Maldives Weather, climate and geography

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

The Maldives has a year-round hot tropical climate. The Maldives has two distinct and dominating seasons: a dry season (November to April), punctuated with northeast winter monsoons, and a wet season (May to October) associated with southwest monsoons and strong winds. Generally, the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. Due to this, this time is popular with surfers, as areas see bigger waves and larger swells. January to April is typically known as peak season, as they have little rain and low humidity. Due to this, hotel and resorts prices will increase during this period. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F).

Required clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs are advised during the rainy season. More modest clothing when visiting local villages and cities outside of the resorts.

Geography

The Republic of Maldives consists of about 1,190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs.

Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands, together with other coral growth, form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 2.4m (7.9ft) above sea level.