The Maldives is characterized by a pleasant climate with plentiful rainless days that present the tourist the opportunity to explore the countless wonders of the islands. Many first-time travelers to the Maldives are now opening up to discover the local flora and fauna through knowledge-gaining expeditions bursting with colorful and exotic plant and animal species.
As a result the archipelago is slowly transforming from a wedding and honeymoon destination to a nation that guarantees unforgettable holidays, full of leisure and exciting land-based and underwater experiences.
The Climate and Weather of the Maldives
The Maldives is blessed with year-round tropical weather making it a much-desired all-season destination. The islands’ location near the Equator results in warm temperatures with an average 7-8 hours of sunshine daily. While there are occasional bursts of rain, the downpour is typically short-lived.
There are two main seasons in the Maldives, significantly influenced by the northeast and southwest monsoons.
Dry Season
The Dry Season begins in November and goes till mid-April. During this time, visitors can expect maximum sun and minimal rainfall caused by the northeast monsoon. The gentle showers typically arrive in the evening and are more prominent in the Southern Atolls.
Wet Season
May to October classifies as Wet Season in the Maldives. The southwest monsoon is relatively windier, resulting in rough waters, especially in the Northern Atolls.
Even though the Maldives has a peak season, a time when resort rates tend to increase, the islands offer enough excursions to attract a diverse set of travelers throughout the year.
January – April: The best time for most tourists to visit the Maldives is from January to mid-April. The climate is pleasant during these months, with plenty of sunny days and all-round dry weather, particularly in the Northern Atolls.
June – July: With the southwest monsoon in full effect, The Maldives witnesses an inflow of professional surfers during June and July. The strong winds during this period might make diving difficult, but they lead to spectacularly huge waves worth conquering.
The day-time temperature in the Maldives ranges from 28°C (82°F) to 32°C (89.5°F), with an average humidity of 80%. At night, the temperature drops to around 25°C (77°F). The water temperature around the islands sees minimal variation annually, from 28°C (82°F) to 30°C (86°F), and is ideal for swimming no matter the month you visit.
Plants and Wildlife of the Maldives
From hikes and diving excursions to scenic nature trails, there are ample ways to appreciate the rich vegetation and wildlife of the Maldives. The island nation boasts of a distinct ecosystem consisting of indigenous and endemic plants that have, for decades, been a source of nutrition, raw materials, and health supplements for the locals.
Plants and Flowers
The Maldives’ national flower is the pink rose. Due to highly saline soil near the seashore, one only finds shrubs and creepers in these areas. However, enthusiasts can find flowers such as frangipani, beach hibiscus, and the unusual fan flower growing slightly in-land. Coconut, Fiscus, and Casuarina are trees you are likely to find on most islands of the archipelago.
Birds
The atolls are a treasure chest full of surprises for visiting birders, with over 150 species of sea and shore birds that pass through the islands during the year. The crow and the mynah are prevalent, and the white-breasted water hen is the national bird of the Maldives.
Animals and Reptiles
Only a select number of animals and reptiles are found in the Maldives due to the small size of the islands. There are two species of fruit bats, geckos, and lizards along with non-poisonous snakes, the Indian flying fox, cats, rats, and the Maldivian garden shrew. One also comes across several sea turtle species, including the green turtle, the Olive Ridley turtle, the loggerhead and the hawksbill turtle.
Marine Life
What the Maldives lacks in its on-land wildlife, it more than makes up with over 2000 captivating species of fish. Guitarfish, yellowfin tuna, eagle rays, batfish, grouper, and moray eels highlight the assortment of local marine life. Manta rays are a frequent sight in the waters as are spinner dolphins. The Maldives is where visitors arrive to catch a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, pygmy killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, as well as blue and sperm whales. Shark enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either as there are 14 shark species commonly found in the region.
