When is the best month to visit the Maldives
If you’re thinking of treating yourself to an incredible holiday in the Maldives, you might be wondering when would be the best time to visit. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best months to visit the Maldives - depending on your preferences and budget - and provide useful information to help you decide.
Whether you’re planning an idyllic Maldives honeymoon or a relaxing retreat for a special occasion, the Maldives has so much to offer at any time of year. With 200 inhabited islands, you’ll be spoiled for choice and always be able to find tranquillity by the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean.
Many of our holidays to the Maldives include other destinations such as Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Singapore and Sri Lanka. There are also all-inclusive deals for the Maldives only if you’d rather just chill out completely and make the most of this spectacular part of the world.
For most people, the biggest decision is not whether they want to visit, but rather when the best month to travel to the Maldives is. Regardless of which month you choose, you’ll return home feeling fully refreshed, recharged and rejuvenated.
And with deposits from only £49pp, there’s never been a better time to book your holiday to the Maldives and start counting the days till departure.
January - start your new year in style
Beat the January blues by visiting the Maldives at the beginning of the new year. Your trip could be a late Christmas treat for you and your partner or a highly anticipated honeymoon. Escaping the cold, dark days and nights in the UK could be just the ticket and make sure you set the right tone for the months ahead.
January is one of the most popular months to visit the Maldives. This is because of the high water visibility - great for snorkelling and scuba diving. In addition, the temperatures average around 27 degrees Celsius, the humidity is generally low, and there’s an abundance of sunshine.
If you’re looking for a quiet time to spend a holiday in one of the many luxury resorts, January is probably not the best month to visit. Having said that, with over 200 inhabited islands, you don’t have to venture far to find an exclusive spot where you can put your feet up and enjoy your own little piece of tropical paradise.
If an all-inclusive holiday to the Maldives sounds like a great way to kick-start your new year, be sure to contact us soon, as these breaks are always popular.
February - unbeatable island romance
There aren’t many more romantic destinations worldwide than the Maldives. So when you’re looking to book a Valentine’s Day escape with a difference, strolling along deserted white sandy beaches hand-in-hand and watching the sun going down as you enjoy a delicious dinner on the beach are hard to beat.
The beaches at Dhigurah Island and Fulhadhoo Island are particularly stunning. We’d highly recommend these when you’re looking for the ultimate show-stopping romantic location - perhaps for a memorable marriage proposal down on one knee?
February is the driest month in the Maldives, so you’re likely to get around 10 hours of serene sunshine every day of your stay. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are still crystal clear, so you can choose to marvel at them from the beach or immerse yourself in the various water sports on offer. Depending on where you’re staying, there may also be shipwrecks to explore, and February is a great time of year to do this.
February is still part of the peak season for holidays in the Maldives, so booking early is vital to avoid disappointment. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular holiday destination with travellers from all over the world.
March - a warm welcome awaits you in the Maldives
The temperature in the Maldives starts to rise in March, making it typically the hottest month of the year. This means the ocean is wonderfully warm too. Perfect for paddling, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. Highs of 30 degrees are not unusual, so it pays to plan your day accordingly and avoid being out in the sun for long periods when it’s at its hottest.
March also marks the start of the surfing season in the Maldives. So whether you’re experienced out on the waves or just want to try surfing for the first time, there’s no better place than in the Indian Ocean, with the incredible islands of the Maldives as your backdrop.
If you’re staying near Malé and want to find a cooler environment to enjoy a spot of lunch, you could visit Sultan Park and have a nice picnic in the shade. The park also provides a nice change of scenery if you’ve been spending a lot of time on the beach or in the water.
There are also two bustling local markets which sell a huge variety of fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and other local delights that are well worth trying.
April - imagine an Easter break in paradise
You may not be able to escape April showers completely in the Maldives during April, particularly as the month goes on, but they typically don’t last very long. And because the weather’s so hot, you’ll probably either be under a nice big beach umbrella in the shade or enjoying yourself in the Indian Ocean anyway.
Of course, Easter is a traditional time of year to get away, so it’s wise to make your plans early so you can stay in your preferred resort. Your holiday can spring into life with a spot of dolphin watching, island-hopping or even a thrilling seaplane tour so you can see many of the islands from the air.
The weather is still fantastic in April, with temperatures peaking in the low 30s. That’s why April is one of the best months to visit the Maldives. There’s not much of a dip in overnight temperatures, so the air conditioning in your all-inclusive accommodation will definitely be needed.
