gowhereandwhen.comGo in the dry season, December to April, for sunny skies, calm seas and the best diving and snorkelling. The wet season, May to November, is hotter and windier with more rain, but it brings cheaper stays, fewer crowds and the best surf.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Male. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
The Maldives is a string of low coral atolls on the equator, warm all year, with two monsoon-driven seasons. The month ratings track Male, where the dry northeast monsoon from December to April brings the sunniest skies, calmest water and clearest diving, the peak resort season.
The wet southwest monsoon from May to November is hotter and windier with more frequent rain, though it often falls in short bursts and the resorts run at a fraction of the price. It also brings the swell that makes the Maldives a surfing destination.
the Maldives month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Male.
JanuaryHot with a little rainIdeal 86
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Hot with a little rain.
FebruaryHot and dryIdeal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Hot and dry.
MarchHot with a little rainIdeal 89
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Hot with a little rain.
AprilHot and wet.Great 68
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Hot and wet.
MayHot and very wet.Good 46
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 220 mm
Hot and very wet.
JuneHot and wet.Good 53
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 180 mm
Hot and wet.
JulyHot and wet.Good 57
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 150 mm
Hot and wet.
AugustHot and wet.Good 53
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 175 mm
Hot and wet.
SeptemberHot and wet.Good 50
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
Hot and wet.
OctoberHot and wet.Good 50
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 195 mm
Hot and wet.
NovemberHot and wet.Good 48
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 210 mm
Hot and wet.
DecemberHot and wet.Good 48
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 215 mm
Hot and wet.
Where you go changes when you go
The atolls and resort islands
Hundreds of resort islands at their sunniest and calmest from December to April, the peak season.
Diving and snorkelling
Year round in warm water, with the clearest visibility in the dry season and manta and whale-shark hotspots that shift with the monsoon.
Male and the local islands
The compact capital and the budget-friendly local islands, hot and humid year round.
Best time to visit the Maldives for
Beaches and honeymoons
December to April for the sunniest skies, calmest lagoons and the classic postcard weather.
Diving and snorkelling
The dry season for the clearest water, though manta and whale sharks can be found year round around the right atolls.
Surfing
May to October, when the southwest monsoon sends the best swell to the Maldivian breaks.
Low season
The wet season, May to November, for much lower resort prices and fewer crowds.
What is on, and when
Dry season, Dec to Apr
Calm lagoons and clear skies make this the prime time for the overwater villas.
Manta and whale sharks
Mantas and whale sharks gather around the atolls, the hotspots shifting with the monsoon.
Watch out
Rainy season
May to Dec.
Where to stay in the Maldives
Compare places to stay around Male. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit the Maldives?
Is the wet season a bad time for the Maldives?
When is the best time to see manta rays and whale sharks?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.
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