The Maldives is rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1,190 islands (or atolls), and all of them are incredibly charming, with blue lagoons, sandy beaches, and unique vegetation. It has everything for quality rest: peace and tranquility, beautiful nature, and a rich underwater world. And what's more, the level of service is considered one of the best in the world.
Weather in the Maldives
The climate of the paradisiacal islands is subequatorial, or tropical monsoon. Temperatures are similarly comfortable almost all year round, with no abrupt change in seasonality. However, even though the Maldives is a year-round destination, there are seasonal features. The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. The air temperature is around +30 during the day and +26 at night. Water is +26. Due to its proximity to the equator, the seasonal changes associated with the monsoon are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May through October), it rains more often and the weather is windier. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.
When is the high season in the Maldives?
If you can stand the heat even in the windiest weather, if you want to swim in the almost hot sea, sunbathe under the bright sun, then go to the Maldives in winter. From the end of November to mid-April, the weather on the islands is determined by north-easterly winds. The monsoon brings warm weather. Its blows are almost imperceptible and can't cause waves in the ocean. The air temperature during the day is +30. The water gets almost the same temperature, up to +28. It feels the best! Locals call this season "iruvari". Needless to say, during this period, there are a lot of travelers in the Maldives. Lower tour prices encourage many people to vacation during the rainy season (late April to November), which is fortunate because it is brief but abundant. During these months, it's only a couple of degrees cooler in the air and the water.
The best time to visit the Maldives is from December to March.
When is the low season in the Maldives?
The low season is when the weather here is dictated by tropical rains — from May to October. It never gets cold in the Maldives. The average annual temperature is about +27 and the air +30, so some travelers come here in the off-season or summer. Typically, the rains are short-lived. The only things that can cause inconvenience are strong waves and storm winds. The greatest number of days with such weather is in the period from mid-July to early August. This time, the Maldives are dominated by the southwest monsoon. If you choose the best time to vacation during the low season, it is likely to be May, September, or October. The rainy season will not be avoided, but a lot of pleasant experiences are still guaranteed. A huge bonus holiday in the Maldives' "off-season" is also very tempting. Sometimes, but not as often as we would like, travel agencies arrange unprecedented, generous attractions, selling tour packages with travel included below airfare. This, for example, may be due to the promotional activities of air carriers who are trying to achieve a full load of aircraft during a period of low demand. In general, if the Maldives is your long-held dream, you know that it is quite realistic.
The worst time to rest in the Maldives is from May to August.
Diving season in the Maldives
Maldives are the best destination for diving. Absolutely every Maldives island has diving centers. Diving brings a huge amount of money to the state. Thousands of diving enthusiasts from all over the world come here. And all because this place is famous for its dazzling beauty, coral gardens, a variety of marine life, more than 1000 kinds of fish, among which are whale sharks, as well as a variety of underwater grottos, caves, and the remains of wrecks. In summer, the idea of diving is a bad option because of the strong sea disturbance, which persists in the Maldives until September. In October, the visibility of the water leaves much to be desired because of the huge number of plankton. The best time to dive in the Indian Ocean is from January to April when the weather is calmest and the visibility is best. Keep in mind that the coastal waters of the Maldives are characterized by strong currents at any time of the year, so even if you consider yourself an experienced diver, it's better not to refuse the services of a qualified instructor.
Fishing season in the Maldives
Tired of the lazy rest on the beach? It's time to shake things up a bit, and that's where offshore fishing comes in. The underwater world of the Indian Ocean is the best and just teeming with trophy specimens. Be aware that shore fishing and underwater hunting in the archipelago are prohibited, so in any case, you will need to rent a dhoni or a yacht. Rich catches are guaranteed in the period from September to May when the weather promises the most favorable conditions for fishing.
