Malta at 42°C

Malta at 42°C: When the Weather Changes How Accessible Your Holiday Really Is

When we talk about accessibility, we often think about steps, ramps, lifts and accessible bathrooms. But as an Occupational Therapist, I believe accessibility is much broader than that.

Sometimes, something as simple as the weather can completely change how manageable and enjoyable a destination feels.

And in Malta, the weather can make a very big difference.

Malta's Summer Heat

If you don't live in the Mediterranean, you may not be accustomed to Malta's combination of high temperatures, strong sunshine, humidity and, at times, wind.

As a local, I have certainly noticed how challenging our summers can feel. There are days when even I find the thought of spending hours under the scorching sun exhausting.  Energy levels drop. Enthusiasm for walking around and exploring can disappear surprisingly quickly. A beautiful itinerary suddenly becomes much less appealing when getting from one attraction to another means spending long periods outdoors in intense heat.

For some people, this is simply uncomfortable. For others, particularly older travellers, people with reduced mobility, fatigue or certain health conditions, it can have a much greater impact on what they are realistically able to do during their holiday.

This is why I believe weather should form part of accessible and inclusive travel planning.

Plan for Comfort, Not Just the Itinerary

Air conditioning and shade can become surprisingly important when planning where to stay, eat, shop and visit.

Before visiting somewhere, consider the whole experience rather than simply asking, "Can I get in?"

Will you have to queue outside?

Is there somewhere shaded to sit?

Can you take a break in an air conditioned space?

How much walking is involved?

What happens if you become tired halfway through the visit?

A destination may technically be accessible, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be comfortable or manageable for you on a particularly hot day.

Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Plans

If you find yourself in Malta during very hot weather, flexibility can make an enormous difference.

Start your day early and do your sightseeing before the strongest heat arrives. During the hottest part of the day, look for shaded or air conditioned places, have a leisurely lunch, return to your accommodation, take a cool shower or even embrace the Mediterranean tradition of a siesta.

Then head out again later.

Malta can be particularly beautiful in the evening. The light becomes softer, the temperature begins to drop and it can be a much more pleasant time to explore, dine outdoors or take photographs.

One very local warning, though: humidity often makes itself known once the sun goes down. Those of us with hair that reacts to humidity know exactly what that means! So perhaps think twice before spending too much money on the perfect holiday blow dry if you're planning an evening outdoors.

Accessibility Also Means Flexibility

The message I would give anyone planning a holiday in Malta is simple: don't let an itinerary dictate your holiday.

Check the weather forecast, think realistically about your own tolerance for heat and plan your days accordingly.

You may need to change the time you visit an attraction. You may need a longer lunch break. You may decide that something planned for midday would be much more enjoyable in the evening. On particularly hot days, you might even decide to change the itinerary completely. 

That isn't a failed plan. It's good travel planning.

Because an accessible holiday shouldn't simply be about whether you can get somewhere. It should also be about whether you can experience it safely, comfortably and, most importantly, actually enjoy being there.