With the surfing season also in full swing and the waters still crystal clear, much of your time might be spent immersed in the water. So look forward to an Easter break in paradise and combine the natural beauty of the Maldives with an exciting trip to Dubai to experience some of the finest shopping in the world.
May - immerse yourself in the Indian Ocean
May marks the official start of the wet season in the Maldives, but don’t let that put you off. There’s still usually around a good eight hours of sunshine every day, and the temperature is usually around 30 degrees.
Because this is not the most popular time to visit the islands, you may get a better deal on your all-inclusive honeymoon or romantic holiday to the Maldives. The water isn’t quite as clear as earlier in the year for scuba diving and snorkelling due to the increased plankton. However, there are many other water sports to try, including paddleboarding, paragliding or an exhilarating jet ski ride.
May is also the time of year when the whale shark spotting season starts. These incredible creatures can weigh up to 19,000kg when fully grown but aren’t a danger to humans. They’re also the largest shark type so spotting one in the wild is a real thrill and an unforgettable experience.
When you want a change of scenery and a little bit of culture in cooler surroundings, the National Art Gallery in Malé showcases a fine selection of vibrant works from local artists.
June - meet the Manta Rays
While June is generally one of the drier months in the UK, it’s usually one of the months with the most rainfall in the Maldives. There’s still lots of sparkling sunshine to enjoy, and the weather is so warm. If you do get caught in a shower, you’ll dry off in no time or can just dive into the Indian Ocean for a leisurely swim in the terrific turquoise waters.
If you’re staying in a luxury resort and have access to an overwater bungalow, there will be plenty of other things to do if the weather isn’t perfect for a short time during the day. As well as whale sharks, manta rays are out in force during June. The larger species of these fantastic fish can grow up to 7 metres in width, so they're easy to spot when you’re in the water. And just like whale sharks, you’re perfectly safe around manta rays, despite their intimidating size.
As June is typically a bit quieter in the Maldives, you can grab yourself a bargain with Viva Holidays and have an even more relaxing time on the beach and in your resort. Picture yourself relaxing by the pool without a care in the world and looking forward to another perfect evening under the stars with the one you love.
July - discover the idyllic islands
An all-inclusive honeymoon to the Maldives is the perfect way to unwind after celebrating your big day with family and friends. And like June, July is one of the quieter months to visit because of the increased likelihood of showers. You’re still guaranteed several hours of sunshine every day, though and the weather is still usually much better than it would be back home in the UK.
July might not be the perfect month if you’re looking for a beach holiday and nothing else. However, there are lots of other things to see and do in the Maldives, and with high humidity and temperatures in the middle of the day, you may prefer to be in the water or enjoy a boat ride to neighbouring islands. For an extra special experience, you could also stop off at one of the many mini-islands, which are sand banks protruding out from the water. These are great places to soak up some sunshine and fully appreciate the beauty of your natural surroundings.
July 26th is Independence Day in the Maldives, with lots of parades and celebrations throughout the islands to mark the occasion. Call us now to get a great deal on your summer holiday in the Maldives.
August - take to the warm turquoise waters
August is typically a hot and humid month in the Maldives with more risk of heavy showers. That shouldn’t put you off though, because the country still averages around seven hours of sunshine every day. In addition, The temperatures range from the mid to high 20s, and the sea temperatures are typically the same, so there will be no shock to the system or shivering here when you first dip your toe in the turquoise waters.
You can expect many resorts to be quieter as August isn't the peak tourist season in the Maldives. And because of this, you may be able to grab an even bigger bargain when you book with Viva Holidays.
If you decide to visit in late summer, you might have the opportunity to witness the Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island while Maldives island-hopping. This natural phenomenon occurs when a chemical reaction takes place in the phytoplankton, which causes them to give off an amazing neon-blue glow. This display depends on the right conditions being in place, so there are no guarantees, but if you are lucky enough to witness it, it’s something that will stay with you forever.
September - it’s time to prolong your summer
As summer fades and the leaves start to fall from the trees, you can escape to the Maldives for another week or two of blissfully warm sunshine. You can expect a bit of rainfall for sure, but there’s so much more to the country than lying on the beach for hours, as amazing as that can be.
The average temperature is significantly higher than in the UK at this time of year at around 27 degrees. September is still great for surfing in many parts of the country. While the visibility in the water may not be as good as earlier in the year, the water’s still enticingly warm, and there are lots of other sports and activities you can try out.
