The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, November through April. These months have ample sunshine, dry weather, balmy temperatures and light winds. This is also the best time for scuba diving in Maldives, with peak visibility.
Rich with natural beauty and exuding luxury at every turn, the Maldives is often touted as the most upscale and romantic island-country in the world. The quintessential Maldivian holiday includes a stay in a stilted bungalow over clear turquoise waters, a walk along a secluded white-sand beach fringed with palms, and a superyacht charter for off the beaten path exploration.
But when is the best time of year to travel to the Maldives? Is it better to go during the busy dry season, or to experience the more intimate side of this island country and enjoy the thrill of the monsoon season. Continue reading to get our expert tips and advice to help you choose the best time of year and weather for your Maldives sailing holiday.
In general, November to April is the best time to visit the Maldives. This is dry season, and you can expect plenty sunshine, dry weather and balmy temperatures of 29 - 31°C. Dry season a great time for sailing, with light winds and clear skies. Scuba diving is also at its best November - April, due to the perfect visibility of the water at the Maldives' world-renowned dive sites.
You shouldn't write off a visit to the Maldives during the rainy season of May to October. Temperatures still remain warm, hovering between 25 – 30°C, and an uptick in the wind make for fun sailing and surfing conditions. This time of year is classed as low season, so if you want a more intimate and personal experience without crowds of tourists, then it's worth considering.
There are perks to traveling in each season, and every month offers a unique experience. Read on to find our guide to the Maldives weather, seasons and culture, so you can pick the best time of year for your getaway to paradise.
Weather: Hot and dry, 27 - 30°C (average 29°C), Sunny by mid-November
Maldives weather in November is generally hot and dry. Temperatures are between 27 - 30°C, with an average of 29°C. There are some showers but by mid November dry season is officially underway and visitors start to see more sunny days.
November 11th marks Republic Day and celebrations include parades, food (look for huni hakuru, a sweet coconut cake and a fish-stuffed pancake known as masroshi), and general merrymaking in the streets.
Weather: Warm and dry, 27 - 31°C (average 29°C), some showers
Warm and dry days are the norm, but intermittent showers should be expected at times. Temperatures are between 27 - 31°C, with an average of 29°C.
Low season prices may still be offered until travel seasons peaks just before the Christmas and New Year holidays. Although rainy spells occur, December kicks off the ideal sailing period in the Maldives. The wind shifts in December and blows from a northeasterly direction at a speed of 7 to 9 knots.
December 10th is Fishermen's Day, an annual holiday that celebrates local fishermen's contributions to the country's economy, teaches about the traditional fishing methods, and of course, offers an ample supply of delicious local catch.
Weather: Hot and very dry, 27 - 32°C (average 29°C), lots of sun
The Maldives' hottest and driest months welcome an influx of travellers. Ten-hour days of sun, excellent visibility for diving, and very little rainfall make idyllic holiday conditions whether you plan to lounge on the beach or sail the seas.
January and February temperatures are between 27 - 31°C, with an average of 29°C. March is slightly hotter at 28 - 32°C during the day, with an average of 30°C.
These months offer near perfect sailing conditions whether you opt for a catamaran or monohull. Expect steady yet manageable winds from the northeast (7-9 knots). Known for their comfort and spacious decks and inner cabins, Catamaran charters are popular choices among families, groups, and couples during this time who seek a hotel-like experience on the water. March is also the start of the surf season in the Maldives.
Weather: Hot and humid, 29 - 32°C (average 30°C), more showers towards end of April
On the cusp of the Maldives' rainy season, the beginning of April still boasts hot and relatively dry weather. Temperatures are between 29 - 32°C, with an average of 30°C. The second half of the month sees more frequent rain showers; however, they don't stick around for long. Humidity also increases slightly during this time.
Fewer travellers venture to the Maldives in April, but it's a great time to visit with overall pleasant weather, good diving visibility, fun surf conditions, and agreeable sailing weather.
Weather: Hot and sunny. Expect some rain, wind and storms, 27 - 31°C (average 29°C)
Still hot and sunny, the rainy season in the Maldives brings an increased chance of rain, wind, and storms. June - August can see gusts between 11 - 14 knots.
This is a great time for experienced sailors to charter a monohull (designed to perform well in strong winds) if the primary goal is to challenge the wind. Otherwise, families, groups, and couples who plan to spend time relaxing on a boat will benefit from a catamaran, known for their stability, space and comfort despite windy conditions.
Rainy season in the Maldives tempts visitors for plenty of other reasons too. The number of tourists drop and travel in low season provides an intimate and more personal experience. These months offer the best deals on accommodation as well.
Bigger swells attract surfers for the prime offshore conditions and scuba divers trade reduced visibility (caused by an abundance of plankton) for an increased chance to spot mammoth sea creatures like manta rays and whale sharks.
Visitors can witness an authentic celebration on July 26th as the country celebrates its independence, marking the occasion with festivals, parades, and live performances.
October is the wettest month in Maldives, but it's a great time to take advantage of accommodation deals, surf conditions, and scuba diving opportunities.
Most honeymooners seek seclusion and romance, so the best times for a Maldivian honeymoon are the shoulder months of October and April. These months see plenty of warm sunshine, few scattered showers, and most importantly, fewer tourists than the high season.
The Maldives is regarded as a honeymoon hotspot for good reason. The islands cater to the romantic in all of us with offers of private dining on wispy white sand beaches, secluded over-water bungalows with dreamy ocean views, and a warm and welcoming hospitality found in few other places in the world.
You can’t really go wrong when picking where to go in the Maldives for your honeymoon. The romantic settings and luxury catamaran and yacht charter options are endless. Make your honeymoon extra special (and super exclusive) with a Boataffair charter.
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The Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of holiday, and experiencing these extraordinary islands by boat is the best way to transform this popular destination into your own unique and intimate holiday. Check out Boataffair’s luxury fleet of superyachts, catamarans, and monohulls in the Maldives and start planning your Maldivian adventure.
From exclusive access to hidden bays and deserted islands to days spent anchored in a secluded piece of the Arabian Sea, a catamaran sailing charter is the most privileged way to experience the Maldives.
Find out when to book your next holiday and explore the catamaran and superyacht charter options on offer with Boataffair.
