When to Visit the Maldives for Great Hotel Deals, Surfing and Diving

When you think of the ultimate beach holiday, the Maldives is definitely near perfection. This cluster of islands set in the Indian Ocean is the ideal place for your exotic tropical getaway. The last thing you want after weeks of planning and excitement is to arrive in the Maldives and be greeted by heavy rains, strong winds, and gloomy skies. To ensure you experience the best of what the country has to offer, read more to find out when you should visit and the peak season for different activities. If this is your first time to the Maldives, first read our blog on some things to know before your Maldivian adventure.

The Weather

The Maldivian atolls, a cluster of islands, are found along the equator near the Indian Subcontinent, therefore the country experiences a year-round summer with the temperature hovering at around 25 – 30 degrees Celsius. The best months to visit the Maldives are from November to April. The northern atolls record thundershowers from May to November and November to March for the southern atolls.

Keep in mind that the country experiences two monsoon cycles. The Northeast and Southwest monsoons have some influence on the Maldives. During the monsoon season, the islands experience strong winds and heavy rainfall. However, thanks to the powerful winds, rain clouds move through fast, allowing you to enjoy blue skies right after the storm has passed.

Best Time for Snorkelling & Diving

If you thought the Maldivian islands were beautiful, just wait till you see the country’s reefs! Hard and soft coral and sea sponges flourish in the warm sapphire waters, which attract a variety of colourful tropical fish. Whether you go diving or snorkelling, expect to enter a world of kaleidoscopic colour, where you will only be a few metres away from species like parrotfish, manta rays, and even the occasional reef shark!

The great thing about the Maldives is that you can explore its underwater world throughout the year as the dry and rainy season both have their merits. The benefits of snorkelling or diving in the dry season (November – April) include crystal clear visibility, warm water, and a good chance of spotting whale sharks as the water tends to be calmer during this time.

With that being said, the monsoon season (May – October) also has the potential for an amazing aquatic adventure. While the visibility of the water will be considerably lower and the water slightly cooler, you’ll be in for a world of adventure. This period is excellent for spotting whale sharks and mantas as they come to feed on the plankton, which increases during the rainy months. It is also believed that there is a higher chance of spotting hammerhead sharks close to house reefs during this time. If you’re a diving aficionado, then you must consider staying on a liveaboard to get a once in a lifetime diving experience.

Best Time for Surfing in the Maldives

A little known fact about the Maldives is that it is an excellent surfing destination. Most people are easily misguided by the archipelago’s calm waters, however, the Maldives has some great swells, especially during the monsoon season. The surfing season begins around March and goes on until October, but it’s at its peak between June and August. During the peak surf season, you can ride some of the country’s largest waves that are caused by the Roaring Forties, extremely powerful westerly winds that blow in the Southern Hemisphere.

The best surf points are found in the North and South Malé Atolls, and you can expect to see waves as tall as 8ft! There are several luxury resorts scattered nearby to these surf breaks, so after a day of surfing, you can retire back to the comforts of your resort.

Hotel Deals and the Seasons

Despite only having 300 km² of landmass, the Maldives is home to a surprisingly large number of luxury resorts. Of its 1,000 plus islands, there are over 132 resort islands, each with its own unique luxurious features. However, do not let the large supply fool you, during peak season, hotel rooms go at a hefty price. If you’re not too bothered about the rains permitting you from partaking in outdoor activities like snorkelling and surfing, then the monsoon season is a great time to visit. Resorts also have an off-season rate where rooms are marginally cheaper but don’t expect any drastic changes to the price. If you’re trying to find ways of budgeting a trip to the Maldives, we suggest you book an all-inclusive package, that will ensure you don’t break the wallet during your holiday.

As you can see, there is never truly a ‘bad’ time to visit the Maldives, it all depends on your preferences. There are plenty of exciting things to do here which are suited for all travellers, whether you’re holidaying with your partner, family, friends, or even by yourself; the best time to come to the Maldives is whenever you so desire.