Monsoon Season Brings Heavy Rains 🌧ï¸
The southwest monsoon season in the Maldives runs from May to November and brings plenty of rain during this time. The wettest months tend to be May, June, September, October and early November.
During the monsoon season, it rains almost every day. Showers are frequent and heavy downpours are common. The sky is often overcast and stormy during this time.
While occasional rain shouldn’t deter you from visiting the Maldives, the monsoon may put a damper on certain activities. Stormy seas make snorkeling and scuba diving more difficult. Strong winds also disrupt ferry services between islands.
If you’re planning beach lounging and water activities, it’s best to avoid the Maldives monsoon season. The rain can limit the time spent outdoors. Indoor attractions like museums and spas become the main activities.
High Humidity Adds Discomfort 🥵
Along with frequent rain, the southwest monsoon brings muggy weather and high humidity. Temperatures remain hot, in the low 30s Celsius throughout the wet season. When combined with humidity over 80%, the air feels sticky and uncomfortable.
The high humidity becomes very apparent when combined with rainfall. When visiting the Maldives during monsoon season, your clothing may feel damp and never fully dry out. Your hotel room can also feel muggy without proper air conditioning.
The humidity peaks in June and September. During these months, the air is thick and oppressive. Just walking outside can make you break a sweat. If high heat and humidity sound unappealing, it’s best to avoid the Maldives during these times.
Rough Seas Disrupt Activities 🚤🌊
The southwest monsoon winds kick up the ocean, bringing rough seas and big waves to the Maldives. Montebello Lagoon, Male Atoll and South Male Atoll are exposed to strong winds and swells.
During June and July, waves may reach over 6 feet high. This makes recreational boating, snorkeling and scuba diving dangerous or impossible. Operators will cancel trips due to the hazardous sea conditions.
Rough seas also disrupt transportation between islands. Plane and ferry services face cancellations during storms and high waves. You may have your trip delayed for a few days until conditions improve.
If water activities are a top priority, schedule your Maldives visit outside of monsoon season. You’ll have access to calm, clear waters for snorkeling, diving, fishing and more.
Limited Sunshine 🌥ï¸â˜€ï¸
Along with the rain, the southwest monsoon brings plenty of cloud coverage. Overcast skies and storms block sunshine for days at a time. During the wettest weeks, you may only get a few hours of sun per day.
Limited sunshine has several drawbacks for visitors. With less sun, temperatures don’t get as hot. The ocean water also stays cooler, in the low 80s Fahrenheit.
Reduced sunshine also limits solar panel efficiency. Some budget resorts depend on solar power. With fewer sunny hours, you may experience occasional blackouts or weak AC during monsoon season.
If sunshine is a priority, plan your Maldives vacation for the dry season between December and April. You’ll have clear blue skies and plenty of sunlight. The sun’s rays reflect beautifully off the islands and bright blue lagoons.
Resort Discounts ðŸ¨ðŸ’¸
One benefit of visiting the Maldives during monsoon season is lower prices. To attract visitors, resorts and hotels offer significant discounts compared to peak season rates.
Prices start dropping in May and remain low until October. You can often find rooms discounted by 25-50% compared to peak winter rates. The best deals occur in late May, June and the second half of September.
Keep in mind that discounted rates apply to luxury resorts as well as budget hotels. You can score an overwater bungalow or oceanfront villa at steeply reduced prices in the low season.
If you’re on a budget or looking for value, the Maldives monsoon season offers affordable rates. Just be ready for the likelihood of rain during your stay.
Planning Your Visit Around the Monsoon ⛈ï¸ðŸ—“ï¸
- Early May – Manageable rains with resort deals
- Late May to July – Heavy monsoon rains and high humidity
- August – Transition month with a mix of rain and sunshine
- September – Humidity remains high but rainfall decreases
- Late September to November – Improving weather but occasional storms
The worst weather falls between late May and the end of July. Avoid this peak monsoon period if you want dry, sunny days. August sees improving conditions while September still brings humid weather. Late September through November have occasional storms but more sunshine as the monsoon ends.
For the best weather odds, plan your trip between January and April. However, if you don’t mind some rain you can find excellent low season rates during the Maldives southwest monsoon.
