the Maldives
The best time to visit
When to go to the Maldives
Go 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 links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
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.
Month by month
the Maldives month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Male.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 75 mm | Ideal 86 | Hot with a little rain. Male hotels in January |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 40 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. Male hotels in February |
| March | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 55 mm | Ideal 89 | Hot with a little rain. Male hotels in March |
| April | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 120 mm | Great 68 | Hot and wet. |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 220 mm | Good 46 | Hot and very wet. |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 180 mm | Good 53 | Hot and wet. |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 150 mm | Good 57 | Hot and wet. |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 175 mm | Good 53 | Hot and wet. |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 200 mm | Good 50 | Hot and wet. |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 195 mm | Good 50 | Hot and wet. |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 210 mm | Good 48 | Hot and wet. |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 215 mm | Good 48 | Hot and wet. |
By region
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.
Go for
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.
On the calendar
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.
Rainy season
May to Dec.
Where to stay
Where to stay in the Maldives
Compare hotels and rentals around Male, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
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
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