Maldives Weather

The Maldives enjoys a maritime climate with warm temperatures all year round of 26-32°C (that's 80-90°F). The sea is also warm throughout the year, typically 28°C (82°F) even at a depth of 30m!

There are two seasons in the Maldives - the dry season and the wet season.

• The dry season generally runs from December to April.
• The wet season is from May to November.

Monsoons

Seasons in the Maldives are primarily driven by the direction the wind blows in a phenomenon known as the monsoon.

In the dry season the rain-bearing wind blows north-east, away from the Maldives. During the wet season the winds reverse and blow south-west, bringing the rains into the Maldives.

Whilst many people refer to the wet season as 'monsoon season' both the dry and wet seasons are phases of the monsoon weather pattern. The dry season is the northeast monsoon and the wet season the southwest monsoon.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

In terms of weather, the dry season is December to April.

This gives you the best chance of bright, clear skies for the duration of your holiday and minimal disruption to travel and activities. The dry season is generally the more expensive time to visit due to demand.

There are also advantages to visiting during the wet season!

Not only is it cheaper, but it's also the best time to see manta rays and whale sharks in the Maldives, particularly in Hanifaru Bay.

Both seasons are worth experiencing, and the best weather really depends on what matters most to you.