Published on
August 14, 2025
Malta’s Santa Marija weekend will serve up a blend of hot sun and the occasional downpour, as the island girds itself for a few days of variable temperatures. After seven days of unbroken heat, the mercury will dip a notch, on-and-off showers are now set for both Saturday and Sunday, and the Met Office has raised a yellow warning, warning that peaks could still hit 33°C and beyond.
Travelers headed to Malta for the August 15 feast will find the island’s quirky meteorological rhythm doing its August thing. The forecasted rain will feel like a modest reprieve after the unrelenting bake, but it’s business as usual for peaks and troughs at the season’s midpoint. Saturday’s forecast puts the day’s peak at 31°C, dipping to around 22°C at night; on Sunday, observers see a warmer 32°C top, with night cooling only to 24°C, and a few outlying showers still dotted around the radar.
A Common Sight: ‘Ħgħerejjex ta’ Santa Marija’ Clouds
The Met Office notes that, during the Santa Marija period, the island frequently experiences showers enhanced by what is locally called ‘għerejjex ta’ Santa Marija’. These characteristic cloud formations appear around the feast, which is celebrated in mid-August, when the sky fills with Cumulus and occasionally Towering Cumulus clouds that develop from the heat stored since early summer.
With the ground still radiating heat, rising air parcels hit the cooler upper atmosphere, condense, and deliver brisk, localised showers. Tourists and locals alike should prepare for cycles of brief downpours and bursts of bright sunshine, bringing a lively rhythm to the weekend’s al fresco plans.
What Does This Mean for Tourists in Malta?
Tourists in Malta over the Santa Marija weekend can expect a blend of sunny spells and the occasional shower, accompanied by the warm, summery temperatures the Mediterranean is known for. Although nearly all al fresco plans—beach days, hiking routes, and guided tours—remain on the table, it’s wise to prepare for the shifts in the sky. A packable rain layer and a small tube of sunscreen will cover the bases. Whether wandering the cobbled streets of Valletta, savoring the shaded corners of Mdina, or unwinding by sea-level lidos, every visitor will find a pocket of Malta that suits their taste.
Making the Most of the Weekend in Malta
Santa Marija weekend is a high point of Malta’s cultural calendar, filling the days leading up to August 15, the feast of the Assumption, with parades, fireworks, and street parties. Pilgrims and holiday-makers alike come to immerse themselves in the bright, rhythmic celebrations. Forecasts indicate some passing rain, but the island never lets a few drops dim the celebrations; the street markets, open-air concerts and the ringing of village bells keep the energy high. The Met Office reassures that the rain usually gives way in a few hours, granting everyone plenty of chances to wander the fragrant lanes, climb the distinctive cliffs and, of course, join in the jubilant processions.
Why Visit Malta in August?
Though the weather may wobble from time to time, August remains one of the best months for a Maltese getaway. The island marries a storied past, breathtaking scenery, and that steamy Mediterranean smile into one compact paradise. Spend a day wandering the golden, thirteenth-century stones of Valletta—now a UNESCO World Heritage site—then promenade the Sliema seafront with gelato in hand, or dive straight into the sapphire waters for snorkeling, scuba, or a leisurely boat ride.
History buffs can lose themselves in the island’s haunting megalithic temples, in the guilded interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, or along the ramparts of Valletta’s ancient forts. Should you simply crave a dose of vitamin D, Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay deliver soft sand and gentle surf, inviting you to stretch out and let the world drift by.
What to Expect in Terms of Weather for the Rest of August
In August, Malta usually settles around a 27.5°C average, peaking at 32°C and dipping to 23°C. Although a fresh hot spell will slide back in after the weekend, brief rain showers and shifting patterns may pop up. Anyone traveling should keep an eye on the Met Office forecast to stay in the loop about the latest weather details before the journey.
Enjoying the Local Festivities Amidst the Changing Weather
Whether you’re heading to Malta for the Santa Marija feast or squeezing in a few last moments of summer sun, the island is buzzing with events that match the heat and welcome the rare, cooling drizzle. You can dive into beloved Maltese dishes, browse handmade crafts, and feel the island pulse, rain or shine.
Santa Marija stitches the community together with lively parades, family feasts and fireworks that splash across the night sky. If a sudden shower sends crowds indoors, the spirit doesn’t fade; pop into one of the small museums, wander the galleries, or duck into a cultural center and find the same warmth in stories, paintings and a quiet cup of local coffee.
Conclusion
This Santa Marija weekend in Malta looks promising, blending warm spells with the occasional shower. With a little planning, tourists can enjoy the island to the full, whether they’re delving into its ancient sights, sampling street food, or joining the lively festivities. The coming days promise a dance of sun and spots of rain, letting you soak in Malta’s charm be it a village feast, a coastal stroll, or a quiet bay weather won’t dim the island’s glow.
