When is the best time to visit Maldives?

January to April (peak dry season). These months deliver the clearest water, calmest seas, and best visibility for snorkelling and diving. February and March are the driest months. December starts the dry season but commands New Year premium pricing. For budget travellers, May and November offer decent weather at 40–50% lower resort rates.

What is the cheapest time to visit Maldives?

The most affordable months to visit Maldives are typically during shoulder or off-peak seasons when hotel rates and flight prices drop significantly. Check our month-by-month budget comparison table above for specific daily budget ranges.

Best Time to Visit Maldives in 2026

By Harry Nara · Last updated May 24, 2026

Maldives Month by Month

Month	Temperature	Rainy Days	Crowds	Budget / Day	Best For
January Best	26–31°C	6 days	High	$200–600+	Snorkelling & Luxury
February Best	26–31°C	3 days	High	$200–650+	Romance & Diving
March Best	27–32°C	5 days	High	$180–500	Whale Sharks & Sun
April Best	27–32°C	9 days	Medium	$150–450	Value Dry Season
May	27–32°C	15 days	Low	$120–350	Manta Ray Season
June	26–31°C	13 days	Low	$100–280	Mantas & Bargains
July	24–30°C	12-14 days	Medium-High	$60–8,000+	Manta Vortex, Surfers & School-Holiday Families
August	26–31°C	13 days	Medium	$130–400	Family Getaways
September	26–31°C	15 days	Very Low	$90–250	Budget Escapes
October	26–31°C	15 days	Low	$100–300	Whale Sharks Return
November	26–30°C	14 days	Medium	$150–420	Shoulder Season Value
December	25–30°C	7 days	High (NYE week Very High)	$200–15,000+	Christmas + NYE Honeymoons, Whale Shark Divers & Festive Luxury

The Maldives revolves around two monsoons. The dry northeast monsoon (December–April) delivers the postcard-perfect conditions most travellers expect, while the wet southwest monsoon (May–November) brings rain but also whale sharks, lower prices, and excellent surfing.