Best Travel Time & Climate
The Maldives have a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons. The water temperature is 27–30 °C year-round — bathtub temperature is the norm here.
The two monsoon seasons
- Northeast Monsoon (Iruvai) — November to April: The dry season and best travel time. Blue skies, little rain, excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling (up to 40 meters). December to March is peak season — prices rise by 30–100%, resorts are fully booked.
- Southwest Monsoon (Hulhangu) — May to October: The rainy season. More clouds, more frequent rain (often short, heavy showers), stronger swells. But: Greener islands, dramatic cloud formations, 30–50% cheaper prices, fewer tourists, and the best time for manta sightings (Hanifaru Bay, June–November). Surfers prefer this season.
Climate Table Maldives
| Month | Air °C | Water °C | Rainy Days | Sun Hours | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29–31 | 28 | 4 | 9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| February | 30–32 | 28 | 3 | 10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| March | 30–32 | 29 | 4 | 9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| April | 31–33 | 30 | 7 | 8 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| May | 30–32 | 29 | 12 | 7 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| June | 29–31 | 28 | 13 | 6 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| July | 29–31 | 28 | 11 | 6 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| August | 29–31 | 28 | 11 | 7 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| September | 29–31 | 28 | 13 | 7 | ⭐⭐ |
| October | 29–31 | 28 | 14 | 7 | ⭐⭐ |
| November | 29–31 | 28 | 9 | 7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| December | 29–31 | 28 | 6 | 8 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Tipp
The off-season (May–October) is the insider tip for budget travelers. The rain showers rarely last longer than an hour, and then the sun returns. Many resorts offer "Stay 5 Pay 3" deals during this time — luxury at half the price.
Achtung
In the peak season (Christmas to New Year), many resorts require a minimum stay of 7–10 nights and charge surcharges of 50–100%. Those who are flexible should book in early January or late November — similar good weather, significantly lower prices.
