Two seasons, one paradise
The Maldives sits just north of the equator, so it is warm year-round, with air temperatures hovering between 28 and 31 degrees C and a lagoon that rarely drops below 27 degrees C. Instead of summer and winter, the islands run on two monsoons that shape everything from prices to visibility underwater.
The dry season (Iruvai): December to April
This is the classic Maldives postcard window. The northeast monsoon, known locally as Iruvai, brings calm seas, low humidity, blue skies and excellent underwater visibility.
- Peak of peak: mid-December to early January and February to March
- Best for: diving, snorkelling, honeymoons and flat-water sailing
- Trade-off: the highest room rates of the year and resorts booked months ahead
If you want guaranteed sun for a special trip, this is the season, but reserve early.
The wet season (Hulhangu): May to November
The southwest monsoon, Hulhangu, brings more cloud, short heavy downpours and occasional wind. It rarely rains all day, and you still get plenty of sunshine between showers.
- May and November are the shoulder months: noticeably cheaper, still mostly bright
- June to August can be wet but suits surfers and budget travellers
- Manta and whale shark season peaks here in Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll), best from roughly June to November as plankton blooms draw in the giants
Month-by-month quick guide
- December to February: driest, busiest, priciest
- March to April: hot, calm, great visibility before prices ease
- May: first rains arrive, real value appears
- June to August: wettest but best for surfing and mantas
- September to November: improving weather, manta finale, low-season deals
Festivals and events
- Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (dates shift yearly): resorts operate normally, but inhabited islands are quieter by day
- Eid al-Adha: lively cultural celebrations on local islands
- Independence Day, 26 July: parades and fireworks in Male
- Republic Day, 11 November: national festivities
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