These paradise islands are blessed with amazing tropical weather the year-round, and usually experiences moderate weather owing to its location on the Equator.
The ideal period to visit the islands is during the high season from December to April when the dry monsoons have little rain and there is lower humidity.
Best Time To Visit
This chart shows travel ratings for each month. Use Tab to explore individual month ratings, then navigate to month selection below.
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
Welcome the New Year with blue skies and gorgeous weather. With warm days and excellent diving conditions, January is one of the best and most popular months to visit the Maldives. Be advised that there might be short spells of rain in the afternoon or evening.
we recommend
Dive in the Banana Reef and experience a colorful and magical underwater world
Try your hand at paddle boarding
overview
February is the driest month of the year making it one of the best times to travel to the Maldives. Humidity levels are low and water conditions are perfect for snorkeling and other underwater activities. The average temperature is around 82°F.
we recommend
Get an adrenaline high as you swim with whale sharks
overview
March is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature around 84°F. Humidity is slightly higher than it was in February but it is still high season so book your tickets well in advance.
we recommend
Not in the mood to leave your resort? Simply step out of your villa and dive into your hotel’s in-house reef
For a bird’s eye view of the islands, go parasailing
overview
April marks the end of high season as the chances of rain start to increase, especially towards the end of the month. Showers are often short and pass by quickly to reveal sunny skies. April is a good time to visit Maldives if you are looking for deals.
we recommend
Soar above the islands on a seaplane
Have a romantic beachside dinner with only the sound of waves to give you company
overview
May sees quite a bit of rainfall along with higher humidity levels. The weather gets unpredictable with the possibility of storms. Water visibility is low making it not an ideal time for diving. The month also marks the start of the holy period of Ramadan.
we recommend
Simply laze in a hammock overlooking soothing blues
Unwind as you take in expansive views of the ocean from the hotel’s infinity pool
overview
The southwest monsoon sets in firmly by June and you can expect cloudy days and frequent rain spells and sometimes even, heavy downpours. If you want to take advantage of the low resort prices, we recommend the southern atolls over the northern atolls as they see fewer rainy days.
we recommend
Visit colorful local villages
Marvel at the sight of bioluminescent plankton at Vaadhoo island
overview
The number of rainy days reduces to 15-16 from 18 in the northern atolls and increases slightly in the southern atolls. If you are interested in surfing, July is a good time to visit Maldives. Average surf swells are anywhere between 2 ft – 8 ft.
we recommend
Witness the colorful Independence Day celebrations
Surf some gigantic waves
overview
August is characterized by heavy yet short downpours, hot and humid weather. Water visibility is low due to the presence of plankton. Resorts offer attractive discounts making August a popular month to visit.
we recommend
Swim with manta rays and whale sharks
Get the day’s freshest catch at the Male fish market
overview
The month sees a considerable amount of rain with frequent and heavy rain spells. Temperatures hover around the mid-80s. It’s a great time to spot manta rays and sharks even though visibility is slightly lower.
we recommend
Stay and unwind at a gorgeous overwater villa
Balance your chakras with seaside yoga
overview
It is the wettest month of the year though the southwest monsoons start to leave by the end of the month. Water temperatures continue to be warm and it’s the last good month for surfing.
we recommend
Sign up for a luxurious spa treatment
Go on a tour of the Mulee’aage Palace and the National Museum in Male
overview
Tourists return as rainy days are replaced with bright, sunny days, with the occasional afternoon shower. The northern atolls make for a better beach destination than the south due to fewer rainy days.
we recommend
Set off for a beautiful sunset cruise and sport dolphins
Snorkel the waters around Naifaru Island
overview
December is high season and resorts get booked months in advance. The weather, especially in the second part of the month, is warm and welcoming, making it a fantastic beach escape destination. Sea temperature is a balmy 82°F making it ideal for underwater activities and water sports.
we recommend
Party the night away as you welcome the New Year
Seat sail and try your hand at big game fishing
Climate in the Maldives
The Maldives has two monsoons – the northeast monsoon which is dry, and the southwest monsoon which is wet season. Due to its equatorial location, the Maldives does not experience major cyclones. The drier months of the year are between November and April, with March and April being the hottest months. The monsoon season runs from May to early November. June, July and August often see maximum rainfall, although most of the rain is experienced in the Southern atolls. The temperatures range between 75°F to 91°C throughout the year.
