Best Time to Visit Maldives
Last updated: November 9, 2025
Maldives is the ultimate tropical escape — a paradise of overwater villas, crystal-clear lagoons, and white-sand beaches surrounded by the Indian Ocean. With year-round warmth and sunshine, there’s never a bad time to visit, but certain months offer the perfect blend of blue skies, calm seas, and breathtaking sunsets.
🌸 Dry Season (November – April): Sunshine, Serenity, and Clear Seas
The dry season is the best time to visit Maldives. The skies are clear, the sea is calm, and visibility for diving and snorkelling is exceptional. This is the ideal period for honeymooners, beach lovers, and anyone looking for a postcard-perfect island getaway.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (27–32 °C)
- Perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving
- Calm waters ideal for overwater villas and boat trips
- Peak season for sunshine, luxury stays, and romantic escapes
☀️ Shoulder Months (April – May): Great Value and Fewer Crowds
Late April and May mark the transition between seasons. The weather is still warm and mostly sunny, with occasional showers, but prices begin to drop. It’s an excellent time to enjoy luxury resorts at better rates while the ocean remains warm and clear.
Highlights:
- Hot temperatures (28–33 °C)
- Excellent value for five-star resorts and private islands
- Fewer visitors and peaceful beaches
- Ideal for water sports and marine life spotting
🍂 Wet Season (May – October): Tropical Rains and Vibrant Marine Life
The wet season brings short, refreshing rain showers and stronger breezes — but also incredible underwater visibility and fewer crowds. It’s the best time for diving enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity in a softer, more natural setting.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (27–31 °C)
- Afternoon rain showers followed by sunshine
- Best time for manta ray and whale shark encounters (especially June – October)
- Lower rates and quiet resorts
❄️ Early Winter (October – November): Transition and Balanced Weather
As the monsoon winds fade, the islands enjoy calm conditions again. It’s one of the best times to visit for a balance of good weather, marine life, and affordability before the high season returns.
Highlights:
- Comfortable temperatures (28–32 °C)
- Excellent diving and snorkelling visibility
- Quieter resorts and early season deals
- Beautiful sunsets and gentle breezes
🇲🇻 In Summary
- Best for sunshine and luxury escapes: December – April
- Best for diving and marine life: June – October
- Best for budget travel: May – November
- Best for balanced weather and fewer crowds: April and November
From the turquoise atolls of Ari and Baa to the coral reefs of the South Malé Atoll, the Maldives offers an unforgettable experience in every season. Whether you come for romance, relaxation, or adventure, this island paradise promises pure bliss under the sun all year round.
Top Travel Tips for the Maldives
✅ GOOD NEWS: Visa on Arrival
A free 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival to all nationalities. You simply need a passport valid for at least 1 month, a confirmed onward/return ticket, and a confirmed accommodation booking (e.g., your resort reservation).
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Currency (USD vs. MVR)
The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, all private resorts and many guesthouses price and transact exclusively in US Dollars (USD). You do not need MVR if you are staying at a resort. You will only need local currency if you plan to visit local, non-resort islands (like Malé) for markets or cafes.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Tap Water
Do not drink the tap water. The water in resorts is desalinated and fine for brushing teeth, but it is not intended for drinking. All resorts provide complimentary bottled water in your room, which is replenished daily.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Power & Voltage
The Maldives primarily uses the Type G (UK 3-pin) plug socket. The standard voltage is **220V-240V**. While some high-end resorts may have universal adapters or other plug types (like Type D), visitors from the USA, Canada, and Europe should bring a Type G travel adapter.
ℹ️ Tipping & Taxes
Tipping is not mandatory, as a 10% service charge is automatically added to almost all bills at resorts (on top of the 16% T-GST tax). However, it is customary and greatly appreciated to tip staff (in USD) for exceptional service, such as your room attendant, main restaurant server, or boat crew.
ℹ️ Resorts vs. Local Islands
Remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country. Within private resorts, the rules are relaxed (swimwear and alcohol are normal). However, if you visit a local, inhabited island (like Malé or on an excursion), you must dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees). Alcohol is strictly prohibited on local islands and cannot be imported into the country (it will be confiscated at the airport, but is freely available at all resorts).
Things to do in the Maldives
Snorkel with majestic manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, swim with whale sharks, take a sunset dolphin cruise, or simply relax in your overwater villa above the turquoise lagoon. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: