When is the Best Time to Visit The Maldives?

The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. During this time, the weather is warm with little rain, and temperatures are between the high 70s and mid-80s. It’s sunny all year, but there is a dry season (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). The dry season has the best weather, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time. However, because each resort is on its own island, it won’t feel as crowded as other places.

From May to October, it’s the rainy season. The southern atolls get the most rain, with 7 to 8 inches per month and strong winds. The rain showers are usually short and often followed by sunshine. Some people prefer to visit during the rainy season for the lower prices, even though July and August can be very rainy. This is also a good time for surfers because of the bigger waves.

Private resorts can celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Diwali, but you won’t find these celebrations on local inhabited islands.

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Experiencing whale sharks is truly unforgettable, and there are only a few places in the world where this is possible. Visiting the Maldives in October or November offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.

Month-by-Month Travel Guide for the Maldives

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

The Maldives in January

In January, the Maldives offers hot weather with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. While there might be some rain, it usually passes quickly. It’s a fantastic month to visit, and booking early is recommended. The visibility for diving and snorkeling is also excellent.

The Maldives in January

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February is an excellent time to visit the Maldives. It’s the driest month, with less than 70mm of rainfall. Average temperatures reach up to 30°C, and you can enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine each day. The visibility for diving and snorkeling is also outstanding.

In March, temperatures in the Maldives reach an average high of 31°C, making it ideal for long days on the beach. Occasional short bursts of rain provide a welcome break from the heat. Visibility for diving and snorkeling remains excellent, and March also marks the beginning of the surfing season in the Maldives.

April remains beautifully hot in the Maldives, signaling the close of the dry season. Mid-month often brings occasional showers and increased humidity. However, the water visibility for diving and snorkeling continues to be excellent.

In May, the Maldives experiences hot weather with average maximum temperatures reaching 31°C. However, this month marks the beginning of the country’s official wet season, bringing potential risks of storms and prolonged periods of rain. Diving visibility may be slightly compromised due to the presence of plankton in the water during this time.

In June, the Maldives experiences a high probability of rainfall. It is a favorable time to take advantage of attractive offers, especially if you’re willing to spend time enjoying your resort’s amenities along with the beach. Diving visibility may be slightly reduced due to plankton in the water, but this season offers a special treat for divers as manta rays and whale sharks are attracted to feed on the plankton.

Moving on to July, the weather remains hot and humid in the Maldives, characterized by short heavy downpours. This period also presents good value offers and is particularly ideal for surfers. While diving visibility is slightly compromised by plankton, the highlight underwater is the presence of manta rays and whale sharks. Additionally, Independence Day is celebrated on 26th July with small parades and public festivities on resort islands.

In August, the Maldives continues to experience hot and humid conditions, providing an average of 7 hours of sunshine daily along with short, intense rain showers. Plankton in the water may reduce diving visibility, yet the tempting offers make this a popular time to visit.

As September rolls in, it brings one of the wettest months in the Maldives, with average maximum temperatures of 30°C and roughly 7 hours of sunshine per day. Diving visibility may be slightly affected by plankton, but this month offers excellent opportunities to spot whale sharks and manta rays feeding on plankton.

By October, the rainfall in the Maldives peaks with high humidity and the possibility of entire days of rain. However, it remains a good time to seize the best-value deals, especially if you’re open to enjoying resort facilities indoors. October marks the end of the surfing season and the last chance of the year for sightings of whale sharks and manta rays.

In November, temperatures in the Maldives average around 30°C. The wet season is concluding, and despite occasional showers, the rain tends to pass quickly.

Arriving in December, the climate turns predominantly hot and dry, though some showers are expected in mid-month. This period is excellent for those seeking some winter sun, with Christmas and New Year festivities drawing in crowds and potentially requiring minimum stay bookings.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring The Maldives

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Best Time To Visit The Maldives