Things to Do in Valletta in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Valletta
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak shoulder season pricing - accommodation runs 30-40% cheaper than summer months while weather remains excellent. Hotels that cost €200+ in June drop to €120-140 in April.
- Ideal Mediterranean climate with daytime temps around 20°C (68°F) - warm enough for outdoor exploration without the punishing 35°C (95°F) heat that makes July walking tours miserable. Perfect temperature for climbing Valletta's steep streets without arriving drenched in sweat.
- Easter Week brings genuine local celebrations, not tourist performances. Valletta's baroque churches host processions with centuries-old statues, and you'll see actual Maltese families participating, not just tour groups. The Good Friday pageants in the Three Cities across the harbor are particularly atmospheric.
- Sea temperature hits 17-18°C (63-64°F) - cold for swimming but locals start their beach season anyway. More importantly, this means harbor boat tours and water taxis operate full schedules without the choppy winter seas or summer crowds. You'll actually get space on the Sliema ferry.
Considerations
- Weather genuinely unpredictable - you might get four seasons in one afternoon. Those 10 rainy days aren't gentle drizzle but sudden downpours that flood Valletta's stepped streets within minutes. The limestone becomes slippery, and you'll see locals waiting under archways rather than attempting the hills.
- Easter Week doubles accommodation prices if it falls mid-April, and hotels require 3-4 night minimum stays. In 2026, Easter falls April 5th, so early April will see a pricing spike. Book before January or wait until after April 10th for normal rates.
- Wind can be brutal - the Gregale northeasterly hits 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph) gusts that make outdoor dining unpleasant and cancel boat trips to Comino. Valletta's exposed position means you'll feel every gust, and restaurant umbrellas become projectiles.
Best Activities in April
Upper Barrakka Gardens and Harbor Viewpoints
April's clear air and lower UV intensity make this the ideal month for Valletta's signature activity - walking the fortification viewpoints. The 20°C (68°F) temperatures mean you can comfortably climb from sea level to the Upper Barrakka without the July heat exhaustion. Arrive at 11:45am for the noon cannon firing, then spend the afternoon exploring the bastions. The variable cloud cover actually improves photography by diffusing harsh Mediterranean sun. Locals favor April for these walks specifically because summer makes them unbearable.
Three Cities Harbor Tours by Traditional Boat
The calmer April seas make this the sweet spot for dgħajsa tours - traditional Maltese harbor boats that navigate the creeks around Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Summer brings cruise ship crowds and choppy water from constant ferry traffic. Winter sees cancellations from rough seas. April hits the balance - operators run full schedules, the water reflects Valletta's fortifications beautifully, and you'll share the boat with maybe 4-6 people instead of packed groups. The 70% humidity actually works in your favor here, keeping the sun from being oppressive on the water.
Mdina and Rabat Walking Exploration
Malta's old capital sits 12 km (7.5 miles) inland and 190 m (623 ft) higher than Valletta, which means April weather here differs noticeably - typically 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler with stronger winds. This makes it perfect for midday visits when coastal areas get too warm. The medieval streets provide natural wind shelter, and the reduced crowds mean you can actually photograph Mdina's bastions without tourists in every frame. Late April sees wild fennel and capers flowering in the fortification cracks - a detail summer visitors miss entirely.
Marsaxlokk Sunday Fish Market and Coastal Villages
April marks the start of lampuki season preparations - fishermen repair nets and boats after winter, and the Sunday market reflects this energy. You'll see actual fish being sold to locals, not just tourist souvenirs. The 20°C (68°F) weather makes the 30-minute bus ride south comfortable, and the harbor promenade becomes genuinely pleasant for the traditional post-market lunch of grilled fish. Locals specifically recommend April through June for this because July-August heat makes the outdoor market miserable, and winter sees reduced fishing due to rough seas.
Gozo Day Trips and Coastal Exploration
April represents the last month before Gozo gets genuinely crowded. The ferry runs full schedules, Azure Window crowds haven't peaked, and the countryside explodes with spring wildflowers that die completely by June. The 17-18°C (63-64°F) sea temperature means swimming remains optional, so tours focus on coastal walks, Victoria Citadel, and the salt pans rather than beach time. This suits Gozo better - the island's appeal is rural landscapes and archaeology, not beaches. Variable weather actually adds drama to the coastal cliffs.
National Museum of Archaeology and Covered Cultural Sites
Essential backup plans for those 10 rainy days, but worth visiting regardless. April's variable weather means you'll appreciate having indoor options that aren't compromises. The archaeology museum in Valletta's Auberge de Provence houses Malta's prehistoric artifacts in a baroque palace - the contrast between 5000-year-old temple carvings and 16th-century architecture works better than purpose-built modern museums. St John's Co-Cathedral, often called Europe's most ornate church interior, benefits from April's lower crowds - you can actually see Caravaggio's Beheading without 50 people blocking it.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Week Holy Week Processions
In 2026, Easter falls April 5th, making the preceding week Valletta's most atmospheric period. Good Friday April 3rd sees life-size statue processions through the Three Cities - particularly Vittoriosa and Cospicua - with brass bands and genuine local participation. These aren't performances but 400-year-old traditions. The baroque churches open their treasuries, and you'll see statues that only emerge once yearly. Worth noting that many restaurants close Good Friday afternoon and Easter Sunday morning, so plan accordingly.
Fireworks Festival Season Opening
Malta's village festa season traditionally opens in April, and Valletta occasionally hosts preview displays at the Grand Harbor. These aren't guaranteed tourist events but spontaneous local celebrations - if you see scaffolding going up near parish churches, fireworks likely follow within days. The April displays serve as practice runs for the summer festa season. Locals watch from the Valletta bastions and Sliema waterfront. Check local news sites like timesofmalta.com or ask your accommodation for current schedules.