In the sweet chaos of the festive season, it’s quite easy to forget that the January blues are as real as any other ailment. A little forward planning, however, can work wonders, and booking a holiday to Gozo now might just be the perfect antidote in the new year.
Visiting in the first quarter, well before peak season ramps up, guarantees a more slow-paced and relaxing experience, which captures the true essence of the island. While Gozo is just a short ferry ride away from the busier mainland, Malta, life on the smaller island is still more laid-back. And in today’s rat race, Gozo’s tranquil nature remains one of its top allures.
If you’re concerned that the weather won’t be as favourable as when visiting later in the year, here’s what you can expect between January and March to allay your worries.
We have a saying that roughly translates into: January’s cold is so bitter it can peel the skin off a donkey’s back. While this may sound alarming, locally, January is nowhere near as cold as some other parts of Europe, and definitely nothing the warm clothes in your hand luggage cannot ward off.
And if this is hard to believe, the data backs it up: historically the average temperatures in January have ranged between nighttime lows of 10°C and daytime highs of 15.7°C. Add in around 170 hours of sunshine throughout the month, and you have the perfect weather for exploring Gozo’s countryside and charming villages.
According to local weather lore, February is the rain-bringer that overflows the wells. But it can be argued that wells only brim over in February because of the previous months’ generous rainfall. In fact, October, November and December tend to be wetter than the second month. Still, packing water-proof shoes and clothing that can save you on a rainy day is very much recommended.
March comes with the promise of longer days, warmer temperatures, and a spring awakening, making it our favourite month to visit in the first quarter. Daytime temperatures gain a couple of degrees over February to average a pleasant 17°C and more sunshine hours brighten each day, giving you plenty of opportunities to make the most of the outdoors.
Yet March can still be a wildcard, perfectly captured in a Maltese saying that goes something like this: in March you’re as likely to need a coat to keep you warm as a hat to protect you from the sun. If you’re visiting during this month, this is exactly the kind of wisdom, coined by our forefathers, that you’ll want to keep in mind when packing your bags.
“What about the sea?” we hear you ask. “Is it warm enough for a swim in March?” With an average sea surface temperature of around 15.3°C, you’d have to be thick-skinned—literally—to brave the water. March also tends to get blustery, at times whipping up very rough seas that even the most experienced swimmers would struggle with.
If you’re still adamant to pop your bathing costume into your suitcase next time you visit, the solution is simple. Head over to our list of properties here and check out the availabilities of our accommodations that feature an indoor pool or a hot tub. Granted, these may be no substitute for the big blue sea, but we think that bobbing in warm water while enjoying distant views of the Gozitan countryside is not too shabby either.
