Plan · When to go
When to Go to the Maldives: the Two Monsoons Explained
The Maldives is warm all year, and there is no bad month to go. But the two monsoons change the sea, the sky and the marine life, so here is how to choose your dates.
Updated October 2026
The two monsoons
The Maldives Meteorological Service describes two distinct seasons: the south-west monsoon, the wet season, normally from mid-May to November, and the north-east monsoon, the dry season, from January to March. December and April are transition months between them.
Rain usually comes in showers that do not last long, with sunny spells in between. On average the islands get 10 to 11 hours of sunshine a day in January, February and March, and 7 to 9 hours in the other months.
Warm all year
Temperatures are moderated by the ocean and average about 25°C to 32°C. The warmest time is March and April, lasting until the south-west monsoon arrives in mid-May. Pack light cotton clothes, a hat and reef-safe sun cream whatever the month.
North or south?
The country stretches across the equator, and rainfall rises from north to south: on average the southern atolls receive about 2,218 mm a year, the central atolls 1,966 mm and the northern atolls 1,779 mm. Addu, sheltered by its reefs and four channels, can be dived in most weather.
Mantas, whale sharks and surf
Manta rays gather at Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll during the south-west monsoon, which UNESCO places from May to November; ask your resort dive centre for the current season. In Addu, reef mantas visit a cleaning station all year, and Visit Maldives says whale sharks can be seen in South Ari throughout the year.
Surfers come in the south-west monsoon: on Fuvahmulah, Thoondu beach is at its best from about June to August.
Baa Atoll South Ari Atoll Diving and snorkelling responsibly
Festive season and busy dates
Christmas and New Year fall at the start of the dry season, and resorts publish festive programmes; some, such as Conrad Rangali, add a compulsory New Year’s Eve supplement that includes a gala dinner. Bodu Eid, which Visit Maldives calls the biggest Islamic festival in the country, moves each year with the Islamic calendar, so check the dates if you plan to visit local islands.
Christmas and New Year in the Maldives
Questions and answers
What is the best month to visit the Maldives?
For the most sunshine, January to March, the dry north-east monsoon. Every month is warm, though.
When is the rainy season?
The south-west monsoon, normally mid-May to November. Showers are usually short, with sunny spells in between.
When can you see mantas at Hanifaru Bay?
During the south-west monsoon (May to November). Ask a resort dive centre for the current season.
Climate figures are averages from the Maldives Meteorological Service. Weather varies from year to year.