Things to Do in Valletta in November

November Weather in Valletta

20°C (69°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

91 mm (3.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather - daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-69°F) make exploring Valletta's steep streets comfortable without the summer heat exhaustion that affects most tourists
Dramatic Mediterranean storms create spectacular photography opportunities at Upper Barrakka Gardens and Fort St. Elmo, with waves crashing against ancient fortifications
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 40-60% compared to summer peak, with luxury boutique hotels in converted palazzos available for €80-120 instead of €200-300
Authentic local atmosphere returns as summer crowds disappear - you can actually hear Mass at St. John's Co-Cathedral and have meaningful conversations with locals at traditional wine bars

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires constant plan flexibility - morning sunshine can turn to heavy downpours by 2pm, forcing indoor activities
Shorter daylight hours (sunrise 6:30am, sunset 5pm) limit golden hour photography and evening outdoor dining at bastions
Rough seas cancel Blue Grotto boat trips 60% of November days, and ferry services to Gozo face frequent delays or cancellations

Best Activities in November

Underground Valletta Historical Tours

November's cooler temperatures make exploring Valletta's extensive World War II tunnels and medieval crypts comfortable. The Lascaris War Rooms maintain a constant 16°C (61°F), perfect when surface temperatures fluctuate. Fewer tourists mean intimate group sizes of 8-12 people instead of summer's packed 25-person crowds.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost €15-25 per person. Look for operators offering combined packages including St. John's Co-Cathedral and Grand Master's Palace. See current underground tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Maltese Cooking Workshops

November marks the beginning of traditional winter cooking season in Malta. Local families prepare rabbit stew (fenek), lampuki pie, and seasonal specialties using ingredients at peak freshness. Indoor workshops are perfect for rainy November afternoons, and you'll learn techniques passed down through generations while staying warm and dry.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops typically cost €45-75 per person including meal. Book through local cultural centers or family-run experiences. Most run 2-4 hours and include market visits. Check booking options below for current cooking experiences.

Fort St. Elmo and Maritime Museum Complex

November's dramatic weather makes visiting Malta's maritime fortifications spectacular. Stormy seas crashing against 16th-century walls create unforgettable scenes, while indoor museum sections provide shelter during downpours. The National War Museum inside Fort St. Elmo tells Malta's WWII story with authentic artifacts.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets for fort and museum cost €10-15. Allow 3-4 hours for complete visit. Weather can change rapidly, so start early morning. Audio guides available in 8 languages. See current fort tours in booking section below.

Three Cities Harbor Cruise and Walking Tours

November's clearer post-storm skies offer exceptional views across Grand Harbor to Valletta's bastions. Calmer periods between weather fronts create perfect conditions for photographing the fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. Indoor elements like Inquisitor's Palace provide rainy day backup.

Booking Tip: Harbor cruises typically €12-20, walking tours €15-25. Book morning departures as afternoon weather less predictable. Look for combination land-sea packages. Many operators offer covered boats for November weather. Check current Three Cities tours below.

St. John's Co-Cathedral Extended Art Tours

November's smaller tourist crowds allow proper appreciation of Caravaggio's masterpieces and the cathedral's baroque interior. Guided art history tours can spend 45-60 minutes inside instead of summer's rushed 20-minute visits. The building's thick walls provide perfect climate control during variable November weather.

Booking Tip: Advanced booking essential - cathedral limits daily visitors to 120 in November. Audio guides €5, private art tours €35-50 per person. Allow 90 minutes minimum. Photography permitted with special passes. See current cathedral tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Notte Bianca Cultural Festival

Malta's premier cultural night when over 100 museums, palaces, and historic sites open free until midnight. Valletta transforms into an open-air cultural venue with street performances, art installations, and special exhibitions. Local families participate alongside tourists, creating authentic cultural exchange.

Mid to Late November

Mediterranean Conference Centre Concert Series

Former Sacra Infermeria hospital hosts classical and contemporary concerts taking advantage of November's perfect acoustic conditions. International orchestras and local ensembles perform in this spectacular vaulted venue, with programs specifically designed for smaller autumn audiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Packable waterproof jacket with hood - November showers are sudden and intense, lasting 15-45 minutes with little warning

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

Light merino wool layers - temperature swings of 8-10°C (14-18°F) between morning and afternoon require adaptable clothing

Compact umbrella that handles wind - Mediterranean gusts reach 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph) during storms

Portable phone charger/power bank - shorter daylight hours mean more battery usage for navigation and photography

Light scarf or wrap - essential for visiting churches and cathedrals which require covered shoulders year-round

Sunglasses - November sun is dececeptively strong with UV index of 4, especially with reflection off limestone buildings

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - for protecting electronics during sudden downpours while sightseeing

Long pants for evening - temperatures drop to 14°C (58°F) after sunset, and many restaurants have outdoor seating only

Quick-dry clothing - high humidity means cotton takes hours to dry if caught in rain

Insider Knowledge

Visit Upper Barrakka Gardens at 4:30pm for cannon firing ceremony, then stay for dramatic sunset views over Grand Harbor - November's stormy skies create the year's most spectacular sunsets

Book restaurant reservations for 6-7pm instead of typical 8pm - November's early sunsets mean locals dine earlier, and you'll get better service before evening rush

Use public buses during rain - they're heated, frequent, and connect all major sites for €1.50. Locals prefer buses over walking in November weather, so you'll experience authentic daily life

Shop at Is-Suq tal-Belt farmers market Saturday mornings for seasonal Maltese produce like prickly pears, pomegranates, and traditional għasel honey - vendors offer tastings and cooking tips to fewer November visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming clear morning weather will last all day - November weather changes rapidly, often multiple times daily, so always carry rain protection even on sunny mornings

Booking outdoor dining without checking covered options - many restaurants close terraces during November storms, leaving limited seating

Planning tight schedules without weather buffer time - boat trips, outdoor tours, and walking between sites often face delays due to sudden weather changes