When travelling to Malta you have to leave yourself some time to explore its sister island, Gozo. While Spring and Summer, as well as parts of the Autumn season might have the perfect weather conditions to visit this island, it is very much considered to be a year-round destination.
If you’re looking for sun-soaked beach days, various scenic hikes and treks, or cultural festivities, Gozo has something for every traveler. You might be asking however, when exactly is the best time to visit Gozo? That depends on what kind of experience you’re after!
Visiting in Spring (March – June)
Spring in Gozo is truly a beautiful period. You get to breathe fresh air as the island blooms with a lot of wild flowers, from yellow to pink and red, that colour its green countryside. Malta’s Spring is quite warm, however it is not too hot, allowing you to explore the island without the fatigue brought about by heat that eventually takes over the island in summer. The approximate temperature during this period ranges between 20°C and 25°C, making it the perfect season for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and sightseeing. Being such a naturalistic location, in Gozo you will find several beautiful treks to follow taking you through countryside and leading you to hidden beaches and limestone coastlines.
The Island in Peak Season (July – September)
If you’re one who dreams about tanning in the Mediterranean sun and diving in azure waters, then there’s no time more perfect than visiting Gozo in Summer. During this season, you will be able to bask in the sun every day, hop from one beach to the next by day. By night you can enjoy a lot of village festa celebrations that include music, fireworks displays and a lot of delicious street food and treats. During this period, the temperature tends to vary between 30°C and 35°C, while in certain extreme cases it could also reach 40°C. However, it is safe to say that when visiting through this season, the island will be buzzing with activities both during the day, as well as at night.
The Tranquility of the Autumn Season (October – December)
Many times, Autumn in Gozo is an extension of the Summer season. While the temperature would be lower, it is still quite warm and pleasant. Some keep going to the beach regularly during this period of time, especially because the sea temperature would still be quite high after the hotter summer days. During this time, you get the opportunity to appreciate a bit more the historical part of Gozo as well as the naturalistic part. It would be much easier to follow the several treks around the island during this time of year. Some would also say it’s the perfect season for a wellness retreat on this beautiful island.
The Winter Escape (December – March)
While there is the risk of experiencing a few days of bad weather and rainfall, visiting Gozo in the winter season can also be a highly satisfying trip. In fact, while most of Europe faces freezing temperatures, the temperature on the Maltese Islands rarely goes lower than 9°C. The average temperature tends to vary between 15°C and 17°C, allowing you to be able to explore the island without suffering the cold. Of course, there are occasional rain showers, so it is smart to ensure that you travel with a raincoat and umbrella to be able to continue exploring with ease. Especially during this season, Gozo becomes a truly peaceful retreat location, ideal for those who want to enjoy a cultural holiday, visit cozy cafés and admire stunning winter landscapes.
So what is the verdict?
Really and truly, Gozo is a stunning location to visit all year round. However, it is safe to say that if you are interested in ensuring you get good weather for your holiday, then May to October might be the best months for your trip. Especially the months of May and June and September and October.
Before Your Trip, Here Are Some Important Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Gozo
Experience the culture to the full
If you’d like to truly experience the local culture, opt to support the local economy by choosing family-run restaurants, guesthouses, and sustainable tour operators.
Pick the right duration for your trip
Gozo might be a very small island, however, if you’d like to explore it well, we recommend staying there for around 3 to 5 days. This will allow you time both to visit several locations, as well as linger around in spots which you like more, such as a day at your favourite beach or a day spent enjoying your favourite trek.
Splitting your holiday between Gozo and Malta
Of course, you are going to debate whether you should spend more time in Malta as the main island, or if you should explore the island of Gozo instead. This very much depends on your personal taste. If you’re looking for nightlife and a faster pace, Malta might be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a relaxed atmosphere with nature and heritage at the forefront, Gozo is the place for you.
Essentials for an autumn or winter trip
While there are more than 300 days of sunshine on the island, it doesn’t mean that rain does not come! Make sure to have a raincoat or umbrella handy to be able to continue enjoying your exploring without getting soaked. Also, if you love trekking make sure to bring with you a good pair of trekking shoes and comfortable clothing.
Essentials for a spring or summer trip
In the meantime, during the spring and summer months, you will definitely need to bring with you a high SPF sunblock, as well as a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend ensuring that you take a bottle of water around with you to ensure you remain hydrated once the heat starts kicking in.
At the end of the day, no matter when you visit, Gozo promises breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Gozo adventure today!
