Malta Braces for High Surf and Low Temperatures

The Maltese Islands are on the brink of a powerful winter swell event as a deep Atlantic system pushes strong winds and cooler air across the central Mediterranean. The Met Office and weather models are showing gusty WNW winds up to 40–55+ km/h (possibly stronger offshore) over the next few days, making conditions rough and energetic for anyone heading to the coast.

Cold Temps, Choppy Seas, and Winter Swell

Winter is showing its teeth in Malta as daytime highs hover in the mid-teens (14–17 °C) and nights drop around 10–12 °C, with a noticeable chill when the wind bites. Sea surface temperatures remain around 16–18 °C this time of year — typical for January — but the wind chill and cloud cover will make the air feel significantly colder.

For surfers, this isn’t just “cool winter air” — it’s the combination of strong wind, cold fronts, and a building swell that’s going to deliver legitimate surfable conditions if you pick the right spots and timing.

Wind Direction — Surf Workaround

Windfinder and Windy models show the dominant winds shifting West-Northwest (WNW) through the upcoming period. The Weather Channel

• Northern and Northeast coasts (e.g., Mellieħa, St. Paul’s Bay) will be upwind and blown out during much of the day when winds are strongest. These spots are ideal for kitesurfers and windsurfers right now, but not the best choice for clean waves. Windfinder.com
• West coast breaks (like Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Bay) could see more organized swell lines, especially early in the morning before winds gust into the mid-20 knots. The WNW fetch will fire up west-facing reefs and beach breaks, offering the best chance for rideable sets. The Weather Channel
• Southwest exposures (e.g., Rinella, Birżebbuġa direction) can catch left-over energy but are likely to be messy under strong cross-onshore conditions — better after the peak wind if it eases. Time and Date

Big Winds, Bigger Swell Potential

Wind forecasts from Windfinder and Windy — backed by local mariners’ forecasts — show winds increasing through late afternoon into evening, which typically correlate with building groundswells overnight and into the next day. Malta Met Office

Strong WNW winds of force 6–7 (around 40–50 km/h or more) will churn the seas, producing significant chop and swell throughout the archipelago. While this isn’t hurricane-force, it’s solid winter windstorm energy for the Mediterranean, enough to create fun but challenging surf. malteseislandsweather.com

Where and When to Go

Here’s how to read this for your next session:

🌊 Best chance for clean waves:
Early mornings on west-facing breaks like Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha, or Coral Lagoon — before winds crank fully WNW.

🌬️ Windsurf & kitesurf fun:
North and northeast beaches — St. Paul’s, Mellieħa — will see the highest wind figures, ideal for wind-powered boards.

❄️ Cold Temperatures, Brave Surfers:
Air temps in the low teens and sea temps around 16–18 °C call for thick wetsuits (4/3mm+), boots, gloves, and hoods for longer stints out.

Wave of Winter comp

Of course, the great news it this is your chance to get your first clips for the Wave of Winter surf competition! Send in your clips, tag @bomba_surfmag on insta to take part. Read all the details here on Bomba Surf Magazine!

Quick Surf Forecast Summary

• Wind: Strong WNW winds dominate — expect gusts well inland and amplified offshore. The Weather Channel
• Waves: Building winter swell with mixed wind chop — biggest surf likely on west exposures. malteseislandsweather.com
• Temps: Air 14–17 °C, sea ~16–18 °C — winter conditions. Time and Date
• Best Conditions: Early mornings before peak winds, choose sheltered breaks for cleaner lines.