Maldives conjures up visions of overwater villas on turquoise waters and couples on romantic honeymoons in five-star resorts. With its white sand beaches and incredible diving and surfing, there is so much to enjoy on these islands.
Ready for a holiday? As a year-round destination, it’s almost always a good time to go to Maldives. However, if you want guaranteed sunshine, it's best to aim for December to March for your visit. Outside those months there will be plenty of sunshine, but it will be broken up by rain and clouds - though you may save a bit of money. Whatever you decide, you will still get the quintessential Maldives experience. Here’s how to choose the best month to go to Maldives.
Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in Maldives before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice. Events may be subject to change.
High Season: December to February
Best time for guaranteed sunshine
Maldives enjoys its best weather from December to February. Travelers can expect little rain, low humidity and blue skies. However, Christmas and New Year holidays involve huge price hikes and often resorts require minimum stays of five days or more.
Shoulder Season: March to April
Best time for heat-seekers
The great weather continues until the end of April, when temperatures are at their hottest. The surf season begins in March and continues until October. While this is the traditional shoulder season, the prices do jump during Easter.
Low Season: May to November
Best time for budget travelers
Storms and rain are more likely, but the weather remains warm and resorts are at their cheapest. Prices will rise in August to coincide with European summer holidays. The marine life is more varied on the western side of atolls at this time.
January
This is high season in Maldives, with Europeans coming for their winter holidays. The first week sees the end of the festive season, which means some minimum stay requirements might exist at some resorts. Expect perfect sunny days.
Key events: New Year's Day
February
The peak of Maldives high season, February is a superb time to visit, with gorgeous sunny days and clear waters for snorkeling and diving. Chinese New Year sees a brief but noticeable surge in tourist numbers.
Key events: Huravee Day
March
High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. When Easter falls in this month, expect price hikes for the European school holidays. Weather remains idyllic with perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving.
April
Start of low season still sees quite a few crowds, especially over the holidays in Europe. Room prices drop and the weather is less predictable as the rainy season begins, though the sea is at its warmest.
Key events: Martyrs' Day
May
Surf season begins in North and South Male Atolls, which sees surfers flocking to resorts and guesthouses with good access to the breaks. This is the coolest time of the year weatherwise. Whale shark spotting season begins.
Key events: Ramazan
June
Rainfalls are frequent in June, but clear skies are common and temperatures warm. Surf season continues in North & South Male Atoll and room rates remain low. Manta ray spotting season begins in the Northern Atolls.
Key events: Kuda Eid
July
Surf season begins in Gnaviyani Atoll, and there is a rise in visitors to coincide with the European summer holidays. The weather remains warm, but storms are not uncommon.
Key events: Independence Day
August
Despite being the rainy season, August is a busy month with school holidays in many countries. Surf season ends in Gnaviyani Atoll, but starts in Gaafu Dhaal and Addu Atoll, so many surfers simply move on.
Key events: Bodu Eid
September
This is the height of the rainy season and peak low season, September's a good time for surfers and travelers more interested in cultural exchange and activities than the perfect tan. Rain remains common, though temperatures average a pleasant 27°C.
October
The last month of the low season, October marks the end of the wet monsoon, but you can expect severe storms and highly unpredictable weather. The surf remains excellent across the country and accommodation prices are low.
Key events: National Day
November
November is shoulder season, when prices start to rise again, although weather is still unpredictable and can rain for days, even though it's hot and humid. Manta ray season comes to an end at Hanifaru Bay.
Key events: Victory Day; Republic Day; Prophet's Birthday
December
Although the weather isn't as predictable as in January, you can expect lots of sunshine, but little rain. The festive season, which brings with it surcharges and minimum stay requirements at some resorts, is a popular time for Europeans.
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