Maldives travel guide
The best time to visit the Maldives is December to April, the driest and sunniest period, with February often the driest month at about 50 mm of rain. Highs stay near 30°C to 32°C all year. May to October is the wetter southwest monsoon, with lower prices but less predictable seas. November and April are transitional months.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25° to 30°C | 80 mm |
| Feb | 25° to 30°C | 50 mm |
| Mar | 26° to 31°C | 70 mm |
| Apr | 27° to 32°C | 130 mm |
| May | 26° to 31°C | 220 mm |
| Jun | 26° to 30°C | 190 mm |
| Jul | 25° to 30°C | 150 mm |
| Aug | 25° to 30°C | 190 mm |
| Sep | 25° to 30°C | 220 mm |
| Oct | 25° to 30°C | 220 mm |
| Nov | 25° to 30°C | 200 mm |
| Dec | 25° to 30°C | 170 mm |
The Maldives is warm all year, so temperature hardly decides the trip. Rain, wind and sea conditions do. The year splits into a drier northeast season and a wetter southwest monsoon, and that split affects prices, excursions and seaplane or speedboat transfers. This guide explains each season, month by month, and who should travel when.
December to April is generally the driest and sunniest period, and many travellers narrow the sweet spot to January to March for calm seas and clear skies. These months suit beaches, diving, snorkelling and water sports. They are also the most in demand, so prices rise and good villas sell out early. If you travel then, book early and ask for a transfer-inclusive quote.
Read the detail for each month in our guides to January, February, March and December.
Not always, but travellers often underestimate it. The southwest monsoon, roughly mid-May to November, brings brief rain, but also overcast spells, rough seas and delayed seaplane or speedboat transfers. Prices are lower, and some travellers enjoy sunshine between showers. If you go, keep a flexible day, avoid tight connections and choose a resort close to Malé. Surfing and diving windows exist in some months.
Honeymooners and divers tend to prefer January to April. Families benefit from the calm season, because children's swimming and excursions are more reliable. Budget travellers often choose May to October, and they also gain from lower resort rates. Couples who want a quiet stay may like the shoulder months of November and April. Travellers going to remote atolls should add extra weather buffers.
Christmas and New Year create the highest demand, so prices and minimum stays can rise. February to April also command strong demand. Reserve early, and ask for the total including transfers instead of room-only prices. Our Maldives Water Villa Honeymoon 4N and Maldives Family Resort 4N are easiest to book when you choose dates early.
Weather affects seaplanes and speedboats. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so a late international arrival may need a night near Malé or another transfer. In the monsoon, add a buffer day before your flight home, particularly when you stay on a local island and depend on boats. Read how to reach the Maldives for transfer details.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather figures are typical values, not forecasts, so check a forecast before you travel.
Choose your base in places to visit in the Maldives, see what to do in things to do in the Maldives, and check costs in Maldives trip cost. Return to the Maldives travel guide or browse Maldives tour packages.
Ready-made trips
Maafushi 3N
Malé Atoll resort 4N
Malé Atoll resort 4N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Maldives.
December to April is generally driest and sunniest, and January to March is often the most settled. February is usually the driest month. Expect higher prices and strong demand, especially around Christmas, New Year and February to April.
May to October often offers lower resort rates because of the southwest monsoon. September is among the wetter months and is good for discounts. Rain and sea conditions are less predictable, so allow flexibility.
Yes. Daytime highs are about 30°C to 32°C in every month, and night-time lows are about 25°C to 27°C. Humidity stays around 79 to 83 percent. The main difference between seasons is rain and wind.
February is usually the driest month, with about 50 mm of rain in our research figures. March and January follow with about 70 mm and 80 mm. Dry months still allow occasional showers.
Yes. Resort travel remains possible, and prices are lower. Expect more rain, wind and possible transfer delays. Keep a flexible day, avoid tight flight connections and choose a resort close to Malé.
Christmas and New Year have the highest demand, and February to April also command strong demand. Book early, confirm the transfer type and ask for a total including transfers instead of room-only prices.
January to April suit honeymoons because the weather is driest and the seas calmer. Prices are higher then, so book early. Our honeymoon package is built around a water villa and a sunset cruise.
April is hot, with highs near 32°C and about 130 mm of rain. It is a transitional month with good weather but occasional showers, and demand is easing. It suits travellers who want dry-season conditions with fewer crowds.
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