Best Time to Visit Maldives

The ideal time to visit Maldives is between December-April, after the monsoon season ends. However, it should not be forgotten that tourism continues throughout the year in Maldives.

Best Travel Time for Maldives

The ideal time to visit Maldives is between December-April, after the monsoon season ends. However, it should not be forgotten that tourism continues throughout the year in Maldives.

We recommend planning your trip especially between November-24 December (pre-Christmas) and January 10-end of April (excluding Easter holidays when prices are generally higher). During these periods, you can expect sunny and dry weather and a comfortable atmosphere in the resorts. However, remember that prices are usually at their highest during holiday periods between December 25-January 10.

The rainy season on the islands, which lasts from May to October, is experienced with strong winds and 20-30 centimeters of monthly rainfall. Although this period is not a preferred travel period for some tourists, it offers perfect opportunities for affordable accommodation and other activities. During this period, savings of up to twice as much can be achieved compared to the high season.

Also, this time of year attracts surfing enthusiasts because it offers larger and more suitable waves for surfing. Despite the potential for rainfall and strong winds, travelers can enjoy various activities such as snorkeling, diving and exploring the picturesque landscapes of the islands.

Maldives Climate

Maldives has a hot and humid tropical monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, and annual temperature fluctuations are very small. Before the southwest monsoon in April and May, average maximum temperatures in the northern islands reach approximately 29.3 degrees Celsius, while before the northeast monsoon in December and January, they drop to approximately 27.4 degrees Celsius. This situation causes more pronounced seasonal changes in the northern islands.

Monthly Weather Guide

Maldives Weather in January

Sunny hours: 8 hours
Rainfall: 80 mm

January is ideal for a dream beach vacation in Maldives with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Also, this period is a perfect choice for vacationers who are thinking of snorkeling or diving thanks to its crystal clear waters. However, it is important not to forget that January is the high season in Maldives, so early reservation is strongly recommended.

Maldives Weather in February

Sunny hours: 9 hours
Rainfall: 40 mm

February is one of the best times to visit Maldives. In this month, which is the driest month of the year in Maldives, the monthly rainfall is less than 40 millimeters, the average maximum temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and it receives approximately 9 hours of sunshine per day. Visibility is perfect for both diving and snorkeling.

Maldives Weather in March

Sunny hours: 9 hours
Rainfall: 45 mm

In March, the average daily maximum temperature in Maldives is 31 degrees Celsius. This makes March a perfect choice for enjoying relaxing days on the beach. Occasional short-term heavy rainfall can be seen and provides a refreshing break from the heat. March is also the beginning of the surfing season in Maldives and offers excellent visibility for divers and snorkelers.

Maldives Weather in April

Sunny hours: 8 hours
Rainfall: 120 mm

At the beginning of the low season, especially during the European vacation season, there is still a possibility of increased visitor traffic. However, accommodation prices tend to decrease during this period, making it a good time to visit for budget-conscious travelers.

It is worth noting that humidity increases during this period of the year and the air appears slightly warmer than usual. Although the off-season period is not ideal for sunbathers or beach lovers, it offers a perfect opportunity to explore local culture and tourist attractions without the usual crowds that occur during the high season.

Maldives Weather in May

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 240 mm

May experiences high temperatures in Maldives and the daily average maximum temperature reaches 31°C. This month also marks the beginning of the official rainy season, meaning the region may experience more frequent thunderstorms and longer periods of rainfall. The presence of plankton in the water may slightly affect diving conditions. On the other hand, travelers can benefit from significant discounts on hotel reservations during this period.

The surfing season begins in the North and South Male atolls and attracts surfing enthusiasts to regional resorts and guesthouses that provide easy access to waves. Also, May marks the beginning of the manta ray and whale shark watching season and makes a trip to Maldives during this period even more exciting.

Maldives Weather in June

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 150 mm

Although June is generally a rainy month for Maldives, it is a month when the sky is usually clear and temperatures remain pleasantly warm. This is a perfect time to sunbathe and enjoy the beaches. For surfing enthusiasts, the season continues in the North and South Malé Atolls and offers numerous opportunities to surf on the waves. Planning your trip this month will allow you to take advantage of the best available opportunities. June is also the beginning of the manta ray watching season in the northern atolls and contributes to the region's already rich marine life diversity.

Maldives Weather in July

Sunny hours: 6 hours
Rainfall: 200 mm

July in Maldives experiences a hot and high humidity period accompanied by short-term but intense rainfall. Despite the rainy weather, this month offers a great opportunity for enthusiastic surfers who can take advantage of attractive opportunities and participate in exciting activities. Although plankton limits underwater visibility somewhat for diving enthusiasts, the magnificent presence of manta rays and whale sharks makes the underwater experience extremely valuable.

Maldives Weather in August

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 200 mm

August is generally considered the rainy season in Maldives. However, it continues to be a busy month due to school holidays in many countries and is a popular month to visit the island nation. Although underwater visibility during diving is sometimes somewhat limited due to the presence of plankton in the water, numerous attractive options still attract many visitors.

Although occasional rainfall is seen, these are usually short-term and are frequently interrupted by sunshine.

