St Julians is a great place to enjoy some early summer sun in May. The climate is hot and dry and the days are long, offering plenty of opportunity to enjoy the weather before the peak summer season starts.
Average highs reach a glorious 23°C in St Julians in May, far higher than the average 18°C seen in London or the chilly 14°C in Edinburgh. And with an average of 9 hours of daily sunshine expected across the month, there is plenty of time to catch some rays.
Even night time temperatures start to get very appealing as May progresses. Average lows of 15°C means no one is very keen to keep to their beds even during the early hours of the morning.
To go with all that sun, and long days, the average sea temperature of 29°C means everyone wants to hit the beach.
May is also the official start of the dry season in the region, which means only 6 days of the month are likely to see any moisture. And in all of those six days, only 10mm of rain are likely to fall.
The area still benefits from the wetness collected earlier in the year, so the area is still quite luscious and green. But if April is hotter than average, there can be some signs of scorching in the most exposed areas, even this early in the year.
However average temperatures of 19°C only tell half the story. Peak temperatures have reached up to 35°C in May 2006, so it is wise to always have suitable sun protection to hand.
For some, May is the ideal time to come to St Julians. High temperatures, longer days and less crowds make it perfect for younger families or those that want a more relaxed type of trip. And with some accommodation still offering off peak prices, visiting in May can be kinder to your wallet too.
Where to Stay
For top quality accommodation in St Julians, you really can't beat the Radisson Blu Resort. As part of the Radisson Edwardian chain, this recently refurbished hotel complex offers everything you would expect from five star luxury, all based with convenient access to the heart of St Julians. Based directly on the sea shore, the views from the hotel are simply spectacular. And that's even before you enjoy the wealth of amenities inside. Three restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, a gym, a spa and wellness centre, 2 tennis courts, an indoor pool and even a diving school are all at your disposal. This is the perfect place for a luxury holiday, a family getaway or a honey moon in quality accommodation that is only bettered by the outstanding service.
Majoliche is a beautiful Bed & Breakfast in St Julians that has far more amenities than you would expect from accommodation of this type. The rooms are cosy, the staff are very welcoming, and the quality of the food on offer would be hard to beat in a four star restaurant. The rooms are spacious and cleaned to a very high standard, offering exceptional value for money. And with all the local amenities just a short walk away, Majoliche shows that, even in peak periods, it is still possible to enjoy quality accommodation in St Julians on a budget.
If you are looking for something a little different in your St Julians accommodation, then head over to the Onyx Apartments. Beautifully luxurious décor and incredible views make the Onyx a place you will want to return to again and again. Enjoy the penthouse apartment with its own private terrace. Or opt for one of the higher levels which provide the best views of the town. Situated right in the heart of the activity, this is an oasis in a very busy region and a wonderful way to enjoy a little speciality lodging.
Things to Do
For anyone staying in St Julians, a trip to Paceville is a must. This is the liveliest part of the region, and a definite hit with the younger generation. The pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants open early and stay full until well into the next day. But even on the streets outside, the warm weather of May makes everyone nice and friendly. A wealth of shops, from fashionable boutiques to surf shacks, ensure you can top up on anything you may have left at home. And there is always the opportunity to grab a few souvenirs to remember your fabulous stay.
As May is one of the months that boasts the warmest sea temperature in St Julians, it offers the perfect time to try your hand at diving. The Cresta Dive centre is located in the heart of the town and can offer an outstanding diving experience to anyone from first time divers to seasoned professionals. The unique nature of the Maltese islands offers some truly inspirational dive sites from wreck and open cave dives to the world famous Blue Hole. It is an experience that will live with you forever and a wonderful way to see a whole new side of St Julians.
Hit the Beach
Though beaches are very scarce across the island of Malta, the Maltese people have compensated for it by introducing man made lidos for visitors to enjoy. Head down to the Corinthia San George Hotel and they will provide free access to their lido for all that want to visit. There is plenty of space to appreciate the sun and direct access into the sea when you want to cool off. The cafes and facilities within the hotel are also at your disposal. Just be aware, that even in May, this lido can get very busy. So make sure you are there nice and early to secure the vantage point.
Restaurants and Nightlife
The laid back atmosphere at Dicks Bar & Café makes it the perfect place to unwind at any time of the day, but especially first thing in the morning. From a full English to a simple egg on toast, the food is sensational and the prices go down equally as well. Later in the day good old English pub grub fills the menu with a number of English beers and soft drinks to wash it down. It's like having a local in the middle of St Julians, offering a great place to sit back and relax.
As the temperature climbs, seek refuge in Gelateria Figo in the heart of Paceville for some of the best ice cream you will ever have tasted. It doesn't matter whether it is first thing in the morning or last thing at night, the range of flavours will always entice. And if you don't fancy an ice cream the real espresso, filled croissants and warm crepes will definitely take your fancy. This isn't basic ice cream for the kids. This is luxury gelato for everyone.
For a truly exceptional hamburger, you've got to head down to Alex House Trattoria Romana. The Romanian couple that run the establishment are always very welcoming. And the great value shots are the perfect way to start the evening. But it is the quality of the food that makes Alex House so popular and the reason so many of their guests keep coming back for more. Usually frequented by the local dive scene. Even if you haven't got the energy to go down to Alex House, their delivery service means you will never go hungry in St Julians.
