We know Maldives is for everyone. If you are taking kids, a partner, or going for the best adventurous friend’s trip, you better know the best season to visit Maldives.
And the best time for Maldives vacation is November to April. But the other months could also have their benefits. Without a full idea, going at a time you might not like can be unbearable. Let’s give a picture of why this blog is a must-read before planning your trip.
Some months can be crowded, windy, and rainy, some with no Maldivian festival, and some months can be way too expensive. And we can say these questions would not have popped into your mind, or did you think it was important? But I can see that, now you just want to know more.
I can assure you now, this blog provides you with detailed information on the best season you can plan to go to Maldives.
Dry Season in Maldives: The Peak Season Comes With The Highest Price
November to April is the seasonal time in Maldives. These months have Christmas, New Year, and summer holidays, when everyone travels somewhere. So let this be your reason to travel to Maldives.
I can hear your thoughts. Yes! It is going to be hot. As Indians, we prefer a little bit of chillness. But to enjoy Maldives to its fullest, you must be ready to get tanned. A vacation with no tan is a beach with no sand. So my advice is to stop worrying and think about making memories.
In other seasons, you cannot go in the water because of the climate and the rough ocean. And to experience the thrill of all the water sports, you need to go during this season. So, visiting the Maldives from November to April is perfect for all thrilling water activities.
Who Can Enjoy the Dry Season?
The dry season is suitable for kids, families, solo travellers and honeymooners. As everyone prefers, it is the peak season.
Families, couples, or adults in general can prefer water sports. But they can have fun by staying in the resort and enjoying land activities, trying out restaurants, island tours, spas, and getting their hands on cooking and crafts.
However, kids prefer to run on the beach, play with sand, and try all the water activities. These will be their core childhood memories they will make when in Maldives. If you want to create that for them, the dry season is the best time to visit Maldives.
Cost During The Dry Season
Coming to the cost, Maldives lives up to the hype. It is a pricier destination. The cost of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and even your flight tickets will be the highest.
I would say it’s worth the cost. Because no destination will blindly overcharge you. For the money you spend, Maldives will definitely give back with its unforgettable experiences.
All you have to think about is the number of water sports and beach activities you will indulge in. So think how wonderful it will be with that perfect weather and place.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall (MM) |
| November | 27℃ | 195 |
| December | 27℃ | 110 |
| January | 27℃ | 49 |
| February | 28℃ | 50 |
| March | 29℃ | 50 |
| April | 30℃ | 72 |
Maldives Festivals in Dry Season
| “The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals”- Siddharth Katragadda |
Everyone celebrates festivals at home from childhood. But travelling to other countries during festivals gives you more authentic cultural experiences.
You can learn about the different customs followed and be invited to celebrate with them. And being a part of it will fill your heart, and you can take that joy back home and cherish it for life.
Christmas:
Whatever your imagination, Maldives will only surprise you. It is not like Christmas in India or the snowy white Christmas in the US or Europe.
Christmas in the Maldives will be magical. The festival starts with a lighting ceremony, a gala dinner, and a Christmas Eve dinner. Then, like the movies, Santa Claus visits the Island. Later, you can take an Elf Cruise, kids can write letters to Santa, and watch the special live shows by the pool. How amazing it is!
New Year:
When you are in Maldives for New Year, get ready to be amazed. You will get lost in the luxuriously delicious New Year’s Gala Dinner, breathtaking fireworks in the clear sky, music festivals and DJs.
Ramadan:
The festival falls in the month of March. You should know Maldives is a Muslim Country, and experiencing Ramadan can be a genuine ethnic bliss. To get that, you must live on the local islands rather than in private resorts.
Most importantly, the restaurant’s operating time varies during Ramadan. You can also experience the Ramadan Bazaar and try their iftar snacks and real Islamic foods.
With respect to Ramadan, as a tourist, you can consider the following-
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Kuda Eid Festival:
It is also called Eid al-Fitr. And just like Ramadan, this is also a prime festival you must witness for a Maldivian life. It is a three-day celebration, and this marks the end of Ramadan.
