Climate

Climate

In the Maldives, talking about the weather is more than just a way to start a conversation. The year-round climate and the daily weather report are an important part of life in the Maldives. The world’s smallest nation, in terms of population and total area, generates much of its economy as a travel and tourism destination.

The Two Seasons

There are two distinct seasons in this island nation. The dry season (northeast monsoon) begins in November and runs through April. The wet or rainy season begins in May and lasts through October.

The Dry Season (November – April)

Average Monthly Temperatures

The dry season is the ideal time to visit the Maldives. Days are warm and sunny and average from 25-29 degrees Celsius (C) or 77-84 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Average monthly temperatures in November, December and January are a consistent 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 F). The monthly average temperatures move up a few degrees in each of the following months and can exceed 30 Celsius (86) in April.

How Much Rain Will Fall Each Month?

During the dry season, the average monthly rainfall, expressed in millimeters (mm), is highest in November and lowest in February. Being close to the equator and surrounded by water, humidity is always pretty high. A 75% rate of humidity is not uncommon during parts of the dry season. The chart below shows the approximate amount of rain in mm by month. (Maldives Meteorological Service – 2010)

How About Some Sunshine?

Being located very close to the equator, the Maldives receive plenty of sunshine all year round, even in the rainy season. The average number of hours of sunshine by month is shown in the table below. (Maldives Meteorological Service – 2010)

The Wet Season (May – October)

During this time of the year, the Maldives experience heavy rains and high winds. The low lying islands are often inundated with rising seas and rain only compounds the situation. Tropical storms or cyclones have the greatest chance of occurring during the southwest monsoon season and there is always a chance of a devastating tsunami sweeping across some or the entire nation’s spread out chain of islands. Despite the increased chance of stormy weather, tourists still come to the Maldives during the rainy season. Generally, hotels and resorts offer lower rates and better deals to attract vacationers during this less than prime time of the year. There is still plenty of sunshine and visitors can enjoy the water activities and beaches all year round.

Average Monthly Temperatures

Even though there is quite a bit of rain during this six month period, the average monthly temperature is only a few degrees below the readings during the dry season. According to the Maldives Meteorological Service, temperatures are highest in May and lowest in October. The temperature gradually decreases each month from about 29 degrees Celsius (84.2 F) to 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 F).

How Much Rain Will Fall Each Month?

Average monthly rainfall in the wet season never drops below 200 mm. It is highest in May and lowest in June. Humidity routinely registers about 80% during the wet season. The chart below shows the average rainfall in mm by month. Statistics are courtesy of the Maldives Meteorological Service for calendar year 2010.

How About Some Sunshine?

Even though more rain falls during this time of the year, the Maldives still get a good amount of sunshine. Tropical storms tend to come and go quickly. While it might be cloudy and overcast in the morning, by the afternoon, the sun can be shining brightly. Following is a chart showing the average number of hours of sunshine by month. (Maldives Meteorological Service – 2010).

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