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The best time to visit the Maldives (month-by-month)

By Priya Shah · 10 May 2026 · 7 min read

When to snorkel, when to surf, and when to grab a bargain on overwater villas — a UK traveller's guide to Maldives weather, prices and crowds across the year.

The Maldives runs on two seasons — dry (November to April) and wet (May to October). For UK travellers, that creates a clear high-season window of December to March when the rain stops and the snorkelling visibility peaks.

December to March: peak season Expect daily highs of 30°C, calm seas and visibility over 25 metres on most house reefs. This is also peak pricing — overwater villas at top resorts can clear £1,000 per night. Book 6+ months ahead, or grab last-minute releases in early January after the New Year wave.

April to May: the sweet spot Temperatures stay high, prices soften by 25–35%, and the rain hasn't really set in. This is our specialists' favourite window for honeymoon bookings — the resorts are quieter and the surf starts picking up at South Malé.

June to August: green season You'll get short, sharp afternoon storms rather than all-day rain. Resorts use the lull to renovate, and you'll save up to half on full-board packages. Pack a light waterproof and book a villa with a covered deck.

September to November: building back up Diving conditions improve through October. Pricing climbs sharply from mid-November. If you're flexible, the second week of October is often the best value-for-weather of the year.

When to book by air British Airways and Emirates run year-round; for the best fares set up alerts 9–11 months out. Our direct-debit instalment plan means you can lock today's price even when your trip is a year away.

Ready to book?

Our UK specialists will tailor any of the trips mentioned to your dates and group size. Direct debit instalments available on every booking.

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