Windsurfing season in Maldives
The Maldives is the best surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing destination for beginners and experts alike. Almost every beach has its own specialized school, but the true mecca of this water sport is the northern and southern atolls of Male. The water-skiing season opens in February, as soon as the constant light winds begin to blow. These are the best conditions for training beginner surfers. By May, the waves had gained enough strength to be dangerous. August is only suitable for experienced surfers, as the Maldives is buffeted by the southwest monsoon, which causes severe tropical storms. Surfing is also good in September and October, with stormy weather behind, but "good" waves persist. In November, the season comes to an end.
Wintertime in the Maldives
Winter in the Maldives is a climatic summer. It is the best season if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or are tired of cold, slush, and snow. Until the middle of the second decade of December, the islands enjoy gorgeous weather with clear, cloudless skies. After this date, however, the tranquility is interrupted by light ocean swells and chilly winds. Fortunately, the weather stabilizes in January, and from the middle of the month, there is complete calm on the water. Every day brings plenty of sunshine, and the calm ocean makes for a great beach holiday. The Maldives enjoys idyllic weather through the end of February, but the risk of storms increases at the end of winter.
Wintertime is the best season to visit the Maldives.
Springtime in the Maldives
March is one of the best months for a beach holiday in the Maldives. The northeast monsoon reigns supreme and the weather is sunny and dry. It rains more and more often in April, and it's quite hot and humid, up to +35. Holidaymakers, however, do not leave the Maldives: you can go scuba diving, underwater hunting, and fishing. The good news is that the price tag on travel at this time is noticeably lower. May is a transitional period from the dry season to the rainy season, but there are still a lot of travelers in this month. The weather is unpredictable: some days the ocean can be very stormy, and sometimes it is "limited" to a small swell; heavy rainfall falls mainly at night, but not excluded; and showers during daylight hours.
Summertime in the Maldives
The summer in the Maldives is quite hot, but the influence of the southwest monsoon, Hulganu, which is gaining good momentum by this time, affects the weather not in the best way. It brings tropical downpours, which usually last no more than 2-3 hours and occur in the afternoon and at night, as well as heavy disturbances in the ocean, which can sometimes cause storms. For divers and swimmers, this is a terrible experience, but for experienced surfers, it's probably the best time to practice the sport. The water in the summer is incredibly hot. By evening, the ocean water temperature gets a couple of degrees warmer than the air, so moonlight swims will be amazing in calm weather. The humidity in the islands is high at this time of year, but many travelers say that the weather is bearable thanks to the constant winds.
Autumn in Maldives
In September, the tropical rainy season continues, but there are no more violent storms. The swell in the ocean is still strong, so surfers get the most out of this month. The sand on the beaches dries up in a matter of hours, even after the longest downpour. Although the sky is overcast, you can get sunburned, so it's a good idea to wear a T-shirt during extended water activities. The sky clears and the ocean becomes calmer. This period is called Ata, so called by the ancient Aborigines. September in the Maldives is preferred by our compatriots, as prices for traveling are very attractive. In October it still rains, but mostly at night, and in the daytime there is mainly clear and quiet weather. November marks the beginning of the dry season under the monsoon Iruwai. This does not mean that there is no rainfall at all; it just rains less intensely and for a long time.
Festivals and events in the Maldives
The main holidays in the Maldives are of a patriotic and religious nature. The biggest celebrations are on Independence Day, the 26th of July, when islanders celebrate the long-awaited break from Britain's protectorate and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of Rabia al-Awwal, Nation's Day celebrates the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by Mohammed Thakurufanu's troops. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated. The end of the holy month of Ramadan marks Uraza Bayram, three days of abundant meals, visits, and other festivities. In 70 days, Eid al-Adha begins with the traditional divine services and sacrifices. November 3 is Victory Day. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to mark the Islamic New Year. December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day, with festivals and noisy fairs. On New Year (January 1) and Christmas (December 25), adored by foreign travelers, there are colorful celebrations in hotels and on the streets of cities: the degree of fun depends on the thickness of the purse.
