Wellness Spa,
Ocean Adventures,
Secluded Luxury
Your Guide to Weather, Festivals & Seasonal Travel
A Seasonal Guide to The Maldives
The Maldives is idyllic beyond belief, and its magnificence is reflected in its weather.
With near-perfect temperatures and a generally dry climate, it is truly a year-round destination, which means you have great flexibility when planning your luxury Maldives holiday.
If you would like to discover The Maldives in combination with Sri Lanka, you might also want to consider the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
When to visit The Maldives
(Quick summary)
Best Time
All Year
Monsoon Season
May – October (wet season)
Beach Season
All Year
Wildlife
All Year (marine life)
Weather in The Maldives throughout the year
January – April
This is one of the best times to go to The Maldives: minimal rain, brilliant blue skies and warm sunny days. Temperatures in The Maldives in January are around 28ºC, increasing slightly by April to 29ºC on average. The sea will be clear and calm too, which makes it ideal for sun-seekers and snorkelers alike. Perfect for some late winter sun or an Easter break for families.
May – September
Don’t be discouraged by the fact that May to September is classed as the wet season in The Maldives: it remains a time for travel. While humidity and rainfall do rise during these months, the low-lying nature of the islands causes rain clouds to pass swiftly, resulting in typically brief rain showers. Plus, there will be fewer travellers and excellent “low season” offers so you may find the utmost peace as well as a great value Maldives experience.
October – December
Hot, dry weather returns to The Maldives as the wet season ends in October. Expect long days of idyllic sunshine and temperatures in the high 20°Cs – low 30°Cs. Visiting The Maldives in December can make for a brilliant Christmas holiday – though do be warned, this is a popular time to travel, so it’s worth booking early!
When is the Best Time to Visit The Maldives?
The Maldives is a year-round destination, making it worth visiting regardless of the month you plan to go. For the best time to visit, October to April offers ideal tropical and warm weather. In this dry period, the 26 atolls of countless sandy coral islands see minimal rain, bright sunshine, clear blue skies and calm seas with excellent visibility for snorkelling and scuba diving. The weather in December is beautiful, making The Maldives the perfect family getaway.
Though May to September is known as the ‘monsoon season’, don’t be deterred. Rains in The Maldives are usually short-lived and, by travelling during this time, you can get some fantastic value offers. There is a risk of storms, but clouds pass over the low-lying atolls quickly, and during this season, there are also long spells of brilliant sunshine.
Key Dates & Festivals in The Maldives
For the best snorkelling and diving, time your visit to The Maldives between June and November. This is when you will be able to swim alongside large marine life, especially in the Baa Atoll when hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks gather annually to feast on plankton in the atoll’s bays.
Another renowned natural wonder in The Maldives is the sea of stars or bioluminescence. The warm Indian Ocean and dark nights provide ideal conditions for phytoplankton. With a bit of luck, you may witness this enchanting display. Whether taking a moonlit stroll in the shallow lapping waves or dangling your feet over the jetty from your overwater villa, you can create bright blue, glowing traces. While the best time to witness bioluminescence is between June and December, it can manifest at any time.
The Maldives residential islands host festivals that offer cultural insights. National Day on October 17th-18th and Republic Day on November 11th are two significant celebrations. National Day features military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks, while Republic Day is marked by a feast of delicious Maldivian dishes like Huni Hakuru Folhi, Bodibiday, and Masroshi.
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the country.
See More
The Maldives, Thimarafushi (Thaa) Atoll
Como Maalfushi
COMO Maalifushi offers remote five-star luxury with a wellness focus, top-tier snorkelling and surfing, and elegant design in the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples,
Honeymooners
Gallery
See More
North Male Atoll, The Maldives
OBLU Nature Helengeli
OBLU Nature Helengeli blends vibrant house reef adventures with relaxed, all-inclusive comfort—ideal for families, couples and ocean lovers.
Highlights
Highlights
House Reef,
Water villas.
All-Inclusive
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Gallery
See More
South Ari Atoll, The Maldives,
Constance Moofushi
Constance Moofushi blends barefoot luxury with all-inclusive ease, top snorkelling, and elegant villas in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll.
Highlights
Highlights
All-Inclusive,
House Reef,
Water Villas
Best for
Couples,
Honeymooners,
Groups
Gallery
See More
Central Islands, The Maldives,
Baros
Baros Maldives is an elegant adults-only island retreat with luxury villas, a house reef, and fine dining—ideal for couples and underwater explorers.
Highlights
Highlights
Private Island,
House Reef,
Fine Dining
Best for
Couples,
Honeymooners
Gallery
See More
The Maldives, Baa Atoll
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Luxury meets marine conservation at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, set in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with spa retreats, manta rays, and space to roam.
Highlights
Highlights
Marine wildlife,
Jungle spa,
Island freedom
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Gallery
As Seen On…
Featured, Reviewed & Recommended
Don’t just take our word for it, Experience Travel Group have been featured and recognised by the industry’s top travel and news publications for close to two decades.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to The Maldives
The ETG Maldives Edit is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
You’ll receive five emails from us as well as the guide you requested. They will be inspiring, helpful content about holidays to this country with ETG. You’ll then be added to our weekly newsletter list, but you can always unsubscribe using the link in any of our emails.
