WEATHER AND NATURE OF THE MALDIVES
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 resut 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.
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. However, amateur surfers should avoid these months choosing March to May or September to November to test their surfing skills.
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%, which increases moderately during the summer months.
At night, the temperature drops ever so slightly to around 25°C (77°F), with evening showers and a fresh ocean breeze adding a pleasant nip in the air.
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.
Due to the Maldives’ location near the Equator, it is susceptible to cyclones, although they are rare. Therefore, there is no “cyclone season” in the Maldives. In the past, cyclones have typically brushed past the islands or cross over them during their nascent stage.
The Southern Atolls are likely to face a slightly more turbulent time in May and November, as the weather is unpredictable during the changing of the seasons. Moreover, the atolls are low-lying and flat, and with heavy rain and strong winds, there are still occasions of flooding and damage to property.
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.
There is presently an ongoing conscious effort in the Maldives to promote wetland tourism. Close to 40 of the islands in the archipelago have wetlands that help with environmental conservation and provide visitors with exploration options besides the coral reefs and beaches. Excellent spots for birding, tourists can hike, take a boat, or walk the boardwalk to discover the natural curiosities of these islands.
Plants and Flowers
The Maldives’ national flower is the pink rose. Much-loved by the locals, it plays a significant role in several island festivities.
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. Coconut is the national tree, and its product is a traditional ingredient commonly used in Maldivian cooking. Mangrove trees are a familiar sight near lagoons and sheltered coasts and are extremely important for preserving the island’s biota.
Vegetation
Fruit and vegetable cultivation is widespread throughout the 200 inhabited islands. However, depending on the climate and island size, there is a visible distinction in what is grown.
Crops such as taros, almonds, corn, mango, papaya, banana, chilly, and sweet potatoes are popular, although not all are native to the Maldives.
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.
Birdwatchers with a keen eye can also spot the white-tailed tropicbird, grey heron, Asian koel, and the Audubon’s shearwater, which commonly breeds on the islands. The white tern is exclusively visible on Seenu Atoll, Maldive’s southernmost chain of islands.
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.
Dogs are not allowed on any Maldivian island, and it is typically a tedious process to get permission if you are planning to travel with one. Since the Maldives is a predominantly Muslim country, there are no pigs on the islands either.
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. Moreover, manta rays are a frequent sight in the waters as are spinner dolphins, seen in the morning and evening as they arrive and leave the atolls daily.
Featuring a star cast of characters, 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. The biggest attraction being the whale shark, the tiger shark, and the hammerheads.
Precautions
Although there have been no significant fatalities in the Maldives, one must be extra careful, especially when diving or snorkeling in the reef waters. Most fish and sharks in the region do no attack humans unless touched or disturbed. Therefore, it is vital to follow standard guidelines for water-based activities strictly.
Among the more dangerous of the fishes are the giant tigerfish, known for their sharp teeth, and the lionfish whose fin spines have a venom that can cause excruciating pain. There are also a few varieties of stonefish in the area. One should not step on or touch the fish, which can release a venom requiring immediate medical attention.
Divers primarily visit the Maldives due to the abundance of rays and sharks in the area. Snorkelers are advised not to wear any shiny jewelry lest they attract the great barracuda, which tends to follow swimmers in shallow waters. The moray eel, blue ring octopus, and the blue-spotted ray are three more marine animals that divers should avoid approaching as they may attack under provocation.