of the year. Because of the usual rain, the visibility in the sea may start to reduce as the water cleans the dirt and unfortunately collects in the sea. Sea traffic is non existent as are the beaches with people, therefore the bays are nice and quiet.
If you are into the festive season, the capital of Malta, Valletta, is decorated and magically charming. There will be plenty of events happening in the city, so go grab yourself a nice drink!
What to pack: a 5mm wetsuit is recommended along with warm jumpers, jackets and trousers. A rain jacket might be a good idea too!
Statistics:
Tourism – low
Temperature – high 18℃ / low 15℃
Hours of daylight – 5 hours
Rainfall – 16 days
Sea temperature – 19℃
UV index – 2
Recommendation – Only certain weeks, get in touch for more information
