Things to Do in Valletta in July

July Weather in Valletta

32°C (89°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak Mediterranean summer with 14+ hours of daylight and virtually zero rainfall - perfect for exploring Valletta's outdoor fortifications and harbor views
Festa season reaches its climax with multiple village celebrations every weekend, including spectacular fireworks displays visible from Valletta's bastions
Optimal conditions for harbor activities - crystal clear water visibility reaches 30m (98 ft) and sea temperatures hit 26°C (79°F)
Extended evening hours mean restaurants and cafes stay open until midnight, with outdoor dining comfortable until 10pm when temperatures drop to 25°C (77°F)

Considerations

Midday heat between 11am-4pm can be brutal, with stone streets radiating heat and temperatures feeling like 38°C (100°F) in direct sunlight
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular sites like St. John's Co-Cathedral require advance booking
Afternoon siesta culture means many local shops close 1pm-4pm, limiting shopping and some cultural experiences during the hottest part of the day

Best Activities in July

Grand Harbour Boat Tours

July's calm seas and extended daylight make this the ideal month for harbor cruises. Water conditions are perfect with minimal wind, offering unobstructed views of the Three Cities and Valletta's fortifications. Sunset tours departing 7pm provide relief from daytime heat while showcasing golden hour lighting on limestone buildings.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through waterfront operators. Evening tours cost €25-35 per person. Book sunset cruises specifically - they're 5°C (9°F) cooler than midday options and offer superior photography lighting.

Mdina and Rabat Cultural Tours

The former capital's narrow streets provide natural shade and stone buildings stay cooler than Valletta's exposed positions. July's dry weather means excellent conditions for exploring underground catacombs and Roman villa ruins. Early morning tours (8am start) beat both heat and crowds.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost €35-50 including transport from Valletta. Book tours starting before 9am to avoid 32°C+ (90°F+) temperatures. Look for packages including air-conditioned transport and catacomb access.

Blue Lagoon and Comino Island Excursions

July offers the clearest water visibility and calmest sea conditions for swimming and snorkeling. The lagoon's shallow turquoise waters warm to perfect 25°C (77°F) by mid-morning. Boat schedules run every 30 minutes, allowing flexible timing to avoid peak crowds.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips range €40-65 including boat transfer and lunch. Departure times 9am or 2pm work best - avoid 11am-1pm peak crowding. Book with operators including shade umbrellas and snorkeling equipment.

Evening Food Walking Tours

July's extended daylight and warm evenings create perfect conditions for outdoor dining experiences. Local restaurants serve traditional summer dishes like fenkata and fresh sea urchin. Tours starting 6pm avoid daytime heat while restaurants open with full menus.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost €45-70 per person including 5-6 tastings. Book minimum 5 days ahead during July peak season. Seek tours including indoor market visits and traditional pastizzi workshops with air conditioning.

Gozo Island Day Trips

Ferry connections run every 45 minutes in July with calm crossing conditions. Gozo's rural landscape offers escape from Valletta's urban heat, with coastal areas 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler due to sea breezes. Azure Window area and Ramla Bay provide excellent swimming conditions.

Booking Tip: Organized day tours cost €55-85 including ferry, transport, and guide. Independent travel costs €15 return ferry plus €25-35 for local bus passes. Book accommodated tours for first visits to maximize time efficiency.

Underground Valletta Experiences

July heat makes underground attractions particularly appealing. The Lascaris War Rooms maintain constant 18°C (64°F) temperatures, while limestone cellars beneath the city offer 10°C (18°F) relief from street temperatures. These venues provide fascinating WWII and medieval history.

Booking Tip: Combined underground tours cost €20-30 per person. Book online to guarantee entry during peak July crowds. Tours run hourly and last 90 minutes in climate-controlled conditions - perfect midday heat relief.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July, typically weekends

Festa Season Village Celebrations

July marks the peak of Malta's festa season with different villages celebrating patron saints every weekend. Fireworks displays visible from Valletta's Upper Barrakka Gardens occur most Friday and Saturday nights. Traditional band marches and decorated streets create authentic cultural experiences.

Mid to late July

Malta International Arts Festival

Annual summer festival featuring outdoor concerts in historic venues across Valletta. Performances utilize courtyards and bastions for natural acoustics and dramatic backdrops. Classical music and opera programs specifically designed for warm weather evening audiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and limestone buildings reflect additional glare

Breathable linen or cotton clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat in 70% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - limestone streets become slippery when wet from brief evening showers

Light cardigan for evening - temperatures drop to 22°C (71°F) after sunset and sea breezes increase

Refillable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial and public fountains are available throughout Valletta

Portable phone charger - extended photography sessions in 14+ hour daylight drain batteries quickly

Light rain jacket - brief 15-minute showers occur 2-3 times per week, usually late afternoon

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for church visits including St. John's Co-Cathedral

Sunglasses with UV protection - essential for harbor glare and bright limestone building reflections

Small day backpack - for carrying water, sun protection, and layers as you move between indoor/outdoor attractions

Insider Knowledge

Visit major attractions before 10am or after 4pm - locals avoid midday heat and you'll find shorter queues at St. John's Co-Cathedral and Grandmaster's Palace

Use the free Valletta shuttle bus during peak heat hours (11am-3pm) rather than walking - it runs every 15 minutes and connects all major sites

Book restaurant dinner reservations for 8pm or later when outdoor seating becomes comfortable and you'll dine alongside locals rather than early tourist crowds

Take advantage of festa weekends by watching fireworks from Upper Barrakka Gardens - you'll see displays from multiple villages simultaneously across the harbor

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting to walk Valletta's full length during midday heat - the 1.5km (0.9 mile) city length takes 45 minutes in direct sun and limestone pavement radiates intense heat

Not booking accommodation 6+ weeks ahead - July prices peak and quality hotels fill completely, leaving only expensive last-minute options

Wearing dark clothing or heavy fabrics - black absorbs heat dramatically and synthetic materials become uncomfortable in Mediterranean humidity