Wildlife in Malta: How Animals Adapt to October’s Weather
News
28 Oct 2024
As October rolls in, Malta experiences a shift from the hot, dry summer to cooler, milder autumn days. For the island’s wildlife, this change in weather marks an important time of adaptation and activity. While Malta may not have the dramatic seasonal shifts seen in other parts of Europe, the transition into autumn is crucial for many species. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the first rains of the season influence everything from migration patterns to feeding and breeding behaviours.
Let’s explore how Malta’s wildlife adapts to the cooler weather in October, and how these changes affect the island’s ecosystems.


1. Bird Migration
October is a busy month for bird migration in Malta, as the island is on a major route for birds travelling between Europe and Africa. Since Malta is located in the Mediterranean is an important stop for migratory species to rest and refuel.
Bird Species Active in October:
- Honey Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, and Kestrels are raptors of some of the most visible migrants during autumn. They rely on Malta to rest before continuing their trip to Africa.
- Swallows and Swifts are small, agile birds that are normally seen in a large colony, preparing for their migration across the Mediterranean.
- Whereas, Herons, Egrets, and Waders are wetlands like the Simar and Għadira Nature Reserves attract wading birds in October, where they stop to feed before moving further south.
The cooler weather in Malta provides a rest for these birds, offering them a chance to find food before crossing the Sahara and rest at the same time. The first autumn rains brings a renewal of insects, and provides a food source for migrating carnivore birds.

2. Reptiles Hibernating
While Malta’s warmer climate means that reptiles remain active for much of the year, October is the start of a slight slow-down in their activity. As cooler nights and shorter days are here, some reptiles in Malta start getting ready for hibernation or a reduced activity called brumation.
Reptiles Active in October:
- The Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis Filfolensis) is common across the island and is mostly active during warmer months. As October starts and temperatures drop, these lizards start looking for shelter and become less active to save energy for the winter.
- The Leopard Snake (Zamenis Situla) is a shy but harmless snake that can sometimes be seen on cooler October days. Like other reptiles, it will soon slow down its activity and seek shelter for the colder months.
Reptiles depend on external heat sources to control their body temperature, so the cooler October weather means they move around less. You might see fewer lizards lying in the sun or hiding among the plants, as they look for sheltered places to spend the winter.

3. Insects Increased Activity
October’s cooler weather and autumn rains revive Malta’s insect population. After a dry, hot summer, the rain helps to rehydrate the soil and plants and this leads to more insects. This increase is important for the food chain, as many other species depend on insects for survival.
Insects Active in October:
- Butterfly species like the ‘Painted Lady’ and ‘Red Admiral’, can often be seen fluttering through Malta’s countryside in October, enjoying the plants that bloom after the first rains.
- Dragonflies and Damselflies are attracted by wetland areas such as Buskett Gardens and Simar Nature Reserve, especially as water levels rise with the rain.
- Bees and Wasps are busy pollinating plants in October, helping to support the health of Malta’s ecosystems as more flowers and greenery start to bloom again.
The increase of insects in October is vital for migratory birds, reptiles, and small mammals that depend on them for food, therefore, the first autumn rains refreshes Malta’s ecosystems, resulting in a burst of insect activity before the colder winter months set in.

4. Marine Species Emerging
As the weather cools down so does the surrounding seas of Malta. In October, water temperatures drop, leading to changes in marine life. Species that thrive in cooler waters begin to emerge, while summer visitors start to leave.
Marine Species Active in October:
- Bluefin tuna are often spotted in October as they migrate through Maltese waters, drawn closer to the coast by cooler sea temperatures that attract these large fish.
- Octopus and cuttlefish become more active as the water cools, moving closer to the shore and into shallow waters to hunt and breed. Snorkelers find October a prime time in order to see these creatures.
- Dolphins are also frequently spotted in Malta’s cooler autumn waters, as they become more visible in the calmer seas of October.
The cooler sea temperatures in October create ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling, enabling both locals and tourists to explore the marine life around Malta’s coasts. As some species depart, others arrive, resulting in a dynamic and ever-changing underwater ecosystem.

5. Mammals Changing Food Supplies
Malta’s limited mammal population adapts to the cooler October weather, especially as food sources begin to change with the season. The island’s native bats are particularly influenced by the availability of insects, which are abundant in October but will decrease as the weather is cooler.
Mammals Active in October:
- Maltese Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus Gaisleri) is a small, insect-eating bat that is more active in October as it prepares for the cooler months ahead and takes advantage of the increased insect population before winter.
- Weasels are present in Malta’s countryside and they adapt to October’s cooler temperatures by hunting more actively, especially as the rodent population begins to search for shelter and food.
October is an important time for mammals in Malta as they gather resources before the winter months. Food becomes short, prompting animals to hunt while also conserving energy.

Cooler weather and autumn rains bring new challenges and opportunities for the island’s wildlife while it influences their behaviours and habitats. For nature enthusiasts, October is a wonderful time to observe Malta’s wildlife; from resting migrating birds to reptiles getting ready for hibernation and insects thriving after the summer drought, the ecosystems change in interesting ways. October offers a unique opportunity to see how animals adjust to the changing environment.