The Best Time to Visit 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.
If you are in the early planning stages, we've made a comprehensive Maldives FAQ guide. You might be wondering whether the seaplane transfer is really worth it, what board basis is right, whether style and vibe are important considerations or where best to take your family. Not to be missed for anyone planning a Maldives holiday now.
PLANNING A HOLIDAY TO THE MALDIVES?Definitive FAQ QUIDE
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 Month-By-Month
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!
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- Best beaches and recommended hotels
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.
Festivals in the Maldives: When to Go
For the best snorkelling and diving conditions, visit the Maldives from June to 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.
You can combine your luxury stay with a visit to one of the local islands or stay in one of the guesthouses for a cultural experience.
Meet the The Maldives experts
Lola
Travel and food were always going to be an intrinsic part of Lola’s life. Growing up between Paris and London, she was equally happy tucking into North African Couscous at her paternal grandparents’ table, Sole Meuniere in a busy French brasserie or a Wiener Schnitzel prepared by her German grandmother (a guilty pleasure taken to the extreme when living as a student in Vienna!).
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Alice
Alice’s love for travel can be traced back to her very early years, as she grew up in Bangkok and was lucky enough to spend her weekends gallivanting around Thailand – and its neighbouring countries – with her Chinese mother and English father. Asian food plays a pivotal role in her childhood memories: from tasting sizzling street food and eating at remarkable restaurants – while her journalist mother wrote for the Michelin Guide – to experiencing fine dining at the likes of the iconic Mandarin Oriental.
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Holly
Holly’s first job in travel was in a marketing role. However, it didn’t take her long to decide to exchange inspecting photographs of amazing destinations for being in them herself.
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Sara
Sara was bitten by the travel bug straight after university, and her working life has been peppered with sabbaticals before deciding on a career in the Travel Industry in 2012. She worked for two of the UK’s leading tour operators organising tailor made trips to India and Sri Lanka, before joining ETG.
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