Maldives travel guide
The Maldives in May has highs near 31°C, lows near 26°C and about 220 mm of rain. Southwest monsoon begins; lower prices and intermittent heavy showers. Prices are generally lower, but weather and transfers are less predictable. Check forecasts and keep a flexible day.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
Southwest monsoon begins; lower prices and intermittent heavy showers.
This guide explains what the Maldives is like in May: the weather, how busy it is, what to plan and who the month suits. Figures are typical values from our destination research, not forecasts, so check a forecast before you travel. Use it with our Maldives travel guide and the best time to visit the Maldives page.
May brings the start of the southwest monsoon. Rain reaches about 220 mm, one of the highest figures of the year, and showers can be heavy but intermittent. Temperatures stay warm, at about 26°C to 31°C, and humidity is about 82 percent. Daytime highs reach about 31°C and lows about 26°C, so the sea and air stay warm. Travellers report that May rain can be brief but heavy, and that overcast spells and rough seas can delay seaplane and speedboat transfers. Those who go say that a spa, a book and a relaxed schedule made the days work. Lower prices are the main draw.
May suits value-minded couples and travellers who are relaxed about rain. It is less suited to families who rely on calm seas for children's swimming, or to anyone who wants fixed excursion days. Many travellers underestimate the monsoon, so go with flexible expectations.
April has about 130 mm of rain (90 mm drier than May), with highs near 32°C. June has about 190 mm of rain (30 mm drier than May), with highs near 30°C. Read the neighbouring guides for April and June before you fix your dates. For the full season view, see the best time to visit the Maldives.
A resort close to Malé keeps transfers short, which lowers weather risk. A local-island guesthouse is a lower-cost option, though boat trips depend on conditions. Our Maldives Water Villa Honeymoon 4N and Maldives Family Resort 4N show how a resort stay is built, and the Maldives Budget Island Stay 3N shows the local-island option. Check the cost drivers in Maldives trip cost and choose your base in places to visit in the Maldives.
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.
Not necessarily, but it is wet. About 220 mm of rain falls, and seas can be rough. Prices are lower, so it suits flexible travellers who accept weather risk.
Often yes, between showers, especially on a sheltered house reef. Visibility and sea conditions vary, so ask the resort each morning and keep one spare day.
Daytime highs are about 31°C and night-time lows about 26°C in our research figures. These are typical values, not forecasts, so check the weather before you travel.
About 220 mm for the month in our figures. Southwest monsoon begins; lower prices and intermittent heavy showers. Rain often comes in showers, so plan flexible days for excursions.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection and a light rain layer. Bring extra rain cover and a waterproof pouch. Dress modestly on local islands and in Malé.
Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming. A trip expert builds a day-by-day plan with prices that you can change.
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