Cheapest time to fly to Malta: a month-by-month guide

Malta is one of the cheapest sun destinations in Europe. The flight takes about 3 hours, the island has 300 days of sunshine a year, and a weekend break costs less than you might expect. The smallest country in the EU, Malta packs ancient temples, blue lagoons, and Valletta’s golden streets into 316 square kilometres.

But flight prices swing hard between seasons. Which month is cheapest depends on who you ask: Skyscanner says November, British Airways says December to February, Google Flights says April. They are all partially right because the lowest-fare window shifts depending on where you fly from. Here is a month-by-month breakdown that accounts for that.

The cheapest months: November to February

Winter is when fares drop to their lowest. The tourist crowds are gone, hotels cut their rates, and flights from European airports are at their minimum.

November, January, and February are the bargain months. The weather is mild, around 15 to 18 degrees, which beats a northern European winter. You will not get beach weather, but you will get sunshine, empty streets, and the lowest flight prices of the year. Valletta’s limestone walls glow in the winter sun. The fishing village of Marsaxlokk has its Sunday market without the crowds. The hypogeum, a 5,000-year-old underground temple, does not have a three-month waiting list.

Several airports across Europe have direct routes, including London, Manchester, Paris, and Rome. Reserve 4 to 6 weeks ahead for the best winter fares. Last-minute deals exist but are less predictable than in summer.

The shoulder seasons: March to May and September to October

Spring and early autumn are the sweet spot. Prices are lower than summer, the weather is warm enough for the beach, and the crowds have not arrived yet.

March and April see prices rise as the diving season kicks off. Malta has some of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean. May is when the sea starts warming up. September is the best month overall: the water is at its warmest, the crowds thin out, and flights drop from their August peak.

October is the transition month. The first half is still beach-friendly. The second half cools down. Flight prices are moderate.

The expensive months: June to August

Summer is peak season. June, July, and August are when everyone wants to be in Malta. Flight prices are at their highest, hotels are booked out, and the island is busy.

August is the most expensive month. Prices can double or triple compared to winter. The heat is intense, often above 35 degrees, and the beaches are crowded. If you must travel in summer, June is the best value. Prices have not peaked yet, the sea is warming up, and the worst heat has not arrived.

Booking windows and airports

For winter travel: 4 to 6 weeks. Fares are stable and you do not need to book months ahead.

For shoulder season (May, September, October): 6 to 8 weeks. These months are popular with savvy travellers, so prices creep up closer to departure.

For summer (June to August): 8 to 12 weeks. Summer fares only get more expensive closer to the date. Book early or pay double.

Several airports across Europe fly direct year-round, including London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt. Cheap flights to Malta are easiest to find in the shoulder seasons. When you book a trip that combines separate flights, the Kiwi.com Guarantee covers your connection if one leg is delayed or cancelled. You can also search cheap flights to compare options from your nearest airport.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest month to go to Malta?

November and February. Winter has the lowest demand, the lowest fares, and the fewest crowds. Skyscanner and British Airways both confirm November to February as the cheapest window. The weather is mild, not warm.

Why are flights to Malta so expensive in summer?

Supply and demand. The island has limited airport capacity. In July and August, every airline competes for the same slots, but demand outstrips supply. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead or pay double.

Which city is the cheapest to fly into in Malta?

The island has one airport: Malta International (MLA), near Luqa. There is no choice of arrival city. The cheapest route depends on where you fly from. London Stansted has the most competition and usually the lowest fares from northern Europe.

What airports fly direct to Malta?

London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, and Edinburgh, among others. All fly direct year-round. Flight time is about 3 hours from most European cities.

Is Malta expensive once you arrive?

No. Malta is one of the cheaper Eurozone destinations. A meal in a local restaurant costs €10 to €20. Public buses cost €1.50 to €3. Hotel rates are lower than Spain or Greece outside summer.