As a tourist, you can join the traditional feasts arranged during your stay. Then watch the energetic Bodu Beru drum performance and walk around the local island to see families celebrating by playing games and giving gifts.
Note: Each Christmas and New Year event will differ depending on the resort you stay at. Also, the dry season, with the major Muslim festivals present, is the best season to visit Maldives. By which you can truly experience Maldivian cultural experiences.
Wet Season in Maldives: Empty Island at Lesser Cost
The Maldives’ wet season runs from May to October. As everyone knows, Maldives can be pricey for its luxury. However, if you are on a budget, visiting Maldives during the wet season is the best time to visit.
This is not a seasonal time, so there will be no crowd, and the cost of guesthouses and resorts can be at its lowest.
Right now, you can be in your happiest thoughts planning your Maldives trip within your budget. Sorry to tell you this, but when something perfect comes along, there is a catch.
The ocean may or may not give you a green signal for water adventures. Some activities will be cancelled, and rescheduling will only happen based on the weather conditions.
Don’t get all upset. I would still say you can visit Maldives during this time. You can still enjoy nature, luxury resorts, and a calm life except for a stable water activity schedule. You can stay at local islands, experience Maldivian culture, and get to know the locals’ stories.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall (MM) |
| May | 30℃ | 174 |
| June | 29℃ | 170 |
| July | 28℃ | 153 |
| August | 28℃ | 155 |
| September | 28℃ | 188 |
| October | 29℃ | 200 |
Who Can Enjoy The Wet Season?
Now you know how the wet season is. If that meets your expectations, you can choose to go. However, more than kids and family, it is the best season to visit Maldives for your honeymoon.
Couples can enjoy resort facilities like a spa, indoor games, romantic meal set-ups, cooking classes, and art workshops. Or you can cosily sit by the ocean and see the unmatched sunsets and sunrises. If the weather permits, you can also have fun in the water.
The wet season is also best for surfing during the rainy season. If you are a skilled surfer, you can go to Maldives from June to August, which is the best time to surf.
Note: The rainy season surfing can present some challenges like reduced visibility and potential debris. But it can also offer unique opportunities like fewer crowds and consistent swells, making it a viable option for experienced surfers.
Cost During Wet Season
The cost during the wet season can make Maldives a budget-friendly destination. You can also enjoy more complimentary activities and services than in other months.
As this is the off-season, there will be very few tourists present. And you can quickly get room upgrades, at times even for free.
Festivals During Wet Season
Eid-ul-Adha:
It is the festival of sacrifice. It’s significant for Muslims, as it honours sacrifice, faith and compassion. In the local islands, this is a pure festive time. Families and friends come together to prepare meals and share them with love.
They also sacrifice animals, symbolising Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. After the animal sacrifice, the meat of the animal is shared with friends and family.
Then you will also see traditional dances performed. Some guesthouses, especially resorts, organise Maldivian Folklore and local crafts for their guests.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday:
This festival is called Eid Milad un Nabi or Mawlid. It’s a huge festival. Also, a public holiday where the Muslim population is high. This festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Islam’s founder and the Quran’s proclaimer.
During this time in Maldives, the locals decorate their homes with lights and invite their family and friends to share food. The festival is celebrated in a carnival style, and the streets are filled with gatherings.
If you are in Maldives by this time, you can learn a lot of stories about the festival by getting involved in those gatherings.
Shoulder Season in Maldives: For The Joy of Sun and Rain
Shoulder season is in April, May and November. If you want rain and sun, this is the best season to plan your Maldives vacation.
This season has the perfect balance of crowds and weather. So you won’t feel like a loner or experience unpredictable rainfall throughout your stay.
Sometimes, the ocean is rough, and your water activities can be cancelled. But this doesn’t happen all the time, unlike during the wet season.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall (MM) |
| April | 30℃ | 72 |
| May | 30℃ | 174 |
| November | 27℃ | 192 |
Who Can Enjoy The Shoulder Season?
It’s great for all kinds of travellers. Kids, family, solo travellers and honeymooners. It’s also the best time for freelancers and digital nomads seeking creativity and wanting to finish their work.
