Best Time to Visit The Maldives in 2024
Your guide to visit the Maldives
If the Maldives is not on your bucket list, it certainly should be. Who doesn’t want to be spending their days island hopping; snorkelling with majestic marine creatures in the clear turquoise waters; or catching some sun while relaxing on white-sand beaches? Although the Maldives is a dream destination, it is vital that prior to booking your once-in-a-lifetime trip that you are aware of when is the best time to visit the Maldives, and luckily for you, Club Med has done the research for you and everything you need to know is in this article.
Ultimately, the best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, with December to March being considered peak tourist season. The Maldives is in fact warm and sunny all year-round with average temperatures being between 23-31 degrees celsius. Although it is warm and sunny, it is important to recognnise that despite being a small nation it consists of both a dry season and a rainy season which may need to come into consideration before booking your trip. There are pros and cons to visiting the Maldives no matter which season you choose to visit. Continue reading to find out more.
Visiting the Maldives between November - April
From November to April, the average temperatures in the Maldives range from 31 degrees during the day to 24 degrees by night. The weather is dry and devoid of humidity with very little chance of rain between January and April. For this reason, this is arguably the best season to visit the Maldives, however it depends what you are searching for on your visit. This is the perfect period to visit for sightseeing; enjoying cultural activities; attempting water sports and also for savouring the local cuisine.
The best month to swim in the sea is in April when the average sea temperature is 30 degree Celsius.
Although the weather conditions make this the perfect season to visit the Maldives, there are some cons to the season also. This is when the country tends to be most crowded due to it being peak tourist season. However, since each resort tends to inhabit its very own island and is to an extent detached from the next island, unlike other crowded vacation destinations, it is very unlikely that you will have to face extremely large crowds, unless you are completing well-known and popular day trips to places such as Banana Reef - a protected marine location busting with marine life and one of the most highly rated tourist attractions in the Maldives.
Another benefit to visiting the Maldives during this season is the Mawlid festival which is celebrated in the country in November. This is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the small nations' culture. ‘Mawlid’ celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhamed. It is one of the most famous Maldives festivals and it is celebrated in the form of a carnival style, spanning over the course of two days. There are huge street processions and stunning mosque decorations to be admired during this time.
Visiting the Maldives between December - March
As noted previously, although November to April is regarded as the best months to visit the Maldives, December to March is considered peak tourist season meaning that hotel and resort rates as well as the cost of various activities can be subjected to inflation. If you still want to visit the Maldives during these drier months but are in search of more budget-friendly prices, a preferred time to visit would be in April as it marks the end of the peak season.
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Visiting the Maldives between May - November
From May to November, the average temperature in the Maldives ranges from 31 degrees by day to 25 degrees by night. Visiting the Maldives at this time of the year is particularly popular with surfers as this is when the small nation begins to see bigger waves and better swells, making it ideal for surfing during these months. It is important to note that the unpredictable weather of these months, along with the bigger waves can mean that the waters can be dangerous, particularly if you are not a confident swimmer and/or surfer. Entering the water during these season is not advisable otherwise.
This season also tends to bring sporadic and sometimes heavy rainfall. As a result, the crystal clear water which you see in all of the dream-holiday brochures often disappears and it becomes unattractive for most water activity aside from surfing. This is not necessarily a reason to not visit the Maldives during these months, but it is something to be aware of. Many people will not mind. September is regarded as the wettest month to visit the Maldives.
If you love learning about and embracing new cultures when travelling, as well as witnessing major festivals, the wet season may appeal to you as you can experience the celebration of Ramadan - a Holy Month, which tends to fall in May. This is arguably one of the best times to visit the Maldives as you get to totally immerse yourself in the culture and experiences of the local people. It is important to acknowledge that although Ramadan can prove to be a fantastic cultural experience, many shops and services will choose to close during times of prayer. You will also need to ensure that you dress appropriately - with both knees and shoulders covered. Private resorts and hotels do not tend to be affected by the festival.
If you are not yet convinced about why the rainy season may be the best time to visit the Maldives, then this next point may persuade you. A major benefit of visiting the Maldives throughout these months is the more reasonably priced accommodation and tours on offer; the less crowded resorts, as well as the opportunity for optimal surf and scuba diving conditions. It may not be the ideal weather for sun-bathing, but if you are a more adventurous traveler, this could be the season for you.
Booking a luxury all-Inclusive Maldives holiday with Club Med is the ideal romantic getaway, perfect for couples and adults, all year round. From beach holidays in Kani , to couples holidays in our private overwater villas, to spa holidays in Finolhu Villas , our Maldives couples holiday resorts have it all. Browse our all-Inclusive Maldives holidays & get yourself ready for the sunshine.