Best Time to Visit the Maldives
By Natalie Saar; Updated June 08, 2017Set your clock for island time on the Maldives
If you’re looking for a tropical island experience unlike any other, then you’re looking for the Maldives. This South Asian archipelago lies in the Indian Ocean surrounded by every shade of blue water that you can imagine. While some islands are remote, the Maldives offer travelers an urban side to island life as well. The capital city, Malé, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, while other islands offer a nearly deserted experience. As the national tourism board puts it, the Republic of the Maldives has no counterpart in the entire world, thanks to its geography and topography.
Plan a winter getaway
If you are tired of cold, dreary winter days, then visiting the Maldives might be the getaway you’re looking for. While this country enjoys typical island weather, November through April are the best months to visit. This is when most people travel to the Maldives, so you may see a bit of a price surge, but if you want to experience all that this island country has to offer, it’s worth the extra cash.
The other months of the year aren’t too cold, so you can still visit if you want to, but they will be wetter, and you won’t be able to go on as many adventures.
Avoid monsoons
The high season is during the dry season, because if it’s rainy monsoon season, you’re likely going to be stuck on your island for the day or possibly the entire trip. Scuba diving at one of the 26 atolls is always an option, as long as the rain is not a large storm, but you won’t get that sunny Maldives experience most visitors want.
However, if a nice warm rain with occasional opportunities to explore the island is what you want, then you may be better off saving some money and going during the wet season.
Choose your island wisely
The main island city of Malé is crowded, and it’s not all that easy to leave either. When choosing your lodgings, take care to see what amenities are available to you, because once you’re on your island, you're going to have to make an effort to leave it.
Malé offers scheduled boats at specific times of the day, but they don't necessarily go to every island, so you may have to do lots of planning to escape the city. On the other hand, if you want to get away from the crowds, the Maldives offer entire private islands for you and your party to enjoy. In fact, each island only has one resort on it, so if you are less than pleased with your lodgings, changing hotels may be a possibility.
Another interesting quirk: Many of the islands were settled by Europeans who brought their own flavor to the islands, literally. You can find some that specialize in Italian fare, while others offer up some beers and brats. Additionally, the Maldives are a Muslim country where alcohol is illegal, except to international residents and resorts. Make sure to ask about this, though, if imbibing on your vacation is something you're looking forward to.