Maldives: Best time to go
The 26 natural atolls (ring-shaped coral reef or island) floating together in the midst of the Indian Ocean rarely see temperatures dropping below 25°C or punching above 35°C, meaning this tropical cluster of turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches is a paradise destination all year round.
Like any other holiday destination, there is still a best time to visit for one reason or another. For the Maldives this period is between November to April, with high season falling between December to March. During this time the islands are at their driest, skies are clear, and humidity is low, perfect for some winter sun and with the warm and calm sea waters, marine wildlife explorations and water sports are particularly enjoyable.
Although temperatures remaining high, the southwest monsoon comes and goes, beginning in May and continuing until the shouldering months of late October to early November. A lot of visitors ideally still like to play it safe, pay the higher prices and travel when consistent sunshine is guaranteed, meaning this time of year sees fewer tourists and lower resort prices. One should not be put off though, as low-lying islands tend to see rain clouds quickly blow over and during these short-lived bursts of rainfall, why not book yourself in for a Maldivian treatment, making the most of your resort’s spa. This period is also an opportunity for surfers to travel with their boards from one atoll to the next, whilst most of the small nation is religiously participating in Ramadan (May), Kuda Eid (June) and Bodu Eid (August).
N.B. All information given here is to the best of our knowledge, however, changes do occur, sometimes at short notice. Ampersand cannot be held liable for such happenings. Of course, if you have any tips that you feel would benefit other travellers, please pass them onto us and we will add them.
From the UK, there are direct flights to the Maldives with British Airways, or the islands can be reached via Dubai on Emirates. You can also fly directly from Kerala, Bangalore and Sri Lanka, so you can combine your luxury holiday to the Maldives with a holiday to Sri Lanka, India or Dubai.
All visitors with a valid passport are issued with a 30-day tourist visa, free of charge on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your return from Maldives and have at least 2 blank pages.
It is essential to visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations prior to travel. Risk for vaccine preventable diseases can change at any time. MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) can supply a quick and easy online Travel Health Brief. This includes easy to understand vaccination advice for single or multi-country trips. Their website is www.masta-travel-health.com.
London - Male: There are currently direct flights from London to Male with British Airways with a flying time of about 10 hours 35 minutes. Another excellent route would be to fly via Dubai with Emirates. With a short connection, the flying time is usually 12 hours 35 minutes.
We highly recommend you reconfirm your onward and return international flights at least 72 hours prior to departure.