A well-known Maltese proverb says, ‘Sal-Milied, la bard u lanqas ksieħ’, reflecting the idea that real winter conditions in Malta usually make themselves felt only after Christmas.

According to Maltese Islands Weather, this saying highlights how temperatures tend to remain relatively mild until the festive period passes, with true winter cold typically arriving in the weeks that follow.

Many people often ask about the difference between bard and ksieħ, two Maltese words both linked to cold weather but with distinct meanings. Bard refers to a chill that feels much colder than the actual temperature due to factors such as strong winds, rain or high humidity. For example, a minimum temperature of 13°C can feel closer to 7°C when accompanied by strong winds. This type of cold is common in Malta and occurs several times throughout winter.

Ksieħ, on the other hand, describes a deeper and more intense cold caused by a significant drop in temperature. It is typically experienced during calm, clear nights or on days with heavy rain or hail. An example would be a minimum temperature of around 5°C on a clear night with light northerly winds. These colder spells are less frequent in Malta and usually occur once or twice during January or February, often lasting for a few consecutive nights.

Understanding the difference helps explain why winter in Malta can feel very different from one day to the next.

Did you feel the temperature drop these past two days?