Climate

Malta's climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean.  The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to around 12 hours in summer.

Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.

Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity.  This is known as the Sirocco, or, in Maltese, the Xlokk – this wind affects Greece and Italy as well; in Malta the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well in to the ‘winter' months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.

Language

The official languages are Maltese and English.  Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script.  Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French.  Italian is also widely spoken.

Public Holidays

Public holidays observed in Malta are:

1st January	New Year's Day
10th February	St. Paul's Shipwreck
19th March	St. Joseph
31st March	Freedom Day
March / April (date changes)	Good Friday
1st May	Labour Day
7th June	Sette Giugno
29th June	St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja)
15th August	The Assumption (Santa Marija)
8th September	Our Lady of Victories
21st September	Independence Day
8th December	Immaculate Conception
13th December	Republic Day
25th December	Christmas Day

Electricity

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.

Religion & Worship

The Majority of the Maltese are Roman Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented. There are small Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodists and Muslim communities. Most services are available all day on Sundays, some churches offer services Saturday evenings and a couple offer services during the week first thing in the morning or in the evening. Other services available on the Maltese islands are: Anglican, Adventists, Baha'i, Bible Baptist, Buddhist, Greek Catholic, Christina Evangelical Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Church of Scotland, Evangelical Church of Germany, Greek Orthodox, Jehovah's witnesses, Jewish and Muslim services.

Swimming

The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides.  Some bays are exposed to north and north-easterly winds which do produce some strong undercurrents at times.

Sunbathing

The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean and has a latitude more southerly than that of northern Tunisia.  You are therefore advised to take precautions to ensure you avoid over exposure to the sun.  Even in winter it is advisable to wear a suitable factor sunscreen for your skin type. This is important if you are out walking, or taking part in water sports.  A sun hat is a must. Children and especially babies need extra protection from the sun.  If you are sunbathing, it is advisable to avoid the strongest sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm in peak summer months.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Maltese Islands. Local and imported bottled mineral water is also available.