Why Does 18°C Feel Colder In Malta Than In Other European Countries?

Ever wondered why 18°C in Malta can have you reaching for a jacket, while people in other European countries seem perfectly comfortable wearing a T-shirt at the same temperature?

Well, you're not imagining things! There are several reasons why Malta's relatively mild winters can sometimes feel surprisingly cold.

1. Malta's Humidity

Being surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea means Malta frequently experiences humid conditions. Humidity can influence how comfortable we feel, although its effect on cold weather is more complicated than many people think. Unlike in summer, when high humidity makes us feel hotter by slowing down sweat evaporation, humidity alone doesn't necessarily make 18°C feel dramatically colder. However, damp clothes, wet conditions and chilly indoor environments can all contribute to that uncomfortable winter feeling.

2. The Wind Makes A Big Difference!

According to the UK Met Office, wind removes the thin layer of warmer air surrounding our bodies, causing us to lose heat more quickly.

This means that 18°C on a calm, sunny afternoon can feel considerably different from 18°C on a windy, cloudy day.

And on an island like Malta, exposed coastal areas can make those chilly winds particularly noticeable.

3. Our Homes Aren't Always Built For The Cold!

Here's something many Maltese residents can probably relate to: sometimes it feels colder inside your house than outside!

Malta's buildings have traditionally been designed with the Mediterranean climate in mind, where keeping cool during hot summers is a major priority.

However, homes with limited insulation, cold floors, draughts or inadequate heating can struggle to retain warmth during winter.

Meanwhile, homes in colder European countries are often better equipped with insulation and central heating.

So even if it's considerably colder outside in another country, people may actually spend more time in warmer indoor environments.

4. Our Bodies Are Used To Warmer Weather!

There's also a psychological and physiological explanation.

After spending months experiencing temperatures exceeding 30°C during Malta's summer, a sudden drop to 18°C can feel like a major change.

Our bodies gradually adapt to the temperatures we're exposed to, meaning someone accustomed to colder conditions may experience the same temperature differently.

So the next time someone from northern Europe laughs at you for wearing a jacket in 18°C weather, remember there's actually some science behind why you might be feeling chilly!

Do you find Malta's winter colder than you expected?

#MaltaDaily