Maldives Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

All the islands of the Maldives experience a tropical monsoon climate, with minimal variation in maximum and minimum temperatures. Throughout the year, the average daytime temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F), cooling down to about 25°C (77°F) at night. The humidity often makes it feel warmer than it actually is.

Sea Temperature and Wet Season

The sea temperature is always constant at 28°C (82°F) during the year. The high season runs from mid-December until mid-April. These are also the sunniest months. The wet season, on the other hand, is from May until early December. During this time, 200 mm (7.9 in) or more of rain falls each month. Luckily, completely overcast days are infrequent; the sun often shines brightly between showers.

Tropical Cyclones

Although hurricanes are rare in the Maldives, they do have conditions equivalent to hurricanes, called tropical cyclones. These can easily bring along heavy rain, strong winds, and higher-than-usual sea levels. Historically, the Maldives has been relatively safe from the most severe cyclones, but it's always smart for travelers to stay updated with local weather forecasts, especially during the wet season. Even if a cyclone doesn't directly hit the Maldives, nearby ones can still cause rough seas, making activities like diving potentially unsafe.