When you’re staying at a luxury resort, you can, of course, always pamper yourself if the heavens open and the rain starts to fall for a little while. Getting a spa treatment, for example, is a wonderful way to unwind and release any tension you may have from before your holiday. Attending a yoga class is another great way to improve your overall wellbeing. And, if you have an overwater bungalow, a spot of meditation while listening to the waves below will be a calming experience in stunning surroundings.
October - a welcome break to recharge your batteries
October is traditionally the wettest month in the Maldives. However, there are still many great reasons to visit. The temperatures on land and in the sea remain warm. It’s the last month of surfing season and also the last time of year you can expect to see the majestic whale sharks and manta rays.
Even when the weather isn't perfect, you can still enjoy a wonderful holiday here. Cooking classes, sailing trips, resort entertainment and spa/wellbeing treatments will keep you busy between trips to the pool and the beach.
When you’re looking to recharge your batteries after a busy summer and before the festive season gets underway, an effortlessly relaxing and rejuvenating resort holiday to the Maldives could be just what you need.
October is another fairly quiet month in terms of visitor numbers, so if you’d like to get away from it all and take things as easy as possible, it could be the perfect time for you to go. Our holiday team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about things to see and do in the Maldives during October.
November - an exciting time to explore
When the clocks go back an hour in the UK, you might feel you need a dose of brighter weather to help get you through until Christmas. However, November is considered the start of the peak holiday season in the Maldives, so it’s best to plan your break well in advance.
November is also when the rainy season officially ends, so while there might be the occasional shower, these tend to last only a short time. As the waters of the Indian Ocean start to clear, the visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling improves significantly, opening up a whole new world of exploration beneath the waves. For example, many resorts have their own reefs, giving you a unique view of marine life and the corals.
If you want to witness an important celebration, Republic Day is on the 11th of November. This public holiday sees a colourful parade in the streets of the capital, Malé. The day marks the anniversary of the country changing from a monarchy to a republic on the 11th of November, 1968.
The local nightlife also comes to life again in November with bar-hopping and clubbing. And when you want a more chilled-out experience, a sunset cruise more than fits the bill.
December - a dream destination full of joy
The weather gets hotter and drier as December progresses. So whether you’d like a completely different type of Christmas or a stress-free holiday to look forward to afterwards, the Maldives is an unbeatable destination.
And when you combine your long, lazy days on the beach with a twin-centre holiday, you’ll experience a whole host of new sights, sounds and attractions all in one trip.
With temperatures rarely dipping below 25 degrees Celsius, heading off to the Maldives and leaving the chilly UK days behind is a wise move for your wellbeing. There’s an abundance of beaches to choose from, depending on where you’re staying. And they’re all perfect with pure white sand for as far as the eye can see and delightful dancing palm trees. That’s why December is one of the best months to visit the Maldives.
You’re guaranteed a warm and hospitable welcome at your resort, and you’ll want for nothing. So round off your year in unforgettable fashion with a Maldives trip delivered by Viva Holidays. December doesn’t have to mean woolly hats, winter jackets, gloves and scarves; you could be enjoying every moment of island life in your swimwear.
So there you have it - a quick overview of holidaying in the Maldives month by month. Now you’ve got more information at your fingertips, when would you like to go? There’s no such thing as a bad time to visit. The temperature on land and in the water is always great, and experiencing the sunshine, sound of the waves, and soft sand beneath your feet will feel like a wonderful dream each and every day of your stay.
Maybe a summer honeymoon destination is what you’re looking for, or perhaps the perfect winter escape to leave the cold weather at home behind. Whatever your reasons for considering the Maldives, we’ll ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime.
If you’ve never booked with Viva Holidays before, our peace of mind guarantee and Trustpilot reviews provide plenty of great reasons to trust us with the holiday of your dreams to the marvellous Maldives.
Here’s what one recent customer had to say about their experience with us: “This is the 3rd time booking with Viva Holidays, and each time the process has been excellent. On this occasion, Andrew was spot-on with everything, and the quote was very competitive. On all occasions, the staff have been courteous and polite, and the communication has been excellent. I would definitely recommend this company and use them again!” Jasmine Roff
Whether you’re planning to travel in peak season or when things are a bit quieter, it’s best not to delay, as the Maldives is one of our most popular holiday destinations. And it’s easy to see why.
Don’t forget we offer twin and multi-centre holidays too, so if you want to broaden your horizons beyond the Maldives, we can help you find an exciting package deal. If you’d like to find out a bit more about the culture, why not discover the best food and cuisine in the Maldives?
To make things easy for you, our holiday team is on hand seven days a week - Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm and 9am to 8pm on the weekends.
Get in touch with us now to take the first step on your journey to the magical Maldives.
