Weather & Climate

Ideally located close to the equator, the Maldives experiences warm tropical weather throughout the year. Even during the rainy season, along with overcast skies and occasional torrential downpours, visitors will still be able to catch a few hours of sunshine everyday.

Situated on the monsoon belt of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is subjected to two distinct seasons annually. The northeast monsoon or the dry season usually arrives in December, and lasts until March or April. During these months, there is a significant drop in humidity, paving the way for beautiful tropical warm weather. This is the time of the year where the Maldives truly sets the stage for sun seekers and beach fanatics. The temperatures average between 30°C – 33°C, with the water temperatures varying between 28°C to 29°C, perfect for water sports activities.

The southwest monsoon or the wet season arrives around May and lasts till November. The prevailing winds from the southwest blows in moisture-rich air from the Indian Ocean, summoning strong winds and occasional tropical storms over the islands. This is felt the most in the southern atolls, which brings in an annual rainfall of around 3,800 millimeters. Occasionally, the Maldives is affected by tropical cyclones which pass through the Bay of Bengal. However, even when they do come to pass, the effects are usually short lived.

The weather pattern experienced in the Maldives has a significant influence on the currents, which in turn influences activities such as diving. Visibility and the composition of marine life changes based on the seasons. For instance, during the southwest monsoon, diving is generally better in the western side of the atolls, and during the dry season, it tends to be more rewarding on the eastern side. These are some points to consider when planning your stay in the Maldives, especially those seeking to explore the underwater world of this tropical wonderland.

So what’s the best time to visit? There truly isn’t a bad time to visit the Maldives. Spend your Christmas in the tropics on a sun soaked beach in December or experience the coming of the Mantas in June. Perhaps missing out on the glorious non-stop sunshine in December may not be such a bad thing either, as the Months from May onwards until November with the exception of August are accounted as the low season, with lower prices. For the price conscious traveler, these may be the best months to consider a vacation to the Maldives.