For those living in Malta, May represents a significant atmospheric turning point. The damp, bone-chilling humidity that penetrates limestone walls during the winter begins to lift, replaced by a different kind of moisture: the heavy, salt-laden air of the approaching Mediterranean summer.

While your home may finally feel dry, you will likely notice your skin starting to feel the salt as the islands transition into their humid summer cycle.

Finding The Balance

In May, the average relative humidity in Malta typically fluctuates between 65% & 70%. While this is lower than the saturated peaks of mid-winter, the rising air temperatures make the moisture far more perceptible.

As the mercury climbs toward 25°C, the air’s capacity to hold water increases, leading to that familiar Mediterranean stickiness. This is the month where the climate shifts from being cold & damp to warm & humid.

The Xlokk & The Phenomenon Of Blood Rain

A defining feature of the Maltese May is the arrival of the Scirocco, known locally as the Xlokk. This warm, oppressive wind originates over the Sahara Desert & picks up significant moisture as it crosses the Mediterranean Sea.

The Xlokk is often responsible for a peculiar Maltese weather event: Blood Rain. As the wind sweeps across North Africa, it gathers fine red Saharan dust. When this dust meets a light rain shower over the islands, it falls as muddy droplets. By morning, every car, terrace, & solar panel in Malta is often coated in a layer of fine red silt – a clear sign that the desert has paid the islands a visit.

Managing Your Home

As the outdoor humidity rises, managing the climate inside traditional limestone houses becomes a strategic task.

• When To Open Windows: Utilise the cooler, drier evenings. If a fresh breeze is blowing from the North (Majjistral), it is the perfect time to ventilate your home & flush out stagnant air.
• When To Close Up: On days when the Xlokk is blowing, it is best to keep windows & traditional wooden balconies (gallariji) tightly shut. Opening them during a high-humidity south wind will only invite heavy, moisture-laden air inside, making your interiors feel damp & sticky.

By understanding these wind patterns, you can keep your home comfortable without relying solely on air conditioning during this shoulder season.