August also offers the opportunity to take advantage of attractive special opportunities such as discounted prices on accommodation, food and activities. Since many facilities and hotels offer special family packages, August is an ideal time for family vacation.

Maldives Weather in September

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 220 mm

September marks the peak of the rainy season and low season in many tropical regions. However, this time of year is ideal not only for travelers seeking a perfect tan, but also for surfers seeking the best waves and adventurers seeking cultural shopping and exciting activities.

For those who love water activities, diving in September may mean that visibility may be somewhat limited due to plankton in the water.

Maldives Weather in October

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 250 mm

In October, the weather in Maldives reaches its peak in terms of rainfall and humidity, which can lead to long rainy days. However, this time of year offers special opportunities for travelers who want to take advantage of the advantages offered by resorts in addition to the usual beach activities. Also, October marks the end of the surfing season in Maldives and offers the last opportunity of the year to observe whale sharks and manta rays in their natural habitats.

Maldives Weather in November

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 170 mm

November in Maldives experiences a transition month that symbolizes the transition from low season to high season. During this period, hotel prices gradually increase, but this increase is not as sharp as in the high season. However, it is important not to forget that the weather in November may still be unstable due to the end of the rainy season. Although it is hot and humid, rainy days are still quite common during this period of the year.

Maldives Weather in December

Sunny hours: 7 hours
Rainfall: 120 mm

In December, the weather in Maldives is more stable compared to other months, but as we mentioned just now, you can expect plenty of sunshine and relatively low rainfall even in other months. However, it is worth noting that many facilities charge additional fees and set minimum accommodation periods during holidays such as Christmas and New Year. Still, holidays continue to be Europeans' favorite time to explore Maldives.

When to Dive in Maldives?

After a gentle entry into the sea, while shimmering surgeonfish dance joyfully against the backdrop of colorful sponge-covered reefs, a sea turtle cuts across the underwater path and a ray glides by. This impressive and colorful underwater world awaits you in Maldives, which is usually just a few centimeters below the water surface, a perfect place for snorkeling and diving.

When is the best time for snorkeling in Maldives? When the sea sparkles calmly in turquoise blue in front of you and the waves gently hit the sandy shoreline, it's the best time to travel to Maldives with a diving mask and snorkel. From December to March is ideal for exploring the underwater world. The cloudless sky now competes with the sea surface with dazzling splendor and visibility is ideal. The relatively windless dry season is also ideal for a beach vacation in Maldives. The temperature rises above 30°C. A light breeze and the Indian Ocean provide refreshment. However, water temperature does not drop below 25°C.

When to Surf in Maldives?

From May onwards, the island's weather becomes unpredictable. The rainy season begins and lasts until October. Wind blows abundantly in the sails; perfect for surfing and kite surfing. If you ask surfers or divers when is the best time for a Maldives vacation, they usually answer between August-September. For everyone else, this period is considered the low season. This means that a surfing vacation during Maldives' busy travel season is more economical than a beach vacation. By the way, most accommodation in Maldives has a water sports center where you can rent surfboards and wetsuits. This means you can safely leave your sports equipment at home, which would otherwise be heavy luggage.

When is the Rainy Season in Maldives?

From May onwards, the southwest monsoon determines the climate tone in Maldives. Statistically, the number of rainy days increases and winds make the sea wavy. During the rainy season, waves hit the shore. The only protection from stormy weather is the offshore reefs where the waves break. If you ask surfers or divers when is the best time for a Maldives vacation, the answer is from May to October. For everyone else, this period is considered the low season. When dark clouds gather on the horizon, it usually announces short-term heavy rain. Therefore, if you don't want occasional rain to ruin your vacation, if you want to enjoy Maldives almost alone or enjoy the reliable wind, you can have a dream vacation on one of the numerous islands around Malé even during the rainy season. Even at this time of year it is tropically hot, so you can enjoy the sea water at bathtub temperature despite occasional rain.

When is the Hottest Weather in Maldives?

Throughout the Maldives island chain, from the southern Addu Atoll to the main island of Malé and the northeastern Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, mid-summer temperatures prevail year-round. Mercury consistently rises above 25 degrees Celsius during the day and you can expect temperatures above 20°C even at night. The hottest month heralds the end of the busy travel season for Maldives.

April, with an average of only nine rainy days and a daily maximum temperature just below 32°C, is the hottest month. If you're flying to this island paradise to dive or sunbathe, it's the perfect time to travel to Maldives. As early as May, the island weather is at its most rebellious. The rainy season begins and brings good wind to the sails; perfect for surfing and kite surfing.

What is the Best Time to Travel to Maldives?

The rainy season brings not only more rainfall, but also many advantages. The roaring sea brings large fish such as barracuda and whale sharks to the surface for divers. While the foamy sea creates impressive waves, surfers' hearts beat fast. For discount hunters, it's the perfect time to get a cheap ticket to this vacation paradise. Summer months are particularly affordable and offer an average of six hours of sunshine per day. Therefore, don't take the term "rainy season" too seriously. In any case, continuous rain is rare in Maldives. If you have a limited budget, the best time to travel to Maldives is from June to August.