May is a beautiful month to visit Mellieha in Malta, as the temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer and the rainfall is decreasing. The average daily hours of sunshine have increased to 10 hours each day, with the days getting approximately 45 minutes longer from the first day of the month to the last. The shortest day of the month is the 1st when the sun rises at 6.10am and sunset is at around 7.50pm. The skies are getting clearer, so it is a good month to watch a beautiful sunset. Cloud cover is decreasing to between 25% to 40% and getting clearer as the month comes to an end.
The average temperature in the month is increasing to 190C, while the highest average temperature can get to 230C during the day and it can drop to 150C overnight. The warmest May on record saw temperatures get to a very hot 370C and the coldest recorded was a low of 100C. Sea temperatures are increasing to 180C at this time of year, but it is still a bit too cold to go swimming. If planning on visiting at this time of year, check out the forecast for up to date weather information.
The climate is becoming drier in May, with average rainfall dropping to 7mm that falls over 3 days during the month. This is usually experienced as moderate or light rain only, with heavier downpours very unlikely. The chance of rain does vary through the month, from a 30% chance of rain at the beginning May to just 15% chance at the end. The weather is similar to Rome in Italy at this time of year, although there is less rain at this resort, so for those looking for a city break, that is a good alternative.
Humidity ranges from 45% to 95% and the warmer May days can start to feel a little uncomfortable on the more humid days. The breeze can help reduce the humidity and temperatures, and wind speeds vary from 1 m/s to 7 m/s, a light to fresh breeze, sometimes getting stronger gusts of 11 m/s.
Where to stay
The 3* Luna Holiday Complex is situated just 400m from the beach at Mellieha Bay and offers self-catering accommodation at great value. The resort features two swimming pools and a variety of on-site bars and restaurants to choose from. All the well-equipped apartments have a kitchenette and Wi-Fi is available in the lobby. The restaurant has live entertainment, carvery nights and barbeques, with a panoramic view from the terrace. There is also a small supermarket on-site for all your self-catering needs.
Situated in the gorgeous St Paul's Bay is the 4* Soreda Hotel close to the beach and the village of Qawra. This resort features two swimming pools, an indoor pool with hydro massage and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is also a fitness centre in the resort with gym and sauna. All the rooms are spacious and well designed with air-conditioning, balconies and satellite TV. There is daily entertainment with live local performers every evening. The resort has a lounge bar with TV for the sporting events, a games room with pool table and a restaurant serving buffet style breakfast and dinner.
Located in Qawra, just a five-minute walk to all the shops and cafes in the area, is the 3* Euroclub hotel. This hotel has rooms with satellite TV, balcony, some rooms with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi in public areas. The restaurant serves breakfast each day, there is a bar for a relaxing drink and two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. The hotel is only 150m from the beach and the seafront promenade for enjoying the longer May days and beautiful evenings.
Things to do
For a fun and exciting way to see the whole of the island and a great day out for the whole family, try a Jeep Safari. After being picked up from your hotel, the tour takes guests to Mizieb, the Red Tower, Popeye Village before going off road towards Golden Bay for a stunning drink stop. This tour takes in villages along the way, the old city of Mdina for lunch, then heading to southern Malta to view the beautiful cliffs and offshore islands. They will see you safely back to your hotel afterwards. Departures are year round and every day except Sundays.
A beautiful place to relax, with views of the sea, small islands or to watch the sunset, is the nearby Dingli cliffs. This is a stunning area popular with locals and tourists, and are the highest point of Malta. The cliffs are close to the fishing village of Dingli, and there is a tiny chapel perched on the edge of the cliff dedicated to Mary Magdalene. This is a lovely place to get away from it all, watch the boats sail past and enjoy the countryside in a peaceful setting.
Eating and drinking out
Located in the main town of Mellieha, the Tosca restaurant is a great place for a delicious steak and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant offers great value for money with large portions, dishes to suit all tastes, a warm and welcoming reception and excellent service. The staff will make sure guests are happy with the options on the menu, catering for vegetarians as well as meat-eaters, with delicious pizza, pasta and seafood on offer. This is a good place to take the whole family for a tasty meal while staying in this resort.
The elegant five star Essence restaurant at the Radisson resort in Golden Bay, is a stunning setting for a delicious meal on a special occasion. This gourmet restaurant blends flavour and sophistication with dishes such as locally caught calamari and fish, meats including duck and beef, and beautifully prepared salads and side dishes. The wine list has plenty to offer, and desserts are tempting. This restaurant has stunning views over the bay and is ideal for a special evening out.
For an evening out in a typical British pub setting, go to Reflections restaurant and bar. This venue has a warm and friendly atmosphere, with traditional British pub grub and very welcoming hosts. This is a great spot to go with friends or family when missing the pubs at home in England, or to make some new friends. The food is tasty and generous, there is a pool table and sports shown on the TV, and plenty of music and karaoke nights to keep everyone entertained.
