Maldives: When to Go

If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is also the brilliant height of the dry season. However, this is also the main season for tourism - resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season, when many of the all-inclusive package tourists arrive from Europe and America. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain squalls and tropical storms blow in on the southwest monsoon. This is the official low season - prices are lower and there are fewer tourists but some resorts close for annual repairs. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.

Weather

While it's always hot and humid, the southwest monsoon period from May to November see the most rain, storms and the least sun. The other monsoon period is perhaps more friendly: the northeast monsoon or ruvai lasts from December to March, which are quite dry and slightly cooler months. Daytime temperatures hit about 30°C (86°F) all year round and lows average in the low 20°Cs (low 70°Fs). Daytime sea breezes also help take the edge off but nights can be quite muggy.