High season in the Maldives is from January to March. This coincides with the northeast monsoon, also called the dry season. Low season starts in Mid-May and lasts to November. It is the southwest Monsoon period and called the wet season. December and April are considered as the monsoon transitional periods.

Guests often ask us which season the better time is to visit the Maldives. People are worried that during the low season it rains a lot, and it might ruin their holiday. Let me list the pros and cons for a holiday during high season against a vacation during low season.

High Season – January to March
Cons

Higher room rates.

Not all categories might be available to you, as maybe your preferred room is already booked.

Higher occupancy. All the outlets at the resort are busier and you probably should book your activities in advance, or you should expect a waiting list.

Pros

Expect more sunshine, less wind, and hot days on the beach. You will get days where the sea is flat like a mirror. Do expect some rain during this season too.

Calm seas are good for smooth boat rides and good visibility for divers and snorkelers.

Divers & snorkelers be aware, January is usually a month with strong currents.

More sunshine and less rain also make for higher water temperatures, 29 degrees, maybe even hitting 30 degrees on some days.

Low Season – Mid-May to November
Cons

Expect more rain but often it just rains during the night and does not disrupt your holiday at all.

More wind, more waves, lower visibility. We also have days and weeks with good visibility, it is not all doom and gloom.

July and August are school holidays. Expect higher rates and higher occupancy during these two months.

Pros

Manta Season on the east side of Baa & Raa Atoll.
Lower visibility means there is more plankton in the water, which is the food for mantas and whalesharks. If you would like to see these magnificent creatures you have to come during low season.

Lower occupancy, less guests on the island, better service and activities are not fully booked.

Lower room rates.

More wind makes for a light breeze on the beach, which is rather nice.

I didn’t mention any pros and cons for April and December, the transitional periods.

From around 21st of December the room rate goes up. This is due to Christmas and New Year’s gala dinners and festive programs. More families are visiting the Maldives during this time. It feels odd looking at Christmas decorations and listening to Christmas music while being on a tropical island, but I guess it has its attractions too. I believe the weather in December is less stable then in April.

I know, hard choices to make. Some of you might be bound to school holidays or in some cases offices close for certain periods. Maybe have a look for an annual holiday weather statistics for the Maldives which might be of some help.

We are open all year around and take you diving and snorkeling every single day. We look forward to having you here with us in the Maldives.