Best Time to Visit the Maldives: A Month-by-Month Guide
The Maldives is beautiful year-round — but the experience varies significantly by season. Here is exactly when to go, and why.
The Short Answer
The Maldives sits just north of the equator, which means it enjoys a tropical climate year-round with water temperatures between 27°C and 30°C. There is no truly "bad" time to visit, but there is a significant difference between the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October).
The Dry Season: November to April
This is peak season in the Maldives. The northeast monsoon (locally called Iruvai) brings dry, sunny weather, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility. Expect blue skies, light winds, and near-perfect conditions for snorkelling and diving.
Best months: December, January, February, and March are the most reliably beautiful.
What to expect: High occupancy at resorts, peak pricing, and advance booking required — especially over Christmas and New Year, when rates can be 30–50% higher than the rest of the year.
Pro tip: Book at least 6–9 months in advance for December and January travel. The best overwater villas at top resorts sell out first.
The Wet Season: May to October
The southwest monsoon (Hulhangu) brings increased rainfall, higher humidity, and rougher seas in some parts of the country. But "wet season" is somewhat misleading — rain typically falls in short, intense bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Many days are still sunny.
The upside: Significantly lower rates (often 20–40% cheaper), fewer tourists, and lush green vegetation across the islands. Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay sees its famous manta ray aggregations peak between June and November — the best manta ray diving in the world.
What to expect: Some rougher sea days, occasional storm systems, but also long stretches of beautiful weather. Speedboat transfers can be bumpy.
Month by Month
November
One of the best months to visit. The wet season is winding down, prices are still relatively accessible, and the weather is beginning to settle. Excellent underwater visibility.December and January
Peak season. Perfect weather, calm seas, maximum sunshine. Also the most expensive time of year. Book 9–12 months in advance for Christmas and New Year.February and March
Still peak season with excellent conditions. Slightly cheaper than December/January. Ideal for combining a Maldives stay with a Sri Lanka or India extension.April
Transition month. Weather remains mostly good but humidity starts to rise. Good value if you can be flexible.May and June
Early wet season. Rain increases but manta rays begin arriving at Hanifaru Bay. Resorts offer excellent deals.July and August
European summer holidays bring a surge in family bookings. Rates rise slightly compared to May/June but still well below peak. Good for families.September and October
The quietest months of the year. Lowest rates, fewest tourists, and some resorts offer incredible promotions. Weather is more unpredictable but still often beautiful.Our Honest Advice
Do not let "wet season" put you off. Some of our most satisfied clients have travelled in June or September and had flawless holidays at a fraction of the peak price. The Maldives is a forgiving destination — even a rainy afternoon is spectacular when you are in an overwater villa above a turquoise lagoon.
If your dates are flexible, we always recommend discussing timing with our team. We can advise based on the specific resort you are considering and current availability.
Have questions about timing your trip? Reach out to us at maldives@resortlife.travel — we have been doing this since 2006 and know these islands intimately.