Things to Do in Valletta in December

December Weather in Valletta

16.7°C (62°F) High Temp

11.7°C (53°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest tourist crowds of the year - major attractions like St. John's Co-Cathedral have 60-70% fewer visitors than summer months
Hotel rates drop 40-50% from peak season - luxury properties in Valletta offer December rates starting from €80-120 per night
Perfect walking weather for exploring the fortified city - cool 12-17°C (54-63°F) temperatures ideal for the steep limestone streets without summer's exhausting heat
Authentic local atmosphere returns - Maltese residents reclaim their city, cafes switch to winter menus with fenkata and timpana, Christmas markets appear in St. George's Square

Considerations

Frequent rain showers disrupt outdoor plans - expect 10 rainy days with sudden downpours lasting 30-45 minutes, making Upper Barrakka Gardens visits unpredictable
Limited ferry schedules to Gozo and Comino - services reduce by 30% in winter months, with last ferries departing earlier at 4:30pm instead of summer's 7pm
Shorter daylight hours affect sightseeing - sunset at 4:45pm means only 9.5 hours of daylight for exploring Valletta's outdoor fortifications and harbor views

Best Activities in December

Underground Valletta Historical Tours

December's cool, damp weather makes this the perfect time to explore Valletta's extensive underground network - the Lascaris War Rooms, medieval tunnels, and WWII shelters. Temperature stays constant at 18°C (64°F) underground, providing shelter from December's unpredictable showers. Local guides have more time for detailed explanations with smaller winter groups.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost €25-40 per person and last 2-3 hours. Look for guides certified by Heritage Malta. Check current underground tour options in the booking section below.

Maltese Cooking Workshops

December brings traditional Maltese winter cuisine - perfect timing for learning to make rabbit stew (fenkata), Christmas honey rings (qaghaq tal-ghasel), and warming timpana pasta bakes. Indoor workshops provide ideal shelter during rainy afternoons, and seasonal ingredients like fresh ricotta and winter vegetables are at their peak.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as local cooking schools have limited winter schedules. Sessions cost €45-75 per person including meals. Look for workshops that include market visits to Merchants Street. See current cooking experiences in the booking section below.

Harbor Photography Walks

December's dramatic weather creates spectacular harbor lighting - moody clouds over the Three Cities, golden hour at 4pm, and crystal-clear visibility after rain showers. Cool temperatures mean comfortable 2-3 hour walks along Valletta's fortification walls without summer's harsh Mediterranean glare.

Booking Tip: Book guided photography tours 3-5 days ahead, typically €35-55 per person. Look for tours that include both sunrise (7:30am) and sunset (4:30pm) sessions. Weather-dependent, so choose operators offering rescheduling. Check current photography tours in the booking section below.

Church and Cathedral Interior Tours

December weather drives visitors indoors, making this ideal for exploring Valletta's stunning Baroque churches without crowds. St. John's Co-Cathedral, Carmelite Church, and St. Paul's Shipwreck Church offer warm, dry shelter while showcasing Caravaggio paintings and intricate stone carvings. Morning visits (10am-noon) have best natural lighting.

Booking Tip: Book St. John's Co-Cathedral tickets online 2-3 days ahead (€15-20 per person). Other churches accept walk-ins. Audio guides available in multiple languages. Allow 45-90 minutes per major church. See current cathedral tours in the booking section below.

Traditional Maltese Craft Workshops

December's cooler weather revives traditional indoor crafts - Maltese lace-making (bizzilla), silver filigree jewelry, and pottery workshops. Local artisans have more availability during the quiet season, offering personalized instruction. Perfect rainy-day activity with authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Contact workshops directly 1-2 weeks ahead as many operate by appointment only in winter. Sessions cost €30-65 per person for 2-4 hours. Look for certified artisans through Malta Crafts Council. Check current craft experiences in the booking section below.

Wine Tasting in Historic Cellars

December marks the settling period for Malta's wine harvest, perfect for tasting new vintages alongside aged selections. Historic limestone cellars in Valletta maintain ideal 16-18°C (61-64°F) temperatures year-round. Smaller winter groups allow intimate tastings with local vintners sharing seasonal food pairings.

Booking Tip: Book wine experiences 7-10 days ahead, typically €25-45 per person including 4-6 wines and local cheese. Look for cellars offering indigenous Maltese grape varieties (Girgentina, Gellewza). See current wine tasting options in the booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early to mid December

Christmas Markets in St. George's Square

Traditional Maltese Christmas market featuring local craftspeople selling handmade decorations, traditional sweets like imqaret (date pastries), and mulled wine. Atmospheric evening setting with baroque architecture backdrop and fewer tourist crowds than summer festivals.

December 8th

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Important religious celebration with special masses at Valletta's churches, particularly beautiful at St. John's Co-Cathedral. Local families attend evening processions through the narrow streets, offering visitors insight into authentic Maltese Catholic traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - December showers are sudden and intense, lasting 30-45 minutes with limited shelter on Valletta's exposed fortification walls

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Valletta's limestone streets become extremely slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on steep inclines

Layered clothing for 12-17°C (54-63°F) range - mornings start cool, afternoons warm up, evenings drop quickly after sunset at 4:45pm

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden showers catch tourists off-guard, and Valletta's narrow streets offer limited covered areas

Light scarf for evening harbor walks - coastal winds increase after 5pm, making 12°C (54°F) feel colder along the waterfront

Power bank for shorter daylight hours - you'll use phone flashlight more for evening navigation and photography in limited 9.5-hour daylight

Small day backpack - essential for carrying rain gear, water, and layers during full-day walking tours of the fortified city

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with coastal winds can be surprisingly drying for exposed skin during long outdoor walks

Insider Knowledge

December ferry schedules to Sliema and Three Cities reduce by 30% - last ferries depart at 6pm instead of summer's 9pm, so plan harbor crossings before 5pm

Many Valletta restaurants close Sundays in December due to low tourist numbers - Saturday night dinners and Monday lunch reservations are easier to secure than summer months

Upper Barrakka Gardens lifts operate reduced hours (9am-4pm) in December - plan harbor viewpoint visits between 2-4pm for best light and guaranteed access

December rainfall fills Valletta's ancient cisterns - you can hear water flowing beneath Merchant Street's manholes after heavy showers, a unique acoustic experience unavailable in dry months

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations in Sliema or St. Julian's instead of Valletta proper - December weather makes the 20-minute walk or ferry ride between areas less pleasant, and evening returns are complicated by early ferry closures

Planning too many outdoor activities for single days - December's unpredictable showers require flexible schedules with indoor backup options like museums or churches

Assuming summer restaurant hours apply - many Valletta establishments close earlier (8pm instead of 10pm) or take extended winter breaks during December's quiet period