Best Time to Visit The Maldives: Month-by-Month Guide

Best Time to Visit The Maldives 2026: Month-by-Month Guide

The best time to visit the Maldives is November to April — the dry season with calm seas, clear water, and reliable sunshine. May to October is rainy but 30-50% cheaper.

Quick Answer

The best time to visit the Maldives is November to April — the dry season with calm seas, clear water, and reliable sunshine. May to October is rainy but 30-50% cheaper.

The Maldives Travel Seasons Breakdown

November-April (Dry Season)

Best Time

Calm seas, clear water visibility (30+ meters), reliable sunshine, water sports peak. December-March = highest prices + crowds.

May-October (Wet Season)

Shoulder

Rain comes in short tropical bursts (1-2 hours daily). Water visibility 15-20m. Best surfing waves June-August. 30-50% lower resort rates.

August-November (Manta Season)

Best Time

Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll) — manta + whale shark encounters peak August-November.

March-May (Whale Shark Season)

Best Time

South Ari Atoll whale sharks year-round but peak March-May. Best dive trips this window.

Month-by-Month Weather + Crowd Guide

Month | Temperature | What to Expect
Jan | 27°C | Dry, peak season, high prices, jellyfish-free
Feb | 28°C | Dry, peak season, surfing average, perfect honeymoon month
Mar | 29°C | Dry, peak ending, whale shark season starts
Apr | 29°C | Last dry month, transition begins late April
May | 29°C | Wet season starts, prices drop 30-40%, occasional rain
Jun | 28°C | Surfing peaks, mid-monsoon, value pricing
Jul | 28°C | Surf + value, occasional 2-3 day storms
Aug | 28°C | Manta + whale shark peak, lowest prices
Sep | 28°C | Wet but warm + manta season, value pricing
Oct | 28°C | Wet but warm, fewer crowds, manta season
Nov | 28°C | Wet ending, prices start climbing, transition month
Dec | 27°C | Dry, peak Christmas crowds + highest prices

Planning your The Maldives trip? See our The Maldives travel guide, visa requirements, trip cost breakdown, or the ultimate bucket list.

The Maldives Best Time FAQ

What is the best month to visit the Maldives?

February or March — peak dry season with reliable sunshine, calm seas, and ideal water clarity. December-January are peak crowds + prices.

Is the Maldives worth visiting in the rainy season?

Yes — May to October offers 30-50% cheaper rates and surf/manta seasons. Rain comes in short bursts, not all-day. Visibility slightly lower but still 15-20m.

What month is cheapest to visit the Maldives?

August-October — heart of monsoon. Resort rates often 40-50% off peak. Risk: occasional 2-3 day storms.

When is manta ray + whale shark season in the Maldives?

Mantas peak August-November at Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll). Whale sharks year-round at South Ari Atoll but peak March-May.

Is December a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes for weather (dry, calm). No for budget — Christmas + New Year see 2-3x normal resort rates. Book 6-12 months ahead.

How is the weather in the Maldives?

Tropical year-round — air temperature 27-30°C all 12 months. Water 27-29°C year-round. Difference is rainfall + wind, not temperature.

When can you see Northern Lights in the Maldives?

Never — the Maldives is on the equator. For Northern Lights, visit Iceland (Sep-Apr) or Norway (Nov-Mar).