On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Maldives. We created climate tables and charts for the location of Malé. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.
Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Maldives for your holiday.
The Maldives are located southwest of India and Sri Lanka and have been an independent state since 1965. On an extension of about 540 miles, a total of 26 island atolls are distributed, all of which are only one to two metres above sea level.
You read that right: The highest point of the Maldives measures only an incredible 2.41 meters and lies on the southernmost atoll of the island state. Basically, the Maldives can be divided into about 220 so-called Local Islands, where the “real life” of the locals takes place, as well as the resort islands for vacationers from all over the world.
The only city of the Maldives Malé is located on the main island of Malé and is home to the International Airport and residential buildings for over 150,000 Maldivians. On a city area of only 5.5 miles² Malé is therefore considered the most densely populated city in the world.
From here, however, holidaymakers usually go straight to island paradises such as Asdu, Baros, Hinnavaru, Rasdhoo, Mahibadhoo, Bandos Island or Gili Lankanfushi by speedboat or seaplane. Among the romantic destinations in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are on the popularity scale, especially of couples and honeymooners, mostly before islands such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and La Réunion.
This means only slight differences in night and day temperatures, no real seasons and quite high humidity 365 days a year. The Maldives climate is mainly determined by the winds: In the period November to April the so-called northeast monsoon blows, from May to October the southwest monsoon. Basically, the north-east monsoon provides warm weather, many hours of sunshine and very little precipitation.
In the period from the beginning to the end of May, the Maldives rainy season begins with heavy showers and cloudy skies. Statistics and climate data from recent years show that June and July are the months with the most rainy days, while September is the month with the most rainfall.
Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Maldives for your holiday.
Climate Overview
25 °C to 32 °C
27 °C to 29 °C
1.97 – 9.57 in
Show temperatures in degree
Geographical location
Table of Contents
1196 islands in the vast Indian Ocean are part of the territory of the Maldives, about 90 of them are used by luxurious resorts for tourist purposes.
The Maldives are located southwest of India and Sri Lanka and have been an independent state since 1965. On an extension of about 540 miles, a total of 26 island atolls are distributed, all of which are only one to two metres above sea level.
You read that right: The highest point of the Maldives measures only an incredible 2.41 meters and lies on the southernmost atoll of the island state. Basically, the Maldives can be divided into about 220 so-called Local Islands, where the “real life” of the locals takes place, as well as the resort islands for vacationers from all over the world.
The only city of the Maldives Malé is located on the main island of Malé and is home to the International Airport and residential buildings for over 150,000 Maldivians. On a city area of only 5.5 miles² Malé is therefore considered the most densely populated city in the world.
From here, however, holidaymakers usually go straight to island paradises such as Asdu, Baros, Hinnavaru, Rasdhoo, Mahibadhoo, Bandos Island or Gili Lankanfushi by speedboat or seaplane. Among the romantic destinations in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are on the popularity scale, especially of couples and honeymooners, mostly before islands such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and La Réunion.
Climate in the Maldives
The islands of the Maldives are very well protected in the Indian Ocean by the offshore coral reefs and are therefore only very rarely affected by the forces of nature. The Indian Ocean is comparatively calm throughout the year, the weather is consistently warm and the climate can be described as typically tropical.This means only slight differences in night and day temperatures, no real seasons and quite high humidity 365 days a year. The Maldives climate is mainly determined by the winds: In the period November to April the so-called northeast monsoon blows, from May to October the southwest monsoon. Basically, the north-east monsoon provides warm weather, many hours of sunshine and very little precipitation.
In the period from the beginning to the end of May, the Maldives rainy season begins with heavy showers and cloudy skies. Statistics and climate data from recent years show that June and July are the months with the most rainy days, while September is the month with the most rainfall.
Best Time to Visit Maldives: Overview
JanuaryJan Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate | FebruaryFeb Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate | MarchMar Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate | AprilApr Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate | MayMay Beginning of Rainy SeasonBeginning of Rainy Season Often cloudy and wetOften cloudy and wet | JuneJun Rainy SeasonRainy Season Sticky and wetSticky and wet |
JulyJul Rainy SeasonRainy Season Sticky and wetSticky and wet | AugustAug Rainy SeasonRainy Season Sticky and wetSticky and wet | SeptemberSep Rainy SeasonRainy Season Sticky and wetSticky and wet | OctoberOct Rainy SeasonRainy Season Sticky and wetSticky and wet | NovemberNov MonsoonRainy Season up to 8.31 in of rainof rain | DecemberDec Final stage of Rainy SeasonEnd of Rainy Season up to 9.13 in of rainof rain |
When is the best time to travel in the Maldives?
In view of the rainy season in the Maldives from about mid-May to October, summer in the Maldives is considered the absolute low season. If you are looking for cheap offers and can live with the weather risk, you could also find happiness during this travel season. The transition months of November and December are more climatically stable, but rain is still to be expected. In principle, however, the Christmas season is a popular travel period, as the weather is definitely a delight compared to the cold grey Europe.
