February has two moods. Most weeks it is a continuation of January: quiet cities, cool air, empty beaches. Then Carnival arrives and the island flips for four or five days. Villages costume up, Valletta fills with floats, and Nadur on Gozo runs Malta's most famously irreverent adult carnival. Outside Carnival, February is for people who want Malta without anyone else on it.
Weather at a glance
- Air
- 16° / 10°C
- high / low
- Sea
- 14 to 15°C
- typical range
- Rainfall
- ~63mm
- over ~12 days
- Wind
- Variable. Cold northerly fronts can bring a day or two of strong wind, then settle. By late month, first hints of spring calm.
Year to year: The most variable winter month. Some Februaries feel almost like early spring with bright afternoons in the high teens; others stay firmly winter. February 2023 was unusually wet due to Storm Helios.
Crowds & timing
Quiet alongside January, except during Carnival weekend when Valletta and Nadur get genuinely busy. Book accommodation early for Carnival; everywhere else, turn up.
What to prioritise in February
Carnival (mid to late February, dates move with Easter)
Four days of floats, parades, and village costumes. Valletta runs the traditional family-friendly version with big moving floats in the main square. Nadur on Gozo runs Malta's most irreverent, costume-heavy adult carnival in the village streets from sunset into the night. Both are unique and worth the trip.
See the almond blossoms
Gozo's countryside begins turning pink and white with almond blossom in mid to late February. The Xlendi to Sannat coast walks and the inland paths near Żebbuġ on Gozo are particularly beautiful. This is the first visible sign that spring is on the way.
Historic cities in low season
Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities are still blissfully uncrowded. Cool walking weather, golden hour light that suits limestone, and restaurants that do not need booking.
Countryside walks
The green from autumn and winter rains is still everywhere. Dingli Cliffs, Selmun, the Victoria Lines, and the Majjistral Nature Park all feel alive and empty. Mornings are particularly good.
Seasonal food traditions
Carnival brings prinjolata (a striped cream-and-almond dome) and perlini (sugared almond sweets) to every village bakery. Orange season continues. Traditional Sunday lunches at village restaurants are in their element.
What to skip or plan around
Don't plan beach days
The sea is at its coldest of the year. Beach walks are lovely; anything more ambitious is not.
Don't wing Carnival weekend
Parking in Valletta is impossible, Nadur fills every bed on Gozo, and the ferry runs late but very full. If you are going, book accommodation and plan your transport in advance.
Don't pack for summer
Evenings are genuinely cold, and damp in a way the temperature alone does not show. Bring a proper layered setup.
Events & local traditions
Verified dates for 2026. Village-level festas not yet included.
Malta Carnival
Cultural festival13th February 2026 to 17th February 2026 · Valletta, Floriana, Nadur (Gozo)
Four to five days of costumed parades. Valletta has the traditional family version with big floats; Nadur on Gozo runs the more irreverent adult street carnival from sunset.
Official site →Malta Marathon
Sporting event22nd February 2026 · Mdina to Sliema
Road race from Mdina to Sliema. Draws international runners. Watch from the finish at Sliema seafront.
Official site →Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck
Religious feast10th February · Valletta
Public holiday marking St Paul's shipwreck on Malta in AD 60. Processions in Valletta on the Sunday nearest the 10th.
The local verdict
February is Malta when nothing is performing for tourists. The weather is good enough for long walks, the cities are quiet enough to really look at, and Carnival delivers the island's most unfiltered traditions. Pack properly for winter and build a long weekend around Carnival if you can.
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