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Best time to visit Maldives: Dates and travel tips
Peak season in Maldives lasts from November to April. The off-season, from May to October, offers better prices for flights and accommodation.
The Maldives is a paradise on earth with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and warm weather. And while it’s never a bad time to visit Maldives, some times are better than others. Follow along to learn more about the best time to visit the Maldives, depending on what you want from your trip.
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November to April: Best for good weather
November to April is the peak season in the Maldives, mostly because of dry weather. Since the Maldives are located right on the equator, average temperatures linger around 82°F (28°C) all year round. Precipitation is the main factor for seasonality, with the archipelago having distinct dry and wet seasons.
Expect around 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) of rainfall per month during the dry season, which usually comes in short bursts, and the sun is back shining before you even notice. This is the perfect time to be in Maldives if you want to soak in the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
As with any tropical destination, expect higher prices during peak season. The hotels and flights may be packed, so you’ll have to pay a premium if you leave it for the last minute. Book your Maldives vacation at least a couple of months in advance if you want to get the best deals possible for the high season.
May to October: Best for lower prices
The rainy season in the Maldives rolls around in May, with bright blue skies covered by clouds more often. Though the temperatures remain the same, higher humidity makes it feel hotter than the dry weather from November to April.
However, while you get considerably more rain, with precipitation exceeding 8 inches (200 mm) per month, you also get fewer crowds. Since the islands aren’t as packed, you’ll typically be able to get better prices in the Maldives for everything from flights and accommodation to activities and food.
This doesn’t mean that the bad weather never stops during the off-season. It rarely rains non-stop throughout the day, with short, heavy downpours giving way to sunshine on a regular basis. You’ll still be able to enjoy the beach, go scuba diving or surfing, and explore the country during the low season.
Month-by-month weather in the Maldives
Still not sure when you want to visit the Maldives? Maybe a quick look at the weather patterns month-by-month can help you decide:
| Month | Avg. daily temperature | Avg. water temperature | Avg. precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F (27°C) | 82°F (28°C) | 2” (50 mm) |
| February | 82°F (28°C) | 82°F (28°C) | 1.5” (35 mm) |
| March | 84°F (29°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 2” (50 mm) |
| April | 84°F (29°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 2.5” (62 mm) |
| May | 82°F (28°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 10” (250 mm) |
| June | 82°F (28°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 8.5” (215 mm) |
| July | 82°F (28°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 9.25” (235 mm) |
| August | 82°F (28°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 8.5” (215 mm) |
| September | 81°F (27°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 7.25” (185 mm) |
| October | 81°F (27°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 8” (200 mm) |
| November | 81°F (27°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 5.5” (140 mm) |
| December | 81°F (27°C) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.5” (115 mm) |
Travel documents for the Maldives
Your trip to the Maldives can end before it even starts if you don’t have proper travel documents ready for your trip. Here’s what you need to have ready before visiting this island nation:
- You will need a visa to enter the Maldives. Only citizens of India, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China, Guyana, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan can enter the country without a visa. If you’re not a citizen of one of the above, you’ll need to fill out visa documents upon arrival at the airport.
- To get approved for a visa, you must show your flight ticket, which must have a valid return date. Also, it’s required to have proof that you are traveling with enough funds for the days you are staying in the country.
- You need to have your Yellow Fever vaccine in order to visit the Maldives.
- Travel and health insurance isn’t mandatory, but highly recommended, as it can help you avoid steep medical bills if anything bad happens during your holiday.
Travel tips for the Maldives
At this point, you are likely prepared to enjoy your trip. But before you pack your bags for the Maldives, here are some tips that can significantly improve your experience depending on when you’re visiting:
- Choose the perfect season for you: When traveling to the Maldives, you want to ensure you choose the perfect season for you and your pocket. November to April tends to offer better weather but steeper prices, while the wet season has more rain but offers better deals on flights and accommodations.
- Consider Ramadan: Maldives has a rooted culture, with Islam being the official religion here. They celebrate Ramadan, which takes place on the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar, typically falling between early March and mid-April. Be respectful of the culture and adjust accordingly instead of expecting the locals to adjust to you.
- Follow the marine life: One of the main highlights of the Maldives is the opportunity to dive with whale sharks and manta rays. Since they’re filter feeders, they tend to follow their food, which is typically found on the western side of the islands from December to April and on the eastern side from May to November.
- Get a mobile internet connection whenever you visit: Mobile internet in the Maldives makes your life here a lot easier. There are many alternatives available on the market, such as pocket WiFi devices, eSIMs, and roaming services. That said, eSIMs offer the best combination of price and convenience out of the lot.
Stay connected in the Maldives
Looking for the best eSIM for the Maldives? Holafly has got you covered. The Holafly eSIM for the Maldives gets you 6 GB of data for a period of 15 days, which is more than enough to cover the extensive use of maps, translators, ride-sharing apps, and sharing your holiday snaps on social media.
Alternatively, you can get a Holafly Connect plan. It’s a monthly subscription that provides worldwide coverage, which includes the Maldives. Choose from 10 GB, 25 GB, and Unlimited plans, use it as long as you need the eSIM, and cancel anytime.
Stay online, not in line
Skip the queues. Purchase and activate your eSIM for the Maldives in minutes with Holafly.
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