Located in Southern Asia according to Countryaah, the Maldives is a great destination. On the islands you can enjoy a holiday in a luxurious setting, relax on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters all year round. But when is the best time to travel to the Maldives? Read more about the climate of the Maldives below and see when is the best time for you to travel to the Maldives.
NOTE: This guide is for guidance only.
The climate of the Maldives
The Maldives are located at the equator about a thousand kilometers off the coast of Sri Lanka, so the islands have a tropical climate.
The average daytime temperature is 28-30 degrees all year round, and even at night the mercury drops by only a couple of degrees. The water temperature never drops below 28 degrees. The Maldives is therefore an excellent beach holiday destination all year round.
The climate in the Maldives is most affected by the Iruvai and Hulhangu monsoons, which divide the year into dry and rainy seasons.
Note, however, that the Maldives archipelago extends 800 km from north to south, so weather conditions may vary locally.
Dry season in the Maldives: December-April
The dry season runs from December to April and is caused by the warm and dry Iruvai Monsoon blowing over the Maldives from the northeast.
During the dry season, the humidity is lower and there is less rain than in the other months of the year. During the dry season, the sun shines for up to 10 hours a day, so if you dream of a sunny beach holiday on the stunning paradise beaches of the Maldives, the dry season is a great time to travel to the islands.
During the dry season, conditions are also optimal for diving and snorkelling trips on the coral reefs surrounding the archipelago, as the water is particularly clear and the visibility is excellent. Beneath the surface, you can spot sea turtles, tiger sharks and colorful tropical fish, among other things.
Note that the dry season begins in December, when rainfall is still statistically very likely. However, they usually hit the beginning of the month.
The dry season in the Maldives is characterized by:
- High temperatures, averaging 28-30 degrees
- Low humidity
- Up to 10 sunny hours every day
- Excellent water visibility, great diving and snorkeling opportunities
- High season, which can mean higher prices
Maldives rainy season: May-November
The rainy season in the Maldives runs from May to November.
The Maldivian rainy season is caused by a southwestern monsoon called Hulhangu. The monsoon brings with it intense but mostly short tropical showers. Rainfall usually comes in the evening or at noon, and the sun shines soon after the clouds have dissipated. During the rainy season, the humidity is a bit higher, but thanks to the refreshing wind from the sea, it doesn’t make you feel awkward.
Temperatures remain around 30 degrees even during the rainy season, and there are 6-8 sunny hours every day. Holidays in the Maldives are a bit cheaper during the rainy season than at other times of the year.
During the rainy season, tiger sharks are more likely to be seen as they come closer to the coast at this time of year. However, visibility below the surface is not as good as during the dry season, as the flows of the waters around the Maldives are weaker during the rainy season. If you want to see big devil outcrops, head to the islands between June and October.
The rainy season in the Maldives is characterized by:
- High temperatures, averaging 28-30 degrees
- Good diving and snorkeling conditions, rays and possibly also tiger sharks
- Higher humidity
- Tropical showers, after which the sun shines again
- 6-8 sunny hours a day
- Low season, which can mean lower prices
Want to travel to the white sandy beaches of the Maldives?
In the Maldives, wonderful beach experiences await you all year round. A trip to the Maldives is also great to combine with a tour of Sri Lanka .
