Ħaġar Qim
Archaeological Site Neolithic megalithic temple complex near Qrendi
Ħaġar Qim on Malta comprises Neolithic megalithic temples set on a limestone plateau above the sea. Visitors come for guided tours of the prehistoric structures, coastal views and nearby visitor centre displays.
Ħaġar Qim is a Neolithic megalithic temple complex on the island of Malta, located in the locality of Qrendi. The complex dates to the fourth millennium BCE and is part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta UNESCO World Heritage listing.
A compact archaeological site of large limestone blocks arranged into chambers and axial passages, with carved stone features and corbelled roofing fragments. The main temple complex is adjacent to a visitor route that links it to the nearby Mnajdra temples a short distance away. Interpretive panels explain the layout and the carved stone elements.
Built by prehistoric communities around c. 3600-3200 BCE, the temples were used for ritual and communal purposes during the Neolithic period. The site has been excavated and consolidated since the 19th century and conservation measures, including a protective shelter, have been added to limit exposure to weather.
Sited on a low ridge overlooking the southern coast of Malta in the Qrendi area, roughly in the southwest part of the island and within easy driving distance of the main towns and visitor routes. The Mnajdra temple complex lies a short walk to the south.
- Protection: The main temple is protected by a modern shelter to reduce weathering and allow year-round visiting.
- Nearby site: Located a short walk from the Mnajdra temple complex, making it easy to visit both sites in one trip.
How to Get to Ħaġar Qim #
Ħaġar Qim is on the southern coast near Qrendi, about 12 km southwest of Valletta. Buses from Valletta (routes 71/74) run to Qrendi; taxis and organized tours are common. There is a small car park at the visitor centre.
Tips for Visiting Ħaġar Qim #
- Use the covered walkways in the visitor centre during strong coastal winds-these protected viewing points save equipment from sea spray.
- Visit the lower Mnajdra temple at sunrise for soft light on the trilithons and views across the sea.
- Buy a combined ticket for Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra to save time and money; the visitor centre's displays give essential context for the stones.
Best Time to Visit Ħaġar Qim #
Late spring and early autumn combine good weather with fewer crowds; the site remains open year-round but heavy summer crowds and heat are common.
Weather & Climate near Ħaġar Qim #
Ħaġar Qim's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 9°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (549 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
