Maldives
Maldives · Asia
Maldives – What you should know
The Maldives lie in the Indian Ocean close to the equator — and the climate is correspondingly tropical and constant. Year-round temperatures typically sit between 27°C and 29°C, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean average 28–30°C. For beach holidays and snorkelling, there are few better conditions anywhere in the world.
The Maldives also have a monsoon season: the south-west monsoon from May to October brings more cloud, wind and occasional heavy showers. The underwater world barely suffers, however — diving and snorkelling are superb year-round. Visibility underwater is often especially good during the monsoon, as fewer tourists frequent the reef.
The best travel time for beach holidays and calm seas is November to April — with the peak from December to March. The Maldives are also at their most expensive and most visited then, however. For those willing to compromise: May and October are considered insider tips — still relatively good weather at significantly lower prices.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXMax Temp | 31° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 31° |
MINMin Temp | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 27° |
☀️Sunshine | 9h | 9h | 9h | 9h | 7h | 9h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 29° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 29° |
🌧Rain Days | 3d59mm | 2d18mm | 4d47mm | 5d93mm | 11d170mm | 7d77mm | 8d107mm | 8d143mm | 8d117mm | 10d145mm | 10d144mm | 8d136mm |
Best travel time
The best time to visit Maldives is January, February, March, April, June, July, and September. In summer, temperatures rise to 32°C; in winter they can drop to 27°C. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Travel Tips
December offers great weather in Maldives with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Maldives?
- The best time to visit Maldives is January, February, March, April, June, July, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Maldives?
- In summer, temperatures in Maldives can reach up to 32°C. In winter, they may drop to 27°C.
- How much rain does Maldives get?
- Maldives has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, March, April, June, July, and September.
- How warm is the water in Maldives?
- Water temperature in Maldives ranges from 28°C (January) to 30°C (April). During the best travel months (January, February, March, April, June, July, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JanFebMar
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebDec
