The climate of Gharb
Gharb, a locality on the western side of the island of
Malta, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate (as per Köppen climate system, categorization Csa). A crucial feature of this climate type is the distinction between the warmer, drier summers and cooler, wetter winters.
Throughout the year, temperature in Gharb shows variation from a mild 9°C (48.2°F) to a warm 30°C (86°F). The warmest months are typically
July and
August, with the average high temperature soaring to 30°C (86°F). On the other side of yearly spectrum,
January and
February witness the coolest weather, with mean lowest temperatures resting at 9°C (48.2°F).
Analysing rainfall pattern sheds light on the climatic transition from wet to dry.
October till
March is the period of maximum rainfall, with
December amassing the highest average individual month rainfall of 86mm (3.39"). A dramatic plunge in precipitation occurs from
April to
September, with July demonstrating complete absence of rainfall. Quite distinctively, the number of rainfall days also corresponds to this pattern, peering from January to March with 10 to 13 days and dropping to zero in July.
In terms of the sea temperature, it demonstrates a harmonious swing with the general climate pattern, warming up from March's 15°C (59°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) in August before cooling down towards the end of the year. Notably, daylight hours in Gharb stretch from a minimum of 9.7 hours in December to a peak of 14.6 hours in
June, inviting a satisfying correlation with the progression of seasons.
The best time to visit Gharb
For individuals who thrive in warm climates and do not favour rain, the ideal visiting period is from
May through
September. During this period, the temperatures stay comfortably between 19°C (66.2°F) and 30°C (86°F), making it perfect for indulging in outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites. Moreover, the sea temperature steadily rises from 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), opening doors for enjoyable beach and sea-related activities. The absence of rainfall in
July and
August coupled with the ample sunshine hours reaching up to 11 marks this period as a blissful escape from the typical Mediterranean summer heat.
The worst time to visit Gharb
Contrariwise, travellers who are not fond of rainfall should avoid
Gharb from
October to
March. Average rainfall rises steeply, with
November and
December being the wettest months witnessing 80 to 86mm (3.39"), accordingly. While the temperature remains quite mild, ranging from 9°C (48.2°F) to 20°C (68°F), the abundant rainfall might hinder outdoor activities and exploration.
Spring weather in Gharb
Spring in
Gharb is from
March to
May, with temperatures escalating from 16°C (60.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). The rainfall decreases progressively in this period, making it an opportune time for those who enjoy a balance between heat and dampness. The sea, with its temperature crawling from 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F), starts warming up, allowing for the adventurous to go for a dip at the start of the tourist season.
Summer weather in Gharb
Summer, in the period between
June and
August, sees a sharp escalation in temperature, striding from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). With only 2 to 0mm (0") of rainfall, this season is the driest and the warmest. Sea temperature, soaring to a comfortable 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), beckons water-sport enthusiasts to enjoy the many ocean-based activities.
Autumn weather in Gharb
Autumn, from
September through
November, presents a transition from the heat to cooler climate, with temperatures falling from summer's highs of 27°C (80.6°F) to a more moderate 20°C (68°F) in November. Despite the return of rainfall in late autumn, the sea remains enjoyably warm between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), aiming an opportunity to indulge in the island's typically turquoise waters.
Winter weather in Gharb
Winter turns
Gharb into a region of cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. From
December to
February, temperatures tumble between 9°C (48.2°F) and 16°C (60.8°F). The winter months bring highest average rainfall, reaching a peak of 86mm (3.39") in December. Despite this inclement weather, the sea temperature maintains a fairly supportive warmth, between 15°C (59°F) and 17°C (62.6°F). Winter, with its shorter daylight hours, fewer sunshine hours, represents a tranquil, cooler period, own to the typically mild Mediterranean winters.
Weather in January
Gharb,
Malta, slips into the new year with a gentle chill in the air and the skies often graced by frequent showers. The rainfall, peaking at 72mm (2.83"), falls over 12 days, setting the stage for verdant landscapes. This
January weather conditions imply it is the wettest month of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Gharb continues to experience winter's touch, as the city endures cool temperatures and rainfall that gradually decreases from
January's high. Given the leftover moisture, lush, green panoramas dominate the landscape.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in the early inklings of spring in
Gharb,
Malta. As the weather transitions from the colder winter months, there is tangible relief from the rain, as the frequency decreases and sunlight graces the city for longer periods.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April embodies the spring fervor in
Gharb, with longer daylight hours and a significant retreat in rainy days. There are noticeable changes as the temperature continues to climb and the sun has a stronger presence, replacing frequent rain showers with rarer, mild drizzles.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees
Gharb,
Malta, moving into the full swing of warmer temperatures and interplay of longer daylight hours, truly signaling the onset of summer. The city's weather in May carries an air of expectation for the summer days ahead with less rainfall and continual warming temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the full emergence of summer in
Gharb, exhibiting higher temperatures, sun-drenched landscapes, and longer daylight hours. The weather warmly welcomes enjoyment of outdoor activities and the sea beckoning visitors. June experiences a scarcity of rainfall with just 2mm (0.08") falling over a single day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Gharb,
Malta, is in the heart of the summer season, boasting the warmest temperatures of the year. The sultry July weather is designed for beach outings, with the warm sea inviting swimmers and water-sport enthusiasts. The scorches of July, with no recorded raining days, certify this month as the driest part of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Gharb sustains the summer spirit with persistent warmth and virtually nonexistent rainfall. It marks the climax of the sun-soaked landscape, magnificent sunsets, and vibrant nightlife. August matches the summer peak of
July, with a marginal 6mm (0.24") rainfall over a single day.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Gharb symbolizes the gradual shift from the peak summer months towards the mild grandeur of autumn. The lowering temperature, combined with manageable daylight hours, cools off the summer's intense heat. A slight increase to 32mm (1.26") rainfall over four days indicates the onset of Gharb's transition into the wet season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gharb depicts the full welcome of fall, with a distinct chill creeping into the air and the leaves showing hints of change. A striking increase in rainfall and reduction in temperatures and daylight hours mark October as the transition from the dry to the wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings along the full emergence of the wet season in
Gharb, with shorter days, cooler nights, and more frequent rains. As the landscapes embrace the fall, an enchanting display of autumn colors unfolds in the natural surroundings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Gharb represents the return of winter, with a festive chill, frequent rainfall, and shorter daylight hours. The weather adds to the festive ambiance of the holidays, conferring Gharb with a quaint charm. Gharb records a high rainfall of 86mm (3.39") over 13 days during December, signifying it as the month with the maximum rainfall days in the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]