The Maldives might straddle the equator, but don't let that fool you into believing that the weather is pretty much the same all year-round because it isn't. Yes, you can visit the country at any time of the year and enjoy a stunning holiday, but to experience the Maldives at its best you should plan to travel when the skies are free from clouds, light cooling breezes are blowing, and the seas are calm. Of course, weather conditions are quite personal, and we all enjoy different climatic conditions but for me I want to be immersed in crystal clear turquoise waters and blue skies with the feeling of soft white sand between my toes and the weather has a big say in this!

The climate is split into two seasons. The wet season brings the southwest monsoon and typically lasts from the middle of May until November with the dry season marking the arrival of the northeast monsoon running from December to April. As with any seasonal changes, the weather in December and April should be regarded as changeable leaving January to March with the driest most predictable conditions.

Temperatures

Regardless of when you decide to travel, expect warm and humid weather throughout the year so no need to pack a sweater! In fact, nighttime temperatures are very unlikely to fall below 25C.   During the daytime, there is very little fluctuation with maximum temperatures ranging from 30-32C with March to May on the higher side. So, in terms of temperature it doesn't really matter when you travel.

Rainfall

As you might expect, the wet season brings the rains and as a rule of thumb, the further North you are, the less rain you might expect but this is relative and so no matter which atoll and resort you choose, it is going to rain from May to November, The good news is that the rainfall doesn't last very long, and the sun will make an appearance in between the showers. And, it will still be warm. If you don't like the rain though, it's best to travel between January and March when it will also be less humid. If you are a storm lover though, there can be some spectacular thunder and lightning shows on display, particularly in October!

Sunshine

Being on the equator, there is never a shortage of sunshine with around 7 hours per day during the rainy season from May all the way into December, and 8 to 9 hours from January to April.  If you worship the sun, you will love February and March as they will produce the sunniest days of the year.

My Recommendation

For me personally, the Maldives is about being in and on the water - diving, snorkelling and kayaking - and that means December to April when the seas are calmer and the visibility greater. Of course, the better weather attracts more visitors, and more visitors push the prices up so this period is also high season. If none of this is important to you, and you are happy to lie on the beach or poolside taking brief respite from fast moving storms, you will still enjoy around 7 hours of sunshine and considerably lower prices.

Harvey Lines - General Manager, OneMaldives