However, we recommend the months of January, February, March and April as the best travel season for the Maldives. This is all the more true if this is your first Maldives holiday or even a special event like your honeymoon. The least rain during the year falls between January and March, the day temperatures are between 30 °C to 31 °C. The tropical Indian Ocean is warm enough for swimming all year round with water temperatures of a constant 27 °C to 29 °C.
Climate Chart Maldives
Malé
Show temperatures in degree
Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia
Climate Table Maldives
In the following, you will find the climate table for Maldives, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Malé (Maldives)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Temperature | 30° | 30° | 31° | 32° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° |
Night Temperature | 25° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° |
Water Temperature | 27° | 27° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 27° |
Precipitation (inch) | 2.95 | 1.97 | 2.87 | 5.2 | 8.5 | 6.77 | 5.79 | 7.4 | 9.57 | 8.74 | 7.91 | 9.13 |
Hours of Sunshine | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Malé is 28 °C.For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C
Warmest month: April (28.9 °C)
Coldest month: December (27.5 °C)
The maximum water temperature in Malé is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.
Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 76.81 inchFor comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in
Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, August, September, October, November, and December
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 51.26 in
You cannot expect snow in any month in Malé.
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 9.1 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.Current Weather and Forecast
Current Weather in Malé
overcast clouds, 27.2 °C
Clouds: 100 % Wind: 8 mph N
Air Pressure: 1010 hPa Humidity: 73 %
Air Pressure: 1010 hPa Humidity: 73 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 02:26 pm
The next days …
8th Feb 2023 | 9th Feb 2023 | 10th Feb 2023 | 11th Feb 2023 | 12th Feb 2023 | 13th Feb 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27 °C to 28 °C | 27 °C to 27 °C | 26 °C to 27 °C | 27 °C to 27 °C | 26 °C to 27 °C | 26 °C to 27 °C |
27 °C to 28 °C | 27 °C to 27 °C | 26 °C to 27 °C | 27 °C to 27 °C | 26 °C to 27 °C | 26 °C to 27 °C |
Clouds: 100 % | Clouds: 99 % | Clouds: 27 % | Clouds: 99 % | Clouds: 85 % | Clouds: 13 % |
No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation |
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree
Share your Experience and Win
We want to know: how was the weather during your Maldives holiday? You can win a travel coupon of 1000 $. The price will be raffled among all submissions.
Maldives: Experiences of our Visitors
the weather was the way you wanted it to be. The sun was shining and it was warm. In the evening when you wanted to go to the sea the weather was still very nice and warm.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
Constant 30 degrees for 14 days, in one day for 10 minutes of rain! Otherwise only sun!!!!
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
One or two short rains. More often cloudy. Otherwise Top!
Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good
It rained heavier for at least 1x day. On some days it rained from morning to evening, although it was usually very windy.
Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed
Pleasant warmth. Mostly dry. Nights pleasant.1 day was rainy. Otherwise very nice.
Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good
During the 3 days only storm and rain. You couldn’t even go swimming in the sea.
Weather Rating: 0 stars – Catastrophic
It was a mix of sun and clouds, but always pleasantly warm.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
Except for one day it was sunny and warm. Occasional showers came more at night. The water was pleasant and the air temperature too.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
We defied all warnings and advice and went to the Maldives in August, far away from the best travel season. Our wedding on 08.08. and the Maldives has always been a huge travel dream for us. So there was actually no alternative but to dare, because we did not want to wait until winter for our honeymoon. We flew with Emirates over Dubai and spent 10 nights in a pool villa on Baros Maldives. It was magical, magical, uniquely beautiful! Yeah, we had rain once. Usually it was heavy tropical showers that lasted about an hour. After that it cleared up and was sunny. Yes, it was a bit windy on some days, but nothing that would knock down a North German. And yes, in 3 days we had cloudy skies. This was not quite perfect for photos, but it was still hot and the Maldives Resorts also offer a lot of activities during the supposed “rainy season”. Above all, one thing must not be forgotten: For the fun of it, we had asked for an offer for the same flights and accommodation in December – the price was 2.5 times as high as in August! We got a real bargain and had a wonderful time.
Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good
We were on Holiday Island in June 2017 and the weather was very nice for 10 days. One day it was cloudy and my husband said: it was raining today. I was looking forward to it, wanted to stand in the rain on this beautiful island. The clouds moved on and it hasn’t rained a drop in 10 days. But we had fantastic pictures of the underwater world. We haven’t been there the last time….. bought us snorkel masks
would like to go back to paradise?????????????????????????????
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
At 16 days 2 short showers.
3-4 days more wind.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
This was already the 3rd time in May in the Maldives and we always had very good weather. With 12 vacation days usually 1 day of bad weather (wind, rain and high waves), otherwise always sunshine and good visibility under water.
Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good