Best time to visit the Maldives

A TROPICAL ISLAND ESCAPE LIKE NO OTHER - WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO THE MALDIVES?

A paradise for divers, honeymooners, couples, families, and those longing for the whitest sands and bluest waters, the Maldives offers luxury without limits. If you’re wondering when to go, the bottom line is it depends on what you want from your trip.

In terms of weather, the best time to go on holiday to the Maldives is between November and April, when you’ll avoid the rainy season and enjoy reliable sunshine. With temperatures hovering around 29°C and the sea at a bath-warm 25°C, the Maldives is a perfect destination for winter sun. And, if you’re getting married during autumn or winter, the timing of the seasons makes it a fantastic winter honeymoon destination. Maybe you want to spend Christmas somewhere warm? If it’s sunshine you’re after, the best time to go on a Maldives holiday is during the British winter.

But it’s not all about the weather in the Maldives. Each month has pros and cons in terms of flight prices, hotel deals and visibility for diving. If you really want to go diving in the Maldives, for example, you shouldn’t rule out the rainy season. Running from May to October or November, it can still be worth travelling during this time with fewer arrivals meaning you’ll enjoy a great choice of deals.

Need some further guidance? We’ve rounded up the seasons so you can easily decide the best time to go to the Maldives.

November to April

Sun-drenched overwater villas await during November and April - this is the hottest time of the year and, therefore, peak season. Be sure to book your holiday well in advance, or you might find the best accommodation has already been snapped up. For those wanting to sunbathe, this is the best time to go to the Maldives. Enjoy a lazy break on sugar-white beaches with scorching weather, or escape the heat by diving into amazing underwater worlds. February, March, and April are particularly warm – which is great for sun-seekers.

May to June

Spring is a wonderful time to take advantage of the spa at your luxury island resort or nurture your spiritual side with wellness rituals beside the waves. Show your support for local artisans and pick up wonderful souvenirs or handicrafts as gifts from visiting markets and pop-up stalls.

Meanwhile, in the ocean, you’ll find the plankton levels are much higher in May. While this slightly reduces visibility, that drawback is more than offset by breathtaking encounters with the manta rays and whale sharks attracted to the warm and abundant waters. Arrive in spring and get ready to scuba dive with the largest fish on the planet.

July to October

The Maldives’ weather can be a little wet during autumn, but don’t let that dampen your spirits! It’s a great time to immerse yourself in local culture - for instance, the 26th of July is Independence Day, which marks the end of British colonisation in 1965. Malé hosts the bulk of the big day’s festivities, but from beach barbecues to themed feasts, many private island resorts find their own way to celebrate.

July to October is also peak season for spotting humpback whales as they migrate up and down the Indian Ocean archipelago. Alternatively, if you’re into surfing, you’ll be keen to know that July has the best waves. But the real bonus about going to the Maldives between July and October is the prices – this is low season, meaning amazing offers on Maldives holidays.

Still undecided?

From all-inclusive to multi-centre, browse our tempting selection of Maldives holidays, then give our Travel Specialists a call to plan a getaway that’s right for you. Or, if you’re still surfing for inspiration, why not take a look at our other Indian Ocean holidays?

The Maldives caught your attention?

We don’t blame you - discover our guide to the Maldives.

And, if you still need convincing, take a look at what Travel Specialist Tom Boardman had to say about his trip to the Maldives:

“The water villas were wonderful, the islands themselves were so beautiful, and the quality of the food was awesome. It was also amazing to experience such personalised service.”

The Maldives? Make it happen – year-round.

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