If you are one of them, then you can spend the day doing water activities and mingling with the locals. By night, you can work peacefully in a silent environment. Overall, the fantastic atmosphere lets you go about your day without stress.
Cost During Shoulder Season
The cost is lower than the dry season but higher than the wet season. Don’t worry; this season is an unbelievably better option for the dry season. If you plan better, whatever the peak season offers you, you can do it during the Shoulder season.
When it comes to couples, honeymoon destinations can be overpriced, especially the Maldives, one of the famous honeymoon spots. However, during the shoulder season, Maldives offers you a reasonable price and a touristy experience.
To make that happen, you need to plan your Maldives itinerary. By the way, you need not sweat, you can plan with us. Then you will know that the shoulder season is one of the best seasons to visit Maldives as it offers a vacation and an isolated island vibe.
Things to Pack for Your Maldives Trip
Mandatory Items for all Seasons:
Reusable water bottles, sunscreen (if the sunscreen is reef safe, it can prevent rashes), a waterproof bag, a wet clothes bag, water shoes, beach wear, swimsuits and slippers. And, if you are staying on local islands, you must wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
I know you already packed your bikinis, but remember to wear them on private islands and only on bikini beaches in public islands.
| What is Bikini Beach in Maldives?
As we know, Maldives is a Muslim country. So the tourist must dress accordingly to respect their culture. So, travellers who live on public islands can still wear a bikini. But only on “Bikini Beaches”. These beaches are designated on public islands. This is to let go of a little bit of restriction so that the tourist can enjoy their vacation. |
If you are taking your kids, you must carry a kid-aid kit. There are chances that they might fall sick due to weather changes, and having medicine ready can be a huge relief.
We know that just a good phone is enough to take pictures, but carry a camera if possible. The pictures come out perfect with the stunning ocean view.
Things carry in the wet season:
It can rain any time, so take a raincoat. Also, you need to pack hoodies or warm clothes, as it can get cold at night.
Conclusion
You might have an idea of how the Maldives looks in every season. And for the question, what is the best season to visit Maldives? I have to say it is in every season. I know this answer can be diplomatic, but trust me, Maldives carries its beauty all season.
And with the options for dry, wet, and shoulder season, you get to pick the season you enjoy. To plan the best itinerary for these seasons, you can contact Dimaak Tours. Also, go ahead and see the finest Maldives Tour Packages.
Frequently Asked Questions on The Best Season to Visit Maldives
Which months are best for surfing in Maldives?
For skilled surfers, June to August are the best times to surf. November to March is for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Some of the surfing spots to try out are,
- Northern Atolls – Cokes, Sultans, Lohis, Ninjas, Jailbreaks, Honkys, and Chickens
- Central Atolls – Muli, Mulhaku Rights/Lefts, Veyvah, Mikado, and Tsunami
- Southern Atoll – Tiger Stripes or Rockets, Antiques, Voodoo or Blue Bowls, Beacons, and Gaukendi Bridge.
Which month is the cheapest in Maldives for travelling?
May to October is the best season for cheaper stays in Maldives. As this time is considered the wet season, the flow of tourists is less.
You get all the guesthouses to luxury resorts at a discounted cost. Some places even give you room upgrades and include more complimentary activities.
How many days are enough for the Maldives?
Ideally, you need 4-6 days to enjoy Maldives to the fullest. During this time period, you will try out all the water sports and any events organised by your stay administration.
Also, you can split your days by staying on public and private islands. By this, you can explore the Maldivian lifestyle in the public islands and the luxury lifestyle in the private resorts.
What is the best season to visit Maldives from India?
For the best season, you can visit Maldives from November to April. This period is the peak tourist season, and the costs are also higher compared to other months.
For the money you pay, you will have a blast. You can do as many water activities as possible. Unlike other months, your water sports will not be canceled due to weather conditions.
When is the best month to go diving in Maldives?
November to April is the best time to go scuba diving. The weather is good, with a clear sky and a calm ocean, so you can dive without worries.
