Climate and Weather of the Maldives
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, cooling down to about 25°C at night. The humidity often makes it feel warmer than it actually is.The sea temperature remains consistent at 28°C throughout the year. The dry season spans from mid-December to mid-April, which are also the sunniest months. Conversely, the wet season lasts from May until early December. During this period, about 200 mm of rain falls monthly. Fortunately, completely overcast days are rare; the sun frequently breaks through between showers.
While the Maldives doesn't typically experience hurricanes in the same way as the Caribbean or certain parts of the Pacific, it can be affected by severe weather phenomena known as tropical cyclones. These cyclones, which are similar to hurricanes, can bring intense rain, strong winds, and higher than normal 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 for example diving potentially unsafe.
Due to its proximity to the equator, the Maldives has an extremely high UV-index year-round. It's crucial to shield yourself with reliable sunscreen. The best time to visit is during the dry season. However, keep in mind that traveling to the Maldives around Christmas can be particularly expensive.
Are you interested in more detailed information for various cities in the Maldives?
Please select the city you plan to visit, or one closest to your destination. For each selected city, you will see the following graphs:
1. Yearly average minimum and maximum temperatures
2. Monthly averages of precipitation throughout the year (rainfall, snow etc)
3. Monthly average hours of sunshine throughout the year
Additionally, some pages provide historical weather data such as humidity, wind speed, and water temperature.