It is possible to dive Malta and Gozo all year round. Wear dry suits or a 7mm 2 piece during the winter, and in summer shorties are the best. The winter seas are cold but clear, and as it can be windy in January, February and March, take a warm wind proof coat
Average Malta/Gozo Temperatures In °C
| Average Malta/Gozo temperatures in °C | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Air | 12° | 12° | 13° | 16° | 20° | 23° | 26° | 27° | 24° | 21° | 17° | 14° |
| Sea | 11° | 12° | 14° | 19° | 20° | 24° | 27° | 27° | 25° | 24° | 20° | 16° |
The currency is the Maltese Lira and there are numerous banks on the Islands, including HSBC. There are plenty of ATM’s but banks are closed during religious festivals, so check beforehand. Credit cards are used widely. Banks open 8.30–12.30 and 14.30–16.00 Monday –Thursday and 8.30–11.30 Friday and Saturday.
No special precautions need be taken. Holders of UK passports staying less than 30 days may obtain immediate necessary medical treatment in a state hospital through a reciprocal health care agreement. The two main hospitals are St. Luke’s on Malta where there is a recompression chamber, and there is a General Hospital on Gozo. Take insect repellent for the summer months. We would recommend that you drink bottled water. A medical form should be obtained from your doctor in the UK regardless of your state of health, or your doctor should complete the PADI medical form. Alternatively, you may complete the form in Malta at a cost of LM6. This can be easily arranged with the dive centre. Divers wishing to dive in their own groups and not with a dive guide should obtain a Malta Dive Permit, which is available at the dive centre. To dive without an Instructor all divers must be PADI Advanced/CMAS 2 Star/BSAC Sports or equivalent.
Maltese is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Italy’s closeness to the Islands means it also has a strong influence on its culture.
Driving is on the left and there is a 40 mph speed limit and 25mph limit in residential areas. Roads are not of the same standard as in the UK so be prepared to use roads that look like tracks. They really do lead somewhere! Taxis are always white and meters are controlled.
The Malta Tourist Authority in the UK is at Park House, 14 Northfields, London SW18 1DD Tel. 020 88776994. Malta: 1, City Arcades, Valetta (356) 21 237747 or Bay Street, St. George’s Bay, St. Julians (356) 21 37922532. Gozo: 1 Palm Street, Victoria, (356) 21 558106 557407 or Mgarr Harbour, Mgarr (356) 21 553343.
240 V. AC 50 Hz. Same 3-pin plug types as in the UK.
Malta and Gozo are rich in archaeological sites - all are protected by law. Artefacts found are not allowed to be lifted or removed and should be reported to your dive guide.