Things to Do in Valletta in March

March Weather in Valletta

17°C (63°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

46 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season with mild temperatures 11-17°C (51-63°F) ideal for walking Valletta's 320+ stepped streets without summer's exhausting heat
Tourist crowds drop 40-50% after February carnival season, making Grand Master's Palace and St. John's Co-Cathedral significantly less crowded
Spring blooming season transforms Upper Barrakka Gardens and countryside with wildflowers, plus almond trees in full bloom across Malta
Hotel rates drop 25-35% compared to peak season while weather remains excellent for sightseeing and outdoor dining on fortification walls

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather with sudden rain showers 10 days per month requiring flexible indoor backup plans
Strong Gregale winds from northeast can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) making harbor boat trips uncomfortable on windy days
Some outdoor restaurants and rooftop bars have limited evening hours due to cooler 11°C (51°F) nighttime temperatures

Best Activities in March

Valletta Walking Tours and Architecture Discovery

March's mild 17°C (63°F) daytime temperatures make walking Valletta's steep limestone streets comfortable. The spring light enhances photography of baroque architecture, and reduced crowds mean better access to narrow Triq il-Merkanti and quiet corners of the fortified city. Morning walks are ideal before afternoon humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for guided tours, typically €25-45 per person. Self-guided walks work well with reduced March crowds. Look for tours that include Upper Barrakka Gardens for spring blooming season. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Harbor Cruise and Three Cities Exploration

March offers excellent harbor visibility and comfortable temperatures for boat trips, though choose calm weather days to avoid strong Gregale winds. The Grand Harbour looks spectacular in spring light, and Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Isla) are perfect for walking without summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Harbor cruises typically cost €15-30 per person. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon wind and rain possibilities. Check weather forecasts as March can have choppy seas. Current options available in booking widget below.

St. John's Co-Cathedral and Palace State Rooms

Indoor cultural attractions are perfect for March's unpredictable weather days. With fewer crowds, you can properly appreciate Caravaggio's paintings and intricate marble floor tombs without rushing. The cathedral's interior provides shelter during March's brief but intense rain showers.

Booking Tip: Pre-book tickets online for €15-20 per person to skip lines. March has moderate crowds so same-day tickets often available. Allow 90 minutes for cathedral, 60 minutes for palace. Indoor attractions ideal for rainy day backup plans.

Mdina and Rabat Day Trips

March weather is perfect for exploring Malta's ancient capital. Spring wildflowers bloom along Mdina's walls, and cooler temperatures make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walk around the fortifications pleasant. Clear March days offer excellent views across Malta from Mdina's bastions.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost €35-60 including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead in March. Combine with Rabat catacombs for indoor backup if weather turns. Public bus option available for €2-4 return journey.

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village and Market

Sunday morning fish market thrives in March's pleasant weather. Traditional luzzu boats look stunning against spring skies, and seafood restaurants offer seasonal catches without summer tourist inflated prices. The 8 km (5 mile) coastal walk to St. Peter's Pool is manageable in March temperatures.

Booking Tip: Sunday visits essential for full market experience. Half-day tours cost €25-40 or reach independently by bus for €2-3. Morning visits recommended before afternoon rain possibilities. Restaurant prices 20-30% lower than peak season.

Gozo Island Day Excursions

March offers ideal conditions for Gozo exploration before summer crowds arrive. Azure Window area remains beautiful despite the arch collapse, Ggantija temples are comfortable to explore, and Victoria Citadel provides excellent views. Spring wildflowers cover countryside walks.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically €45-75 including ferry and transport. Book 7-10 days ahead as March weekend trips fill up with locals. Ferry costs €5 return if traveling independently. Weather can change quickly so flexible itineraries recommended.

March Events & Festivals

March 19th

Feast of St. Joseph (Għid San Ġużepp)

Traditional Maltese feast celebrated March 19th with special pastries, particularly Zeppoli di San Giuseppe. Many village churches hold processions and local bakeries create seasonal sweets. Experience authentic Maltese religious culture without tourist commercialization.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March brings 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Valletta's limestone streets become slippery when wet

Layered clothing for 6°C (11°F) temperature swings between 11°C (51°F) mornings and 17°C (63°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in spring, reflected intensely off limestone buildings

Light sweater or cardigan for evening dining when temperatures drop to 11°C (51°F)

Compact umbrella for unexpected showers during sightseeing walks

Breathable cotton or linen shirts to manage 70% humidity levels comfortably

Closed-toe shoes for exploring uneven fortification walls and stepped streets

Windbreaker or light jacket for harbor boat trips during strong Gregale wind days

Portable phone charger for extended walking tours and photography sessions

Insider Knowledge

Locals visit Valletta for shopping and business Tuesday-Thursday mornings when cruise ship crowds are minimal - follow their timing for authentic experiences

March marks the end of Malta's social season - catch final performances at Manoel Theatre before summer programming changes, tickets often discounted 30%

Traditional Maltese spring vegetables like kohlrabi and broad beans appear in restaurant menus throughout March - try seasonal specialties unavailable in summer tourist menus

Book dinner reservations for 7-8pm rather than tourist-timed 6pm - restaurants offer better service and atmosphere when serving locals

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing only light summer clothes - March evenings drop to 11°C (51°F) making outdoor dining uncomfortable without layers

Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup options - 10 rainy days per month can disrupt sightseeing plans

Booking harbor cruises without checking wind forecasts - strong Gregale winds make boat trips unpleasant and sometimes cancelled