The Maldives is warm all year, with sea temperatures that stay comfortable for swimming in every month. What changes is rain, wind and price.
December to April: the dry season (northeast monsoon)
This is peak season. Skies are mostly clear, humidity is lower and the sea is often calm. Visibility for snorkelling and diving is excellent. It is also when resort prices are highest, especially over Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
May to November: the wet season (southwest monsoon)
Expect more cloud, some days of rain and occasional storms, especially from May to August. That said, many days are still sunny with showers passing quickly. Resort prices drop considerably, and some resorts offer extra nights or upgrades. For Indian honeymooners after summer weddings, this can be a good-value time.
Marine life by season
- Manta rays and whale sharks gather in different atolls at different times. Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay is famous for manta feeding aggregations in the southwest monsoon (roughly June to November).
- Whale sharks can be seen year-round in South Ari Atoll.
If marine life is a priority, tell us and we will pick a resort and atoll to match your dates.
Transfers and weather
Seaplanes fly only in daylight and can be delayed by weather. If you land late at night, you may need a night in Malé or a resort reachable by speedboat. We plan arrival times with this in mind.
Quick answer
- Best weather: January to April.
- Best value: May to October, accepting some rain.
- Busiest: late December to early January.
Read our Choosing a Maldives resort for your honeymoon: what really matters guide and see Honeymoon packages for itineraries.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go