The Maldives may be small, but they pack a strong punch of beach vacation fun. Made up of 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, the Maldives are one of the hottest travel destinations in the world today. The breathtaking islands have some of the best accommodation to be found with luxury hotels and resorts dotting their golden sands.
Along with world-class accommodation, you will find fantastic restaurants and a plethora of activities to enjoy. Of course, the favorite pastime for most travelers visiting the Maldives is the beach, where you can soak in warm Indian Ocean currents.
The resorts on the Maldives offer up a cosmopolitan atmosphere with tourists from all over the globe. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the best time to visit the Maldives.
Best time to visit the Maldives for the weather
The best time of year to visit the Maldives is from November to April. This is outside of the monsoon season that hits the Maldives each year. You will find the weather to be comfortably warm at this time.
One of the most popular times to vacation on the islands is in March and April. The weather is exquisite, but if you want to avoid the crowds, miss the Maldives during the Easter holiday. This is a time when the crowds increase and so do the costs.
The weather in March and April is dry and temperatures are hot. Although the days are hot and full of sun, the humidity is lower during these months. You can spend your time sitting on the beach getting a suntan or surfing the breaks. The Maldives is located on either side of the Earth’s equator. The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (88°F) all year.
There are two seasons in the Maldives. Since it is located straddling the equator, the weather doesn’t change dramatically from month to month. The dry season occurs from December to April. This is the most popular time to travel to the Maldives. Along with great weather, travelers visit the Maldives during Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, and Easter for a holiday away from home.
The rain season begins in May and lasts until November. In June, the rainy season hits its peak. Along with high levels of rain, the humidity moves up a notch and it can be oppressive. If you can cope with the rain and humidity, you can save money on your trip.
Surfing is a popular reason to visit the Maldives. The best time to visit the Maldives for surfing weather is March to October. If you want to dive and snorkel, the Maldives is ideal for these activities throughout the year. Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and reef sharks are visible when diving during the wet season.
Best time to visit the Maldives for price
March and April are ideal times to visit the Maldives for the great weather, but if you are after a cheap price, then you will want to book your trip from May to November. The weather is a little more unpredictable during these months and rain is often in the forecast.
Despite the higher chances of rain, you will avoid crowds as many of the resorts have fewer guests. Due to the lower number of guests and the unpredictable weather, you will likely find a good price on a resort. If endless sunshine isn’t that important to you, but saving money is, then book your trip from May to November.
Oftentimes, November to April is the most popular time to visit the country due to the monsoon season being over. November through April means you will maximize your chances of sun. This time of the year will be more expensive. December through March is the Maldives’ high season. Both accommodation and flights will be pricey.
The start of December sees prices for accommodation and flights begin to increase. Once Christmas and New Year roll around, the prices can be incredibly high. Many travelers from cold-weather climates book their Maldives vacation at this time. Snowbirds’ desire to get away from the cold and into the sun drives up prices.
Important things to know about the Maldives
Along with knowing the best time to visit the Maldives for weather and price, you will need to know when to travel to the country due to Ramadan. The Maldives is a Muslim country and the holy celebration of Ramadan will be observed for one month. You may want to cater your vacation to the Maldives around Ramadan.
Ramadan is a time in which observers fast during daylight hours. This can be difficult for non-Muslims and make for a difficult holiday. Many of the restaurants around the Maldives will be closed during daytime and only open during the evening.
The good news is that the resorts are not impacted by Ramadan. The restaurants and bars will remain open to serve guests, many of whom are non-Muslim. Despite being a Muslim nation, the resorts’ bars and restaurants will serve alcohol to customers.
Ramadan dates
- 2022 Ramadan dates: 2nd April – 2nd May
- 2023 Ramadan dates: 22nd March – 21st April
- 2024 Ramadan dates: 10th March – 9th April
Best time to visit the Maldives: Conclusion
The Maldives is an island paradise in the northern Indian Ocean that is ideal for a beach getaway. The Maldives isn’t just your typical island paradise. It offers luxury resorts for travelers looking for an escape from the norm.
The best time to visit the Maldives for weather is November to April. Be ready to pay more for accommodation and flights, however. This period is the Maldives’ dry season and it attracts plenty of travelers. The best time to visit the Maldives for price is May to November. Sure, you will get a little wet due to the monsoon season, but you will save significantly on your flights and accommodation. You will also avoid the crowds.
Regardless of the time of year you book your trip to the Maldives, you will find a beautiful island paradise. The weather is hot all year-round thanks to the country’s location. If you are looking for a great beach getaway, then book your Maldives vacation today.