What to Pack for Maldives
Peak Season (Oct – Nov; Feb – May)
Temperature: 73 to 88 degree F – The weather will be warm with lots of sun and some humidity (in the Maldives always expect the occasional shower, even during high season). – Pack beach wear including sunglasses, sun block lotion, light clothes that breathe easily and flipflops. – It’s advisable to pack a scarf or light jacket for trips into Male from your Maldives resort on the beach, since the town does require you to be respectably dressed.
Winter (Dec – Jan)
Temperature: 73.4 – 87.8 degree F – This is technically winter although there are guests from around the world who visit during this time. – Expect dry weather, calm seas and higher humidity at the resorts during your Maldives holiday. Be sure to carry light clothes, beach wear and a rain jacket.
Monsoon (Jun – Aug)
Temperature: 80.6 – 91.4 degree F – Skies are usually more clouded, seas rougher and humidity higher in this season. Apart from beachwear for your Maldives vacations, be sure to pack a rain jacket or umbrella and flip flops that will dry out easily and work with both the beach and in rain.
Plush villas perched over private beaches and close encounters with incredible wildlife are what’s in store at the best luxury vacation spots in the world.
Dream beaches and breathtaking nature – Maldives vacations are perfect for rest and relaxation. Experience the best of the tropical island paradise. Here’s our list of the top five things to do in the Maldives.
From shopping to opening and closing times for commercial centers, island etiquette and what to expect, here are are top travel tips for Maldives vacations.
Crime rates are very low in the Maldives and there are not many causes for feelings of insecurity among visiting tourists. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to follow some basic safety regulations. Follow this link for more information on safety and security in the Maldives.
Enchanting Travels always provides an impeccably curated trip experience. We have traveled on 3 long trips with them and have never been disappointed
Mark Raymond Wallace
November 2021
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hmm.. so many positives but let me say this.. in a post – but still covid era- it’s stressful traveling, so many tests, forms, etc, but going with this professional, excellent company made my wife and my forget about how much work goes into JUST RELAXING & ENJOYING! Thank you enchanting
Paul Greenaway
May 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
What can I Say! Thanks for organising a great trip Enchanting Travels, you have excelled again! Kylie and I love the Maldives – Pullman Maamutaa is outstanding – thank you Rose and Sharon.
Simon Adermann
March 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Maldives…a trip of a lifetime! This destination has been on my bucket list, so what better place to celebrate a milestone birthday! It was also a Mother/Daughter trip to spend quality time together in this hectic world we live in. Working with Walter in the planning stages and then with Neetu in the execution phase was enjoyable and stress-free. Amazing that with 21 to 24 hrs of actual flight time and 4 airplanes to get there…everything went seamlessly and no flight delays or lost luggage! That’s a miracle in of itself! But the best and most memorable things that Enchanting Travels and together with Cora Cora was to make my birthday a day and week I will forever cherish in my mind! We walked into our beautiful over the water bungalow and Cora Cora gave us an extra night because it was a special birthday
Wendy Slattery
January 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Everything ran as expected with the full support of the travel team. We couldn’t have asked for more and our trip was memorable for the right reasons
Kieran James Wales
February 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We feel that Enchanting ‘gets us’ after working with us on 7 journeys over the year. There is a great deal of trust on our part knowing they will give us the best itinerary and do everything in their ability to meet our expectations within the budget we have to work with. Over the years, we have developed friendships with several Enchanting personnel and it’s that connection that makes a huge difference to us.
