It’s important to remember that, unlike many of its Indian Ocean rivals, almost every Maldivian ‘hotel’ occupies its very own island. The government sells leases to hotel developers for a number of decades and a resort emerges from the virgin sand. Currently there are over 130 to choose from, with a handful more opening every year – it’s no wonder tourists are often left perplexed by the variety on offer.
"Not all atolls were created equal. But on the plus side, the Maldives has thousands of sun-drenched islands, and discovering the perfect one for your trip is all part of the fun.”
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PLAN MY JOURNEYMaldive Atolls
Why the Maldives?
At no sandy point across its more than 1,000 islands does the lowest country in the world rise (naturally) above six feet. Up against its Indian Ocean neighbours – Seychelles and Mauritius – the Maldives resembles a pancake next to a pair of Victoria sponges. You don’t go here to ponder (or hike over) topographical texture, but to gawp at ocean-filled horizons where sandbars emerge and submerge at the whim of the warm currents.
Maldivian islands are, compared to most of the Caribbean, for example – tiny. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a stretch of beach to run along for more than a few hundred feet, however an abundance of them results in privacy and isolation seldom achieved elsewhere on the planet. It’s no wonder that the Maldives have become so popular with honeymooners desperate for seclusion – this is a mostly fly and flop, as opposed to hike and bike, destination.
That said, even the larger resorts are arranged in such a way that they allow for outward, ocean-facing views – and not of a central swimming pool or restaurant. Moreover, calm and sheltered lagoons allow for most islands to extend their footprint with boardwalks out to sea, in the same way you see in French Polynesia.
Where to stay?
But ultimately, one’s preference will boil down to; how much are you looking to spend? And how far are you willing to travel after a long-haul flight? If the answer is not a lot, then you could be in your hotel room within an hour of touching down – on a good day.
Generally speaking, the further you venture from the capital, the more expensive things become. You’ll also have to factor in seaplane transfers (if they’re not already included in the price of your stay) and be prepared to hang around in a departure lounge if inclement weather strikes. Furthermore, sometimes seaplanes visit a number of resorts between Malé and your island, so be ready for a bit of impromptu island hopscotch – which, if you’re not a jetlagged mess, is an unforgettable adventure in its own right.
Only a pedantic botanist could identify the minute aesthetic differences between each atoll. But for the average holidaymaker – looking to find that classic paradise scene – bounty island perfection can be discovered all over the Maldives. The main thing to consider, though, is what’s going on around that island (and when)? And how many people are you prepared to share it with?
When to visit?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, when there’s less chance of rain and the wind drops. The heat and humidity rises significantly during the Northern Hemisphere summer months (the Southwest Monsoon) but don’t forget that this is a greatly dispersed island nation – stretching just over 500 miles from north to south, and 80 miles from east to west. Each atoll in the Maldives can be experiencing a slightly different weather system at any given time, regardless of month.
Sometimes it’s a case of potluck – and it’s important to savour the rainy days in paradise when they come along. September and October are, however, often the wettest months – but these are the tropics, and you can get meteorological anomalies at any time of year. Visiting out of season could be a masterstroke, however, and save brave travellers a lot of money. Hoteliers in the Maldives are generally united in the fact that their seasons are much less predictable these days, so maybe consider the shoulder seasons for a bargain.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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The Maldives’ weather in January is hot, with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. There may be some rain, but at this time of year, it passes very quickly. It’s a great month to visit the Maldives and booking in advance is advised. There’s also great visibility for diving and snorkeling.
February is an excellent time to travel to the Maldives. It’s the Maldives’ driest month, with less than 70mm of monthly rainfall, average maximum temperatures of 30°C, and around 10 hours of sunshine each day. Visibility for diving and snorkeling is excellent.
In March, temperatures in the Maldives rise to an average maximum of 31°C – great for long days on the beach. Possible short bursts of rain offer relief from the hot temperatures. Visibility for diving and snorkeling is excellent and March also sees the start of the surfing season in the Maldives.
April is another wonderfully hot month in the Maldives. This is the end of the Maldives’ official dry season and there are often showers mid-month. It’s also a little more humid. Water visibility for diving and snorkeling is still very good.
May is hot, with average maximum temperatures of 31°C, but is the start of the Maldives’ official wet season and comes with risks of storms and possible whole days of rain. Diving visibility is slightly reduced due to the plankton in the water. The holy month of Ramadan (known as Ramazan in the Maldives) begins in May although the exact date changes each year. Guests visiting Maldives’ resorts during the holy month are unlikely to notice anything different to any other month – meals and alcohol are served as usual. If you’re visiting a local island, there will be some restrictions that you’ll understandably be asked to respect.
June is another month in the Maldives with a high chance of rainfall. It’s a good time to take advantage of the best value offers if you’re willing to spend as much time enjoying your resort’s facilities as on the beach. Diving visibility is slightly reduced due to the plankton in the water, however, there’s a huge advantage for divers as manta rays and whale sharks come to feed on the plankton. The holy month of Ramadan continues into June.
The Maldives’ weather in July is hot and humid, with short heavy downpours. This is another time to check for great value offers and is particularly good for surfers. Water visibility for diving is slightly reduced due to the plankton in the water, but the big draw underwater is the presence of manta rays and whale sharks. 26 July is Independence Day and you may see small parades and public celebrations on resort islands.
August in the Maldives is hot and humid, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine each day and short heavy downpours. Diving visibility is slightly reduced due to the plankton in the water, but enticing offers mean this is still a popular time to visit.
September is one of the Maldives’ wettest months. It sees average maximum temperatures of 30°C, and there’s still an average of 7 hours of sunshine each day. Diving visibility is slightly reduced due to the plankton in the water, but there are great opportunities to spot whale sharks and manta rays feeding on the plankton.
October is the Maldives’ wettest month, with high humidity and with possible whole days of rain. It’s a good time to take advantage of the best value offers if you’re willing to spend as much time enjoying your resort’s facilities as on the beach. October is the last month of the Maldives’ surfing season and the last month of the year for good sightings of whale sharks and manta rays.
In November, temperatures in the Maldives are an average maximum of 30°C. The official wet season is finishing and although there are showers, the rain passes quickly.
The climate for the Maldives in December is largely hot and dry, though mid-month showers are likely. It’s an excellent choice for some winter sun. Christmas and New Year are particularly popular and may include minimum stays.
Explore Maldive Atolls Properties
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Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives
Marine adventures are guaranteed at Baros thanks to a staggeringly special house reef. One of the Indian Ocean’s first luxury dive resorts, this Maldivian-owned, all-villa escape has stayed fresh since opening in 1973, and ..
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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
This sprawling resort has an ayurvedic-focused spa, a pioneering marine research centre with a manta-on-call service, four fabulous restaurants and 103 enormous villas perched on the beach or on stilts over the Indian Ocean.
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Niyama Private Islands
Niyama Private Islands
The lush Niyama Private Islands is spread over two islands – 'Play' and 'Chill' – and is filled with 4,200 coconut palms. From bathing in showstopper bathrooms with outdoor showers, to hopping on a speedboat to the uber-trendy ..
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Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu
One of The Maldives more remote properties, Six Senses Laamu requires a bit of extra effort to reach. Yet as one of the island nation's very finest hotels, it's absolutely worth it – fabulously expensive, but also generally ..
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Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives
Much of Vakkaru Maldive's appeal is its privileged setting in Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the Baa Atoll, with a thriving house reef, deep blue hole just off shore and no other island in sight. Fringed with white sand merging into ..
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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