Malta's climate is typical of the Mediterranean and is strongly influenced by the sea. The Maltese Islands have a pleasantly sunny climate with a daily average of around 12 hours sunshine in summer going down to 5 to 6 hours in mid-winter.
Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes.
Spring and autumn are cooler, except when the occasional Scirocco wind from Africa brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity.
Winters are mild, with the occasional short cold spells brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.
Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year. Bathing in the sea is quite possible well into the ‘winter' months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.
In Malta and Gozo, driving is on the left. There are speed limits of 80 km/h on the open road and 50 km/h in built-up areas, unless otherwise indicated on relevant road signs.
Public Car ParksTransport Malta manages a number of public car parks around Malta and Gozo. These sites are open for use by the public, and are attended by car park attendants engaged by Transport Malta.
Use of these parking sites is free of charge. However, patrons may give gratuities to the attendants, if they wish to do so.
The electrical supply is 230 volts /- 10%.
The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz.
The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain.
Adapters are very easy to find.
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English.
Maltese, a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script, is the national language of Malta. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French.
Italian is also widely spoken.
January 1st – New Year’s Day
February 10th – Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck (AD 60)
March 19th – Feast of St Joseph
March 31st – Freedom Day (1979)
Good Friday – variable
Easter Sunday – variable
May 1st – Labour Day
June 7th – Sette Giugno (1919)
June 29th – Feast of St Peter & Paul
August 15th – Feast of the Assumption of The Virgin Mary
September 8th – Great Siege (1565)
September 21st – Independence Day (1964)
December 8th – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 13th – Republic Day (1974)
December 25th – Christmas Day
On 1st January 2008 Malta adopted the Euro as its currency. On 1st February 2008 the Euro became the only legal tender currency in Malta and Gozo.
Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Some banks/branches work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.
In line with EU legislation on controls of cash entering or leaving the Community, any person entering or leaving Malta carrying cash or other monetary value of which is equal to or in excess of €10,000 or equivalent is obliged to fill in the appropriate declaration form available from the Customs.
Medical care in Malta is available through both public and private hospitals and the quality of medical care in Malta is excellent. However we suggest that before you travel to the Maltese Islands, all necessary measures are taken to ensure that you, and anyone else travelling with you, is up-to-date on all routine and recommended immunisations according to schedules defined in your country of residence.
The information provided on this portal is not a comprehensive medical guide for travellers to the Maltese Islands. We strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.
Malta has an excellent health service. Hospitals are modern and supported by a regional network of health centres. Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or immunisation to enter the Maltese Islands.
European Health Insurance card. It is advisable that all visitors, irrespective of their nationality, take out a personal medical insurance policy. Malta has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries, visiting the Islands for no longer than one month, are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo.
Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines.
Mater Dei Hospital
B'Kara By-pass
B'Kara MSD 2090
Tel: +356 25450000
Email: [email protected]
Gozo General Hospital
Ghajn Qatet St,
Victoria VCT2520
Tel: +356 22106000
Email: [email protected]
Pharmacies are found throughout the Maltese Islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays, chemists open on a roster from 09.00 until 12.30 in Malta and from 07.30 until 11.00 in Gozo. List of all pharmacies and their opening hours can be found here.