In September, Malta has the summer shine without the excessive heat. The days are full of golden light, the water is warm for slow swimming, and the markets are full of fresh produce. Coastal roads are perfect for a peaceful stroll in the sun.

It’s a month to explore the shore, try seasonal foods, and take part in the many fun activities that happen. All of this can be done at a leisurely pace, which is what makes Malta in September so great.  

When you visit, you should choose the fantastic accommodation provided by be.Hotel in St. Julian’s, right in the heart of this town. 

Here’s what not to miss when you’re visiting. 

1. Great weather for outdoor activities

In September, Malta is warm and sunny, but not too hot like it is in the middle of summer.  Daytime temperatures are around 25–29°C at the beginning of the month, although they gently drop as you get closer to October.  There isn’t much rain—only about four light showers a month—and most days you enjoy eight hours of sunshine.

The sea also keeps very warm (around 26°C in early September and 25°C later), so you may spend a lot of time in the water without getting cold.

Here are some of the finest ways to make the most of the fantastic weather:

• Get into the water: You may swim, snorkel over colourful reefs, or paddle board in calm, beautiful waters.
• See the coastline:  You can walk along the Dingli Cliffs to see the sea from a distance, or you can take a boat journey to see the Blue Grotto’s amazing caves.
• Take it slow at sea: Go on a coastal cruise and enjoy the views without the heat of the day.

The evenings are nice and warm after the sun goes down.  It’s the perfect time to sit outside at a restaurant by the ocean and enjoy fresh seafood, a bottle of Maltese wine, and the soothing glow of lights on the water.

2. Less people, more fun

As the bustling summer season comes to an end, Malta’s energy becomes softer and quieter by the middle of September. Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha are open and tranquil, giving you more room to rest and take in the views. You don’t have to rush through busy sites anymore.

Some of the best places to experience during this quieter time include:

• Valletta’s city streets and gardens, where you can wander at your own pace and find shady spots to pause and take in the views.
• Mdina’s peaceful streets, perfect for slow walks without the flow of large tour groups
• Malta’s ancient temples and heritage sites, which feel even more impressive when you can explore them in a smaller group.

The slower pace makes it easier to enjoy conversations with locals and soak up the island’s charm. 

3. The Cultural Calendar

September in Malta is full of fun events that mix tradition, innovation, and community spirit.  The warm nights make it simple to appreciate each one at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights and sounds as you go.

Here are some of the best things that happen every year:

• Victory Day (8 September) is a national holiday. People in communities like Naxxar, Mellieħa, Senglea, and Xagħra in Gozo commemorate it with colorful parades, traditional food booths, and fireworks.
• Swieqi Fest (mid-September) is a popular local event with live music, art shows, creative workshops, and free activities for families in Mons Victor Grech Garden.
• Independence Day (September 21): Valletta comes alive with parades, concerts, and festivities in the open air that bring in both locals and tourists.
• Science in the City (late September): Valletta comes to life with science-themed plays, music, hands-on workshops, and art displays that you can interact with.

These yearly events make September more fun and provide you a lot of reasons to see more of Malta than just its beaches.

4. Seasonal Flavours

In Malta, September is the time to harvest, and the marketplaces are full of colour and smell.  Most of what you see is grown on small farms nearby, picked when it’s fully ripe, and sold fresh. This makes the flavours much stronger than those of imported food.

Some of the best in-season treats include:

• Fresh figs (tin): delicious, tender, and great with local cheeselets (ġbejniet).
• Grapes (għeneb): They are at their juiciest in September and are also used to make Malta’s unique wines.
• Melon (bettieħ): the long summer sun on the island makes it especially delicious.
• Plums (għanbaqar) are small, colorful, and full of flavor.
• Mandarins (mandolin): tasty and easy to peel, perfect for nibbling.
• Pomegranates (rummien) have seeds that look like jewels and taste sweet and sour.
• Prickly pears (bajtar tax-xewk): a Maltese favourite in yellow, red, or white.
• Watermelon (dulliegħ) is crunchy, refreshing, and full of juice.

This month is also the ideal time to eat seafood. The calm seas in early October make for good fishing days, and it’s the best time of year to catch lampuki (dorado), a local fish that people like to eat in pies, stews, or just grilled.  Restaurants can get fresh fish every day because there are less tourists in the winter. This means that you’re more likely to eat seafood that was caught that morning.

5. Better Deals on Travel and Value

Malta’s shoulder season starts in September.  The days are still warm, the sea is still enticing, and the crowds are getting smaller. Prices are also getting a little kinder.

In a few important ways, you’ll be able to tell the difference:

• Flights are usually cheaper than they are in July and August, especially if you book early.
• Prices for hotels go down, which gives you more options and lets you enhance your room without having to pay a lot more.
• You have more options for activities because there are more open spots on tours, boat trips, and excursions.

If you plan to stay for a longer time, you might also find weekly prices or seasonal deals that make it even easier to enjoy Malta at your own speed.  That leaves you with more money for fresh seafood dinners, a day trip to Gozo, or a trip to the local markets.

The Bottom Line

September in Malta has a way of slowing things down but still making every day bright and warm.  The water stays appealing, the streets are quieter, and the local markets are full of new tastes.  There are still a lot of things to do, such festivals, events outside, and long nights by the lake.

You can easily go to all of the greatest restaurants, bars, and other things to do on the island from be.hotel in St. Julian’s.  After you’ve seen everything, come back for a dip in the rooftop pool with a drink in hand and watch the sun set over the Mediterranean. This is the greatest way to end a day in Malta.