The best time to visit the Maldives

A quaint little country in Asia, the Maldives has become one of the top holiday destinations in the world. Owing to their incredible scenery, blue waters, and sandy beaches, countless tourists from around the globe visit every year.

Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives archipelago comprises 1,190 islands. The islands are spread over about 90,000 km² and 200 of them are inhabited. These ring-shaped islands have a lagoon bordered by a coral reef and are known for the beauty of their atolls.

Even though it’s the smallest country in Asia, the Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed sovereign states. The Republic of Maldives is incredibly diverse and has become a tourist hotspot over the past 50 years with a population of half a million.

The Maldives enjoy a tropical warm and humid climate due to its geographical location in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Located 983 km away from Sri Lanka and 820 km away from Cochin in Southern India, the archipelago has relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. In Malé - the capital, the average annual temperature is 30°C.

There are two main climates in the Maldives. There’s the dry season associated with the North-Eastern monsoon and the rainy season associated with the southwest monsoon.

The shift from dry to rainy season occurs between April and May. During this period, the southwest winds contribute to the formation of the southwest monsoon, which reaches the country at the beginning of June.

The Maldives have 31 protected areas, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy oversee. There, you’ll see various habitats, including fringing mangroves, wetlands, deep sea, shallow coast, dry land, and reef ecosystems.

This part of the Indian Ocean is home to more than 1,100 species of fish and 187 species of coral. There are also 21 species of dolphin and whale, and countless different crustaceans.

The best time to visit the Maldives is arguably from November or December to April. That said, when you’ll enjoy it most depends on your preferences, preferred activities, and budget.

For example, if you prefer long days under the sunshine and want to enjoy the beautiful stretches of fine sand, the period from January to April is the best time to visit the Maldives.

Some months have nine hours of sunshine every day, with a relatively dry climate. During this period, the sea is calm, making it the best time to go scuba diving and observe the incredible marine and wildlife.

From May to September, the days are seven hours long, still providing warmth and sunshine. During summer in the southernmost islands, the southwest monsoon has little impact. Tropical cyclones are weak in this region because the initial stages of their formation begin in the Maldives and end in India.

With all this in mind, the peak season is between November and April. That’s when the Maldives see the most tourists and the accommodation prices can be pretty steep. However, if you want sunny days, little rain, and low humidity, book your stay during those months.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider going during the low season, which is from May to November. Even though the chance of rainfall and storms is a bit higher, there are still long spells of sunshine and beautiful waters.
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Our All-Inclusive Resorts in the Maldives
Once you figure out what the best time to visit the Maldives is for you, it’s time to book your stay at Club Med. With our incredible all-inclusive resorts, we offer an incredible variety of activities, amenities, and services. Take a closer look at our all-inclusive packages in the Maldives to see which should be part of your perfect holiday.

Leap into a turquoise family paradise at Club Med Kani.

With three types of accommodations, we’re sure to have something for everyone. Guests can choose between Superior, Deluxe, and Suite Exclusive Collection, which can accommodate between two and six people.

Our Exclusive Collection Space features an Overwater Suite with panoramic views, a furnished terrace, and direct sea access. Not only that but the Overwater Suites come with a long list of exclusive services and equipment.

During your stay at Club Med Kani, you will have access to three restaurants, four bars, and all the gourmet food, snacks, and drinks your heart desires.

For your entertainment and relaxation, our all-inclusive resort in the Maldives offers 28 included activities, as well as 32 on-demand ones. Guests can get pampered at the Club Med Spa by Mandara or take part in one of our five incredible excursions.

If you’re on your honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic gateway, explore our Premium Honeymoon Package. In addition to the all-inclusive amenities, you will also have access to a special offer, curated specifically for couples.

Your private eco-chic villa, Club Med Finolhu Villas is the perfect place to spend your Maldives holiday. In addition to our Sunrise and Sunset Beach Villas, guests can also choose to stay in the picturesque Overwater Villas. These feature a separate living room, a private terrace with a pool and outdoor patio, as well as direct sea access.

The all-inclusive resort features four stunning restaurants and six bars, all serving fresh and delicious gourmet food, snacks, and beverages.

As part of the must-try experiences at the Finolhu Villas, guests can choose the underwater discovery, spa retreat, intimate beach dinner, or the unique floating breakfast experience.

Those who want to explore the diverse marine life of the Maldives can go on one of our many excursions and trips. On our guided excursions, you might be able to see dolphins, manta rays, and much more.

The Maldivian archipelago is a great site for huge water games and you can enjoy numerous activities during your stay.

Do you like kite surfing? The summer monsoon (between May and August) is the ideal season to enjoy this sensational gliding sport. The wind is necessary for a flight in the air and thrills are guaranteed!

The Maldives is also the best place to go surfing, snorkelling, or scuba diving. Thanks to the clear waters and high visibility during the high season, you can catch a glimpse of numerous wonderful creatures.
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Did you know?
Big-game fishing is common in the Maldives. Go for a ride in traditional Maldivian boats called Dhonis and admire the exceptional marine fauna of the Maldives including tuna, jack, sailfish, chicken fish, etc.

When you travel to the Maldives, you’re sure to be enchanted by the wonderful culture and cuisine. One way to experience this vibrant archipelago is by attending the Independence Day parade, which takes place on July 26th. The celebrations in Maldives can be seen throughout the country, with parades by the National Cadet Corps and the National Security Services.

If you want to learn more about the wonderful local culture and traditions, you can visit one (or more) of the Maldives’ many islands. Through island hopping, you can experience the vibrant culture and observe traditional villagers as they go about their daily lives. However, as Maldives is a Muslim country, make sure you’re being respectful of the culture and avoid wearing revealing clothes.