Maldives Travel Information

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When to Go to Maldives

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

The islands have a hot and humid climate with average sunshine hours fairly constant throughout the year with daytime temperatures reaching about 30°C and night time temperatures in the low 20°Cs 

Rainfall is more significant during the south-west monsoon from May to November. The north east monsoon season occurs between December and March which brings drier and slightly cooler weather.
 

Seasonality

The dry season, between December and April, is the best time to visit the Maldives for maximum sunshine, calm waters and fantastic swimming and snorkelling.

However this period is the main tourist season and resorts will be busy and prices higher than the rest of the year, particularly during Christmas and New Year.

The low season is officially between May and November and prices will be lower but the weather can be cloudy with tropical storms and rain showers blowing over the archipelago. During this period some resorts will close for annual maintenance.

National Holidays

Date	Description
26 Jul 08	Independence Day (26th - 27th July 2008)
02 Sep 08	Ramadan begins
02 Oct 08	Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends)
03 Nov 08	Victory Day
11 Nov 08	Republic Day
07 Dec 08	Hajj Day
09 Dec 08	Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
29 Dec 08	Islamic New Year
01 Jan 09	New Year's Day
09 Mar 09	Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
01 Apr 09	The Day Maldives Embraced Islam - date not confirmed
01 Apr 09	National Day - date not confirmed

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Independence Day	26th July 2008	The biggest national event in the Maldives is Independence Day to mark the Maldivian anniversary of independence from the British in 1965. The event is attended by the President and foreign dignitaries and involves processions, performances and traditional dances. Celebrations take place throughout the country.
Fishermen's Day	December 2008	Fishermen's Day is celebrated to emphasise the importance of fishing to the livelihood of Maldivians and the Maldivian economy. Skipjack tuna, frigate mackerel and other local fish are available to taste.
National Day	April 2009	National Day marks Muhammed Thakurufaanu's victory over the occupying Portuguese forces in 1573. Parades are held in the streets of Male and other islands to mark the occasion.
ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) Surfing championships	June 2009	Held at Dhonveli Beach and Spa Resort. A competition in which the top World Qualifying Series surfers strive to make enough points to break into the following year's championship tour. These events also give the local surfers a great opportunity to show off their skills.