Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is the hottest place in Europe with an average temperature of 19.3C and a toastie yearly average of around 23C during the day
Fancy a warm getaway that doesn’t require a long-haul flight?
Valletta, the capital of Malta, could be just the ticket. This petite city holds the title for Europe’s warmest spot, boasting an average temperature of 19.3C and daytime averages around 23C annually.
Thanks to its proximity to Africa, Malta can even see the mercury hit 40C during summer heatwaves in July and August. These sweltering conditions are often triggered by the Sirocco winds from Africa.
Originating in the Sahara Desert, these warm, moist gusts sweep across the Mediterranean, bringing hot, dry weather to North Africa and Southern Europe, sometimes reaching hurricane speeds.
In July 2023, temperatures soared to 42.7C, while last summer saw highs of 37C with a ‘real feel’ of 40C. The record-breaking day in Malta’s history was in August 1999, when it reached a scorching 43.8C, reports the Express.
But Malta isn’t just about sun-soaked beaches; it’s also a treasure trove of culture, history, and architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to a wealth of historical buildings, churches, museums, and palaces.
With its fortified cityscape, baroque architecture, St John’s Co-Cathedral, and quaint cobbled streets, all just a three-hour flight from the UK, it’s the ideal destination for a weekend escape.
The city is also renowned for its stunning gardens, including the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, which provide awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Harbour. The Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) has recently unveiled its cultural programme for 2025, packed with a variety of events ranging from concerts and exhibitions to festivals.
Standout events include a concert, the Valletta Green Festival, and the Valletta Local Food Festival, all designed to honour Malta’s rich artistic legacy and draw in more tourists.
