For most of the world, September brings cooler weather, greyer skies, and a turn towards bulkier clothes in preparation for winter, but Malta keeps the blue skies and warmer weather going for a little bit longer.
Whether you’ve already visited or you’ve yet to set foot on the islands, September is the perfect time to take a trip to the jewel of the Mediterranean, and when you stay at the hotel, you’re in the best position to make the most of your trip.
September in Malta: warm and temperate
Malta enjoys over 3,000 glorious hours of sunshine each year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest destinations. In September, the islands enjoy more than nine hours of sunshine a day, with storms remaining relatively rare until later in the month as autumn begins to settle in.
Temperatures also become more comfortable in September, with average highs of around 28°C to 29°C and average lows of around 21°C. If you’re a swimming enthusiast, the sea remains beautifully warm, averaging around 25°C to 27°C—perfect for a refreshing swim.
If you’re staying at the hotel, that means you can take advantage of the central location and visit some of Malta’s best beach spots, which will see lower, quieter crowds come September. Don’t want to grab a bus? St. George’s Bay is a ten-minute walk away from the hotel.
And while September is mostly sunny, the occasional shower or two can still hit the island. Fortunately, there’s plenty of indoor activities at Number 11 – Handwritten Collection to keep yourself busy. From the indoor spa with its range of specialised treatments to the Social Hub with snacks catered by Hammett’s Mestizo, a rainy day can still be enjoyable around the hotel.
Lower prices and fewer crowds
After the peak of summer, where families take advantage of peak-season travel, prices for flights can drop significantly, even for a year-round destination like Malta. This means you can splurge more on a hotel, or treat yourself to a few nights out at one of Malta’s nightlife spots, some of which are minutes away from the hotel.
With the turn of the month, schools across Europe tend to gear up and get ready for the new scholastic season, and Malta is no different – however for the child-free couple, the retiree, or the young adventurer, September is a great time of the year to visit without having to deal with overcrowded attractions. Places such as the Blue Lagoon become a little emptier and easier to see, but the boat tours and water activities still run as scheduled.
Island-wide celebrations for historical holidays
September sees two of Malta’s most celebrated holidays, with celebrations taking place across the island for week-long activities.
Come 8th September, Malta celebrates Victory Day, in commemoration of Malta’s survival through three major historical episodes: the end of the 1565 Siege, the surrender of French troops, and the easement of the Second World War Axis blockade following the Italian armistice. Then, on the 21st of September, Malta celebrates Independence Day, signifying its independence from Great Britain in 1964.
Spot the boats at the Victory Day Regatta
From Valletta to the Grand Harbour, celebrations take place on different days and in different villages. In Naxxar, Senglea, and Mellieha, a big village feast is thrown in celebration of Il-Bambina, which local culture attributes as a main reason for the historical victory of Malta in 1565, 1800, and 1943. Street marches, fireworks, and a military parade all take place on different days, so you’re sure to spot something that will attract your interest.
Besides village celebrations, Malta also sees the traditional Regatta boat races. An old boat race, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages, the Regatta sees several boats race 1,040 metres around the island. It’s fiercely competitive, with eight local clubs competing for the National Regatta shield.
Significantly, the boats used for the Regatta are traditional Maltese wooden boats built specifically for the occasion, so if you’re a boating enthusiast, it’s a great opportunity to see some of Malta’s most prized activities in action.
From the hotel, getting to Valletta or one of the celebrating villages is a matter of hopping onto one of the frequent buses, but if you’d like to take the scenic route, Number 11 – Handwritten Collection is a 25-minute walk away along the beautiful Sliema promenade.
Maltese Independence Day
Concentrated mainly in Valletta and Floriana, the Maltese Independence Day celebrations start a day before, with orchestra, pop, and għana performances taking place across Floriana and Valletta. Go a little earlier, and you might even manage to see an early fireworks display across the Grand Harbour, scattering light all across the golden stone of the citadel.
In the afternoon the following day, head to Valletta to see synchronised marching parades through the main streets, with open-air performances and fireworks taking place later in the evening.
The roads are especially busy at this time of year, however if you’re staying at the hotel, you can simply take a bus or a taxi without worrying about finding parking on Malta’s busy streets.
Photo credit: Gino Galea
Comfortable, long days for outdoor activities
From scuba diving to hiking, Malta’s countryside gets especially beautiful in September, and the lower temperatures make it so much better to explore the wild side of Malta. From countryside hikes to a leisurely dive, Malta’s outdoor excursions are plentiful provided you don’t mind packing your hiking boots! Some of the best walks on the island can be accessed easily from the hotel’s central location, just a bus ride or a quick taxi away.
Regardless of what kind of holiday you’re expecting out of Malta, visiting in September can help you see the island in the best kind of light: free from the big crowds of August and July, but still with enough summer weather to enjoy Malta’s beautiful sea and exceptional nightlife.
