Malta isn’t a place where you can ignore the seasons. The island shifts a fair bit across the year, in weather, atmosphere, class sizes and price. The best time to come really depends on what matters most to you, so here’s an honest run-through.
March, April, May: the shoulder season sweet spot
If you want the best all-round experience, spring is hard to beat. March starts cool but pleasant, April brings comfortable temperatures in the high teens, and May is genuinely warm without being hot. Most days you’ll get 8 to 10 hours of sunshine, and the sea is swimmable by late May if you’re brave.
Spring classes tend to be small to medium. A lot of students haven’t started their summer holidays yet, so the school isn’t packed and teachers can give more individual attention. The whole pace of learning feels more personal.
Prices are moderate, higher than winter but lower than summer. Accommodation is easier to find too, and often better value than peak season.
The student mix in spring is varied: a good spread of ages and nationalities. You’ll meet everyone from university students on placement to professionals taking a career break.
Verdict: for most people, this is the best time to study English in Malta. Book early for April and May, as they get busy.
June, July, August: the summer rush
Summer is Malta at its liveliest. The sea is warm, the days are long, and the social scene is excellent. If you want to mix serious study with a proper holiday, summer delivers.
The downside is class sizes. July and August are the busiest months. Maltalingua keeps to its maximum of 12 students per class, but you may find yourself in a fuller group than you would in April. Teachers handle it well, though there’s a noticeable difference in atmosphere between a class of 6 and a class of 11.
Prices are at their highest. Flights, accommodation, everything goes up, and some budget host families double their rates for July and August.
The student mix skews younger in summer. You’ll meet more 18 to 25 year-olds, more university students on gap years or summer breaks. If that’s your age group, this might be exactly what you want. If you’re older, spring or autumn will feel more comfortable.
Verdict: great for social energy and beach life. Just expect busier classes and higher prices.
September, October, November: the second shoulder season
September is often the most underrated month. The summer crowds have gone, temperatures are still pleasant (25 to 28°C in September), the sea is warm after months of sun, and class sizes drop sharply once the school rush is over.
October brings quieter streets and cooler evenings. November can be rainier, since it’s the wettest month, but it’s still mild compared with northern Europe. You’ll want a light jacket in the evenings.
Prices fall a good deal from September onwards. Accommodation is easier to find, and many providers drop their summer rates. If budget matters, autumn is excellent.
The student mix becomes more varied again in September, with older professionals and career-breakers returning alongside the students. By October and November, the school settles into a quieter, more studious rhythm.
Verdict: excellent value, good weather and smaller classes. September in particular deserves more attention than it gets.
December, January, February: the winter window
Winter in Malta is mild. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 12 to 15°C, and sunny days are common. It isn’t beach weather, but it’s genuinely pleasant next to a northern European winter.
The big advantage is price. Winter is the cheapest time to be in Malta. Flights are affordable, accommodation drops a lot, and some schools offer good deals on longer courses.
Class sizes are at their smallest. You might end up in a group of 4 to 6, which is an extraordinarily personal way to learn. Teachers have the time to really go deep on what you need.
The trade-off is atmosphere. Malta in winter is quieter. Some cafés and restaurants in the tourist areas close for the season, and the social scene is reduced. If you want an action-packed student life with daily activities and nightlife, winter will feel a bit flat. If you want to knuckle down and focus, it’s actually ideal.
The student mix in winter leans towards serious learners: professionals on career breaks, people preparing for exams, and individuals on focused language programmes.
Verdict: best for budget and focused study. Not ideal if you want an active social scene.
So, what's your priority?
| If you want… | Go in… |
|—|—|
| Best all-round experience | March to May |
| Beach and social energy | June to August |
| Value and good weather | September to October |
| Small classes and low cost | November to February |
One thing worth knowing
Malta has been teaching English to international students for decades. The island’s schools have a well-earned reputation, and Malta itself is set up nicely for students, with good transport links, English spoken everywhere, and welcoming local people. Whatever season you pick, you’re arriving somewhere that knows how to look after language students.
That said, booking early matters more than most people expect. Maltalingua keeps classes small, with a maximum of 12 students per group, and the popular months fill up quickly. If you have specific dates in mind, especially for spring or early autumn, it’s worth getting your quotation and securing your place sooner rather than later.
Want to find out what’s available for your preferred dates? Get a free quotation from Maltalingua and see what works for your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to study English in Malta?
Any month works, as Malta has roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and autumn are mild and quieter, summer is liveliest with the most social activities, and winter is the calmest and most focused.
Is Malta too hot to study in summer?
No. Classrooms are air-conditioned and lessons are usually in the morning, which leaves the warmest part of the afternoon free for the beach or activities.
Is it easier to book in the off-season?
The quieter months are calmer, with more accommodation to choose from. For current dates and availability, fill out our short quotation form and our team will check for you.
Will there be other students if I come in winter?
Yes. Maltalingua runs year-round with a steady international mix, though numbers are naturally higher in summer.