The Maldives sits on the equator, so it is warm all year — daytime temperatures hover around 29–31°C whenever you go. What changes with the calendar is rainfall, sea conditions, marine life and price. Here is how to weigh them.
The two seasons
The Maldives has two monsoon seasons rather than a hot-and-cold split:
- Dry season (Iruvai), roughly December to April. The northeast monsoon brings blue skies, calmer seas and lower humidity. This is peak season — the best weather and the highest prices, especially mid-December to early January.
- Green season (Hulhangu), roughly May to November. The southwest monsoon brings warmer seas, lusher scenery and short, heavy showers that usually pass quickly. Prices drop significantly, and the marine life is often at its best.
Month by month
| Month | Weather | Price level | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | Excellent, dry | Highest (festive) | Guaranteed sun, honeymoons |
| January–February | Excellent, dry | High | Best all-round weather |
| March–April | Hot, dry, calm | High | Diving visibility, snorkelling |
| May–June | Warm, some rain | Lower | Value, manta season begins |
| July–August | Variable, breezy | Mid (school holidays) | Families, surfing |
| September–November | Green, passing showers | Lowest | Best value, mantas & whale sharks |
For marine life
If snorkelling and diving are the point of your trip, the green season is a secret weapon. Plankton blooms draw manta rays and whale sharks, particularly around Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay (a UNESCO-protected site, best roughly June to November) and the whale-shark grounds of South Ari Atoll (possible year-round). Ironically, the cheaper months are often the most spectacular underwater.
For the lowest price
September to early December (before the festive spike) and the shoulder weeks of late April and early May tend to offer the best rates. If your dates are flexible, comparing a resort across two or three candidate weeks can save hundreds per night — which is exactly what our comparison tool is for.
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