Best time to visit in Maldives
Find out the best time to visit Maldives and plan your trip with ease. Learn about the ideal seasons, weather conditions, and travel experiences that make your journey to Maldives truly memorable.
Season-wise guidance, activities, festivals, and practical tips.
OCT–MAR (Peak Season)
Weather & Temperature
Dry northeast monsoon. Daytime 29–31°C, nights 25–27°C; humidity ~70–75%. Rainfall is lowest from December to March (brief showers possible in October–November). Seas are generally calm; surface winds light to moderate from the NE. Underwater visibility is excellent, often 20–40 m, especially January–March.
What to Expect
The classic postcard Maldives: clear skies, glassy lagoons and reliable conditions for flights and excursions. Resorts run at high occupancy and rates are highest; popular experiences and restaurants book out early. Ideal for honeymoons, first-timers and families seeking settled weather.
Key Events & Festivals
- Republic Day (11 Nov)
- Fishermen’s Day (10 Dec)
- New Year’s Eve resort galas (31 Dec)
- Islamic holidays (Ramadan/Eid) shift annually—check exact dates
Recommended Activities
- Snorkeling and easy drift dives with high visibility
- Sandbank picnics and sunset dolphin cruises
- PADI courses and underwater photography
- Catamaran sailing, parasailing and clear‑kayak tours
- Island‑hopping to local islands for culture
Travel Tips
- Book flights, transfers and key experiences 3–6 months ahead to secure slots and better rates.
- If arriving late, verify your resort’s last seaplane or speedboat transfer time and consider a first‑night stay near Malé.
- Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, a rash guard and a wide‑brim hat—UV is intense even on cloudy days.
- Choose villa orientation (sunrise vs. sunset) based on your preference for morning light or evening skies.
- Popular dive sites cap numbers—pre‑reserve specialty dives and private guides.
