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The Maldives has two monsoons, but both are not wet. The Southwest Monsoon from May to October is the primary rainy season. In terms of tourism, it is thus the “low season.”
In contrast, the Northeast Monsoon is from January to March. Because there is hardly any rainfall during this time, it constitutes the “high season.”
As is the case anywhere in the world, tourists are often wary of traveling to a destination during its low season. The Maldives, though, permits visitors to enjoy its unspoiled beauty throughout the year.
Yes! Holidaying in the Maldives during rainy season is a bit of a gamble. And while it is not possible to predict the weather, we can tell you that the island nation is still an excellent holiday option from May to October. One that boasts a unique and individual character while promising some genuinely appealing rewards.
Considerably cheaper
The summer months, particularly in the northern hemisphere, are typically associated with holidays. Schools are off, most people have time on their hands, and everyone is eager to be out and about.
As a result, tourists make a beeline to sunny destinations like the Mediterranean for their vacation. They also often pay a premium price to enjoy the high season in places such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.
In comparison, the Maldives offer unmatched luxury and beauty at exceptionally discounted rates during the same period. While concessions differ from resort to resort, most retreats give bargains in villa prices, excursions, and inclusions that are hard to resist.
Regular visitors to the archipelago will agree that you can book a two-week Maldives vacation during the rainy season compared to a one-week stay between December and March. This makes the Maldives during the monsoon perfect, especially for budget travelers.
Pro Tip
Since last-minute deals are rare, book your Maldivian resort as early as possible to maximize your discount.
Rainy season in Maldives is unpredictable
Don’t let the unpredictability of Maldivian weather scare you off. It’s actually a good thing if you are planning a holiday on the islands.
Since the region is in the tropics, rain is a given. However, whether you come across days of rain, intermittent showers, a drizzle, or no rainfall is the gamble you take when visiting the Maldives during the rainy season.
If planning an extended stay, you’ll probably end up with a little bit of everything. At the same time, you can better your chances of no rain by choosing the right month to travel in.
Wondering which month(s) we are talking about? Well, there are two. And although there are no guarantees, it’s worth giving a try.
Early May in the Maldives
April is considered the transition period before the monsoon, which starts in May. Most resorts begin to slash their prices from the very first day of May. So, if you reach the Maldives within the first week of May, and if the monsoon is even slightly late, you’re in luck.
July in the Maldives
At first, July seems right in the middle of the monsoon season. However, it’s the fifth driest month, with average rainfall less than in May, June, November, and December. So, the Maldives during the rainy season in July is an excellent prospect.
Note:
It is pertinent to remember that the islands spread over a large area. Therefore, rainfall varies from region to region. There might be an instance when your island is sunny whereas the one nearby is encountering rain. The opposite can also be true.
Chance to enjoy your villa in the Maldives
So far, we’ve discussed trying to avoid a downpour in the Maldives during the monsoon. But what if it does rain?
The wonderful part about a vacation on the islands is that you can still enjoy it, even if it’s raining outside.
After all, one of the highlights of a stay in resorts like Gili Lankanfushi, Soneva Jani, Baros Maldives, and the like is their unique villas.
Thus, a rainy day allows you to make the most of your accommodation. It’s the perfect chance to read a book, take a long relaxing bath, watch a movie, or plan your excursions.
In fact, one of the most romantic things to do on this occasion is to have dinner on your covered patio. And while you do that, raindrops provide the best natural music in the background.
Plenty of indoor activities
Of course, enjoying a rainy day is not just limited to your villa. Resorts have plenty of indoor activities you can partake in.
For starters, save any one of the exclusive spa experiences that resorts offer for an overcast day. Or else, plan for a cooking class or wine tasting in one of the best wine cellars in the Maldives.
Moreover, most private retreats have covered children’s play areas, game rooms for adults, and lounges where guests can mingle with each other.
Since rain is an integral part of life on the islands, the staff stays prepared to keep their guests busy with events like crab racing. So, check the activities board or call the reception to find out everything happening on the island.
No crowds!
The Maldives is perfect for a honeymoon, but off-late has come up as an idyllic destination for families. Although Maldivian resorts offer their guests privacy and seclusion, some of the bigger islands can get a little busy during the high season.
Irrespective of retreat size, visiting the Maldives during the rainy season means no crowds. Moreover, with fewer people, the desert-island feel is at its max.
Now, Maldivian private resorts are known for their immaculate service. However, with fewer guests, expect even more personalized attention from the staff.
Stunning sunsets
There are several places on a resort to view a sunset. You can watch one while enjoying a sundowner at a Maldivian bar. For something more intimate, your water villa’s private plunge pool is an idyllic spot.
Sunsets in the Maldives are stunning, no matter the month. But, when evening comes after an afternoon tropical shower, and the skies are partly clear, the sunset is beyond astounding.
The sky, full of myriad colors, acts as the perfect muse for a poem, a romantic escapade, or a reminder that you are in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Exclusive excursions and festivals
The island nation offers a wide selection of attractions and excursions throughout the year. Still, a few events are exclusive to the Maldives during the monsoon months.
May, for example, is when surf season commences in the North and South Malé atolls. It is also around this period that you see more whale sharks in the waters.
Another point to remember is that the temperatures stay warm throughout the monsoon. In June and July, the surfers continue to arrive on the islands while manta ray season begins.
Furthermore, to be in the Maldives during festivals and celebrations is a beautiful opportunity to learn more about the local culture.
Although the dates for religious festivals change every year, there have been occasions when Ramadan, Kuda Eid, and Bodu Eid fall during the monsoon.
Additionally, the Maldives celebrates its Independence Day in July and National Day in October. If you get the opportunity, visit Malé or one of the public islands on these days to witness the colorful revelries.
Same outdoor activities
Another misconception about the Maldives during the rainy season is that outdoor activities come to a standstill. That’s simply not true.
Unless there are strong winds or the sea is rough, you can indulge in almost all watersports and beach happenings. It’s even possible to snorkel, or kayak during a drizzle, provided the sea is calm.
Moreover, in between rain showers, you can play beach games, go for a walk inland, dine in the open, or go for a sunset cruise on a dhoni.
Maldives’ year-round beauty
Here’s the thing: during the monsoon or otherwise, the Maldives continues to captivate its visitors. Its innate beauty emerges in new avatars, depending on when you visit the islands. Furthermore, each atoll and its islands have natural magnetism that adds to their charms.
Consequently, a holiday in the Maldives during the rainy season is a chance to see the country differently. Even better is that while you enjoy the rain-soaked islands, you also get to save money.
Now that you know all the reasons why the Maldives during the rainy season is a great idea, there’s only one thing left – book yourself a memorable and lavish tropical holiday of a lifetime.
