Maldives weather looks simple on a map, yet every month has its own rhythm of sunshine, showers, plankton and pelagics. Use this HolidayVibe Maldives checker to see what your travel month really looks like, from rain chance and temperatures to which atolls shine for manta rays and whale sharks.
Choose a single month or a date range, then scroll through the tips. When you are ready, combine this with our Ultimate Guide to the Maldives, How to Choose the Right Maldives Resort and detailed Maldives Diving Guide to turn weather data into a real itinerary.
Maldives weather is warm and tropical all year. The main pattern is simple: a drier, sunnier period from roughly December to April, then a wetter, more changeable period from May to November. Showers usually arrive in short bursts with sunshine in between, rather than grey days that never clear.
December, January, February and March are the classic peak months with lower rainfall and long runs of sunny days. This is the safest weather window for honeymoons, first time visitors and families who want as little rain risk as possible. It is also the busiest and most expensive time, so resorts and seaplanes fill up early.
From May through about November, the southwest monsoon brings more clouds and showers, especially in central and northern atolls. You still get blue sky and beautiful days, but rain chances increase and seas can be livelier. This is perfect if you like better value, fewer crowds and do not mind some dramatic tropical skies.
If marine life is your main reason for visiting, use this checker together with our in depth diving guide and ask us to tailor your atoll choice around the right moon and season.
There is no 100 percent guarantee, but January, February and March usually have the lowest rainfall and the most predictable sunshine. These are also peak months for price and occupancy, so it is wise to book early if your dates are fixed.
For manta rays in Baa Atoll and Hanifaru Bay, the strongest period is generally June to November, with many visitors targeting July to October. For whale sharks in South Ari, there are encounters all year, with particularly strong chances in the southwest monsoon months when plankton is thick.
If you want an easy first trip, focus on North Male, South Male and Ari Atolls in the drier months for simple transfers and classic lagoon views. If you want more marine life and do not mind a bit more travel, look at Baa or South Ari during their key seasons, or ask us to compare options for you.