Maldives Seasons

The Maldives are an island nation that is very dependent on international tourism.  Many of the islands in the atoll are specifically geared towards those world travelers seeking a luxury vacation in relative privacy with the ultimate in comfort.  Many of the luxury resorts have beach houses directly on the water, making for an enjoyable stay.

Because of these accommodations, proper timing of the season is important.  One would not wish to invest the time and spend the money to sit in a thatched beach house during the monsoon season!  Many of these beach houses have outdoor jacuzzis for the enjoyment of their guests.  I, for one, have no desire to sit in a jacuzzi in a torrential downpour!

Knowing the seasons and the meteorological data is of importance, and this information is readily available.  The large resorts can best advise you when to visit the islands.

Because the Maldives are in the monsoon belt of the Indian Ocean, the weather patterns there are quite complex.  However, it is good to know that the temperatures there are fairly constant.   Temperatures in the Maldives are fairly constant at 72-80 degrees Farenheit.  the humdiity levels there are generally 60-80%.  The Maldives has little lack of sunshine - even during the wet season, the average monthly hours of sunshine reaches 256 hours. The major difference there is the amount of rainfall during the different seasons. 

The Maldives sesons have two major categories.  These are the dry northeast season, called Iruvai by the Maldivians, and the wet southwest monsoon (Hulhagu).  May to November, the prevailing winds are from the southwest and bring an average of 215mm (8.44 in) of rainfall and 208 hours of sunshine per month. In mid December the winds veer to the northeast and, with the change in direction, bringing a much drier climate. Rainfall averages 75mm (3in) per month in this season, the average monthly sunshine is 256 hours.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are dependent on the seasons for best visibility and the viewing of the many species of fish and other aquatic life in the atolls.  The lagoons abound with many species of fish, manta and stingrays, and sharks of many different species.  Colorful tropical fish can be viewed here during the appropriate seasons, and the waters are crystal clear during the appropriate Maldives seasons. The flow of the current during the different seasons affect the viewing and visibility, and the waters may have more limited visibility during the "low season" on the islands.  One must be aware that the prices of your stay at the many resorts are also dependent on the season.

Do you own due diligence if you wish to get the most out of your Maldives vacation.  The many resorts on the atolls are ready and willing to give you the much needed information to get your optimal enjoyment on the islands.  As there are many resorts to chose from, all the way from party islands to a private and exclusive getaway, it is best to check all that are available.