We often get asked when the dive season in Malta ends - and the real answer is - it doesn't.
One of the great things about Malta is the option to dive all year round, and each season brings different benefits. The temperatures may drop from November-March, but with the right thermal protection you can enjoy diving in Malta 365 days of the year.
Temperatures
During the summer the water in Malta can get to 30 degrees on the surface. Perfect temperature for a shorty or even just a rash vest. The water stays above 25 degrees until the end of October. As the days get shorter, some people think the diving season may end. However, as we head into November and December, the water is still above 20 degrees with lots of sunny days.
The coolest months are January-March, where the temperature in the water falls to about 16 degrees, both at the surface and at depth. How cold this feels will depend on what you wear underwater (and on the surface).
The milder and wetter months of Malta may bring cooler waters, but it also means cheaper flights and quieter dive sites.
Wetsuits
When the temperatures drop a little, its important to add more thermal protection to keep your dives comfortable and safe. So in winter we wrap up more to stay nice and cosy. We wear full-length 5mm wetsuits. Adding a shorty wetsuit over the top helps keep your core warm throughout the dive. With boots, gloves and hoods, everything is covered up and warm.
Layering up is key to staying warm on a dive. If you feel the cold easily, you might want to invest in a 7mm wetsuit or additional layers such as a hooded vest or a long-sleeved rash vest. Neoprene socks to wear under your boots are a favourite of our dive team to keep feet and toes warm.
How to stay warm between dives
It is also important to keep yourself warm in-between diving. The sun is often shining through the winter, but a strong breeze will cool you down quickly during the surface interval. A hot drink and a woolly hat makes a big difference in keeping warm when outside the water (our dive instructor Susie will often have her flask of tea with her).
Tips from our team
- Bring two rash vests. This allows you to change into a dry top in-between dives, so you start the next dive warm.
- If you feel cold on a dive, let the instructor know. We can swim a little faster to keep warm or keep the dive a little shorter.
- Invest in your own hood and gloves – if these are correctly fitted for you, you will feel warm and comfortable.
Is winter diving worth it?
Absolutely, if you are prepared. It may mean more layers but it also means diving throughout the year. As the water cools, the visability can increase. The dives sites are less croweded, and we can’t think of a better way to spend the winter months then diving reefs, wrecks and caverns.
Above the surface, Malta is beautiful in the winter as well as the summer. Without the high temperatures, it allows you to explore off the beaten track – for example the heritage trail in Xemxija or along Dingli Cliffs.
If you want to dive with us this winter, get to touch to discuss. We are happy to answer any questions you might have and will help you plan your dives to get the most out of your time here in Malta.