What's the weather like in Gozo?
As the second largest island in the Maltese Archipelago, Gozo is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea 93 km from Italy and 290 km from North Africa. Nicknamed the 'Island of Calypso' by the locals, Gozo enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate which is divided into two distinct periods, commonly known as the 'winter' and 'summer' seasons.
The winter weather in Gozo is typified by the onset of rain and high winds on the island, though the average temperatures still remain very mild. But in the summer, Gozo is full of long days of hot, humid summer sun with barely a drop of rain to be had.
Whatever time of year you visit Gozo, consistently high visibility and a low chance of cloud cover ensures views of the neighbouring islands of Malta and Comino almost every day. When visibility is particularly good it is even possible to see all the way to Mount Etna which lies more than 200km from Gozo.
Summer weather in Gozo
Sea Temperature
When the overhead sun moves back up to the equator in mid-March the improvement in the weather is instantly notable. The sea temperatures in Gozo start to increase almost immediately, ensuring that the beaches see their first swimmers dipping into the sea before April is out.
Sea temperatures are also at their highest during the summer months, offering the perfect opportunity for beach goers to take a dip. The long sunny days and warm sea temperatures are so consistent on the island and as a consequence Gozo is also a haven for exotic marine wildlife and coral which attracts divers from all over the world.
Temperature
There are still some days of cold and rain between April and May, but these are few and far between. And anyone planning a visit to Gozo between April and November can enjoy average temperatures of 25°C.
For visitors who do not like too much summer sun, May is the perfect time to visit the island. The sea is at its cleanest in May and very comfortable air temperatures averaging 19°C provide the ideal opportunity to explore.
As the peak sun of the summer arrives on Gozo in the hottest months of July and August, heatwaves are very common. July in Gozo boasts more hours of sunshine than any other time of the year. In August temperatures nearing 40°C are experience at almost every year at some point. With this intense heat also comes high levels of humidity across Gozo which makes air-conditioning a must for anyone staying on the island.
Rain
As Gozo moves into June, the consistent dry days of long hot sun start to settle in ensuring the beaches are very popular at this time of the year. And while peak temperatures of July and August are not yet reached, this is a very common time for families to visit the island. The chances of rain through the entire three key months of June, July and August are very slim. It is often the case that there is no rain anywhere on the island during this time. Such a drought of rain does make fresh water a very valuable resource, and care is always taken not to waste it.
As September starts, it almost feels as if summer is never going to end in Gozo. But by mid-way during the month, the first spate of rain signifies that change is imminent, which then leads to the second wettest month of the year in October. However, warm sea temperatures and the high possibility of some sunny days through these months mean the beaches can still be very busy, especially with people who do not enjoy the peak summer sun in July and August.
Swimming
Much of the accommodation on the island will offer a private swimming pool to combat the summer heat. However, there is a movement to ensure all new pools are filled with salt water to avoid using chemicals that disrupt the local ecosystem. The pools are also usually unheated and therefore need the power of the sun to keep them warm.
Winter weather in Gozo
The 'winter' weather in Gozo usually starts in the middle of September and is typified by the move of the overhead sun from the equator down to the Tropic of Cancer. As this move happens, the long hot dry long summer days give way to a much greater chance of rain and wind. Whilst temperatures remain much warmer than in other parts of Europe, these elevated conditions also lead to high levels of humidity across the island.
Wind
November heralds the windiest month of the year and the start of winter in earnest. But with a lush green covering to the island and still the occasional very warm day, this is a beautiful time to experience the outstanding natural scenery across the island.
During this period of more unpredictable weather, winds are more likely to come from the north, offering a chillier feel to the air. Gales and thunderstorms are also experienced at some time during the winter months in Gozo. However, even when the weather is at its coldest, it is never likely to reach freezing and the likelihood of a frost in Gozo is negligible.
Rain
Gozitans experience the wettest month of the year in December and the coldest month January, yet the weather still remains much warmer than most parts of Europe. As February arrives it is possible to start preparation for another beautiful summer forecast for Gozo.
Heavy rains can sometimes be a hazard on the island, but they also bring with them much needed moisture. This transforms the island from the barren sandy outlook of the summer months into lush green countryside. Such a change in landscape not only provides an incredible site for anyone visiting the island, but it also provides the much needed contrast in climate for the many produce that are grown on Gozo including olives, wine grapes and tomatoes.
Temperature
Lows during the coldest months can reach down to as little as 1°C during the night and day temperatures commonly fall can register below 10°C. However with average highs reaching up to 16°C even in January and February, Gozo feels consistently warm all year round.
The mild weather of the winter also provides locals and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy more energetic outdoor activities with bike riding, hiking and rock climbing all very popular on the island.