Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny. The Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. The climate is hot tropical all year. The temperature and rain figures below are computed 1991-2020 averages for Malé, from Maldives Meteorological Service data in the official statistics yearbook; conditions vary across the atolls.
Visit Maldives gives an average high of 31.5 degrees and an average low of 26.4 degrees. The source gives two seasons, not month-by-month figures. A different Visit Maldives article places the dry season at December to April, so the edges of the seasons can shift.
- Sunniest season
- November to April (Northeast monsoon)
- Rain season
- May to October (Southwest monsoon)
- Average high
- 31.5 degrees
- Average low
- 26.4 degrees
Month by month
Temperatures and rain are typical climate for 1991-2020. They are not a forecast.
Plan around your month
| Month | Verdict | Typical climate |
|---|---|---|
| January | ●Recommended | 26 to 30.6 °C · rain 86.8 mm |
| February | ●Recommended | 26.3 to 31 °C · rain 37.8 mm |
| March | ●Recommended | 26.8 to 31.6 °C · rain 48.6 mm |
| April | ●Recommended | 27.1 to 31.9 °C · rain 127.2 mm |
| May | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 26.6 to 31.5 °C · rain 238.2 mm |
| June | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 26.4 to 31.1 °C · rain 146.1 mm |
| July | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 25.9 to 30.8 °C · rain 198.1 mm |
| August | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 25.9 to 30.7 °C · rain 193.2 mm |
| September | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 25.7 to 30.5 °C · rain 213.7 mm |
| October | ◐Good, with trade-offs | 25.7 to 30.5 °C · rain 245.4 mm |
| November | ●Recommended | 25.6 to 30.4 °C · rain 236.1 mm |
| December | ●Recommended | 25.6 to 30.4 °C · rain 212.2 mm |
January ●Recommended
Typical climate: 26 to 30.6 °C · rain 86.8 mm
Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny.
Good for
- Beach days, snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Watch out for
- Sun is strong. Carry sun protection.
February ●Recommended
Typical climate: 26.3 to 31 °C · rain 37.8 mm
Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny.
Good for
- Beach days, snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Watch out for
- Sun is strong. Carry sun protection.
March ●Recommended
Typical climate: 26.8 to 31.6 °C · rain 48.6 mm
Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny.
Good for
- Beach days, snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Watch out for
- Sun is strong. Carry sun protection.
April ●Recommended
Typical climate: 27.1 to 31.9 °C · rain 127.2 mm
Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny.
Good for
- Beach days, snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Watch out for
- Sun is strong. Carry sun protection.
May ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 26.6 to 31.5 °C · rain 238.2 mm
Visit Maldives says the Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. Temperatures stay hot all year.
Good for
- Spa and resort stays, indoor activities between showers.
Watch out for
- Expect rain. Check the forecast before booking outdoor trips.
June ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 26.4 to 31.1 °C · rain 146.1 mm
Visit Maldives says the Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. Temperatures stay hot all year.
Good for
- Spa and resort stays, indoor activities between showers.
Watch out for
- Expect rain. Check the forecast before booking outdoor trips.
July ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 25.9 to 30.8 °C · rain 198.1 mm
Visit Maldives says the Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. Temperatures stay hot all year.
Good for
- Spa and resort stays, indoor activities between showers.
Watch out for
- Expect rain. Check the forecast before booking outdoor trips.
August ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 25.9 to 30.7 °C · rain 193.2 mm
Visit Maldives says the Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. Temperatures stay hot all year.
Good for
- Spa and resort stays, indoor activities between showers.
Watch out for
- Expect rain. Check the forecast before booking outdoor trips.
September ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 25.7 to 30.5 °C · rain 213.7 mm
Visit Maldives says the Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. Temperatures stay hot all year.
Good for
- Spa and resort stays, indoor activities between showers.
Watch out for
- Expect rain. Check the forecast before booking outdoor trips.
October ◐Good, with trade-offs
Typical climate: 25.7 to 30.5 °C · rain 245.4 mm
Visit Maldives says the Southwest monsoon, May to October, brings rain. Temperatures stay hot all year.
Good for
- Spa and resort stays, indoor activities between showers.
Watch out for
- Expect rain. Check the forecast before booking outdoor trips.
November ●Recommended
Typical climate: 25.6 to 30.4 °C · rain 236.1 mm
Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny.
Good for
- Beach days, snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Watch out for
- Sun is strong. Carry sun protection.
December ●Recommended
Typical climate: 25.6 to 30.4 °C · rain 212.2 mm
Visit Maldives says the Northeast monsoon, November to April, is generally sunny.
Good for
- Beach days, snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Watch out for
- Sun is strong. Carry sun protection.
Who it suits
For Parents / seniors
November to April is the easiest season for beach days. In the rain months, pick a resort with spa and indoor options.
For Children
Sunny months suit beach and snorkelling days. Apply sun protection.
For Couples
November to April for sunny beach stays. May to October suits quiet spa stays.
For Friends
November to April for water activities.
For Solo travellers
November to April for the most reliable sun.
If your dates are fixed
If your dates fall in May to October, expect some rain, choose a resort with spa and indoor options, and check the forecast. For the sunniest weather, aim for November to April.
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