Hiring a car in Malta in winter
Winter is the underrated season here — mild, quiet and cheap — and it's the time of year when having a car makes the biggest difference to the trip.
Updated 21 July 2026 · 4 min read
What winter is actually like
Mild by European standards, with bright days through much of the season and the occasional spell of rain and wind rather than sustained cold. Swimming becomes a matter of enthusiasm rather than comfort, but walking, driving and sightseeing are arguably better than in August.
The islands empty out. Sites that queue in summer are quiet, restaurants take walk-ins, and the roads are noticeably easier to drive.
Why a car matters more, not less
In summer the buses are busy but frequent, and the beach you want is a known destination. In winter the calculation changes: daylight is shorter, some services run lighter, and the appeal shifts to the villages, the coast road and the inland sites — exactly the places public transport serves least well.
It's also the season for the drives themselves. The coast road towards Mellieħa, the run out to Dingli, the whole of Gozo: all better without summer traffic and heat.
Practical differences
Rain arrives in short, heavy bursts, and Maltese roads drain unevenly — standing water at junctions is common enough to expect. Slow down for it rather than trusting the puddle to be shallow.
Days are shorter, so plan the driving parts of a day trip for the light. And a car with working air conditioning matters less than one with decent wipers, which is not a sentence you'd write in July.
Booking in the off-season
Availability is easier and there's no scramble for the popular classes. The parking that makes Sliema and Paceville difficult in August is far less of an issue.
If you're here for a month or more over the winter — which a growing number of remote workers are — ask about a long-stay quote rather than booking day by day.
Common questions
- Is Malta worth visiting in winter?
- For everything except sustained beach weather, yes — mild, bright, far quieter and cheaper. It's the season locals recommend for sightseeing.
- Is driving in Malta harder in winter?
- Easier, mostly: less traffic and less heat. The exception is heavy rain, which arrives in short bursts and leaves standing water at junctions.
- Do I still need a car in winter?
- More than in summer, arguably. Shorter days and lighter services make the villages, the coast and Gozo harder to reach on public transport.