The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It ranks first in the list of the most luxurious tropical resorts in the world. There are 1190 islands that form the archipelago of the Maldives. There are 3 main categories of islands: residential, uninhabited and resort. There is a fourth, less well-known category of islands called "disappeared islands".
Many people, even those who have never been here, know where it is and what country it is. The Maldives, or the Republic of Maldives, is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and as soon as a tourist sets foot on the island, he will immediately understand why. It is a peaceful country with amazing views, great food and all kinds of things to do.
Currently, about 200 islands are inhabited by local Maldivians, and hotels are located on another 105 islands covered with beaches with turquoise clear water. It's easy to understand whymany people choose to spend their vacation, honeymoon or vacation in one of these idyllic Maldives.
More than 900 uninhabited islands are used by locals for agriculture or for day trips and picnics for tourists.
When to visit?
Deciding when to visit and where to visit in the Maldives depends on budget, free time and weather preferences. Some people think that when going on a long trip to a place you don't go too often, it's better to choose a time to visit when the weather conditions are most favorable. Others are glad that they have found a profitable offer and close their eyes to the possible rains at this time. You need to take into account all the factors and make the right choice.
So when to go: low season or high season? No matter what time tourists choose, they will still be greeted by emerald green palm trees and white sand. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy the beach, taste incredible food and dine under the stars.
Planning a holiday in the Maldives requires a bit of research, as you not only have to choose the right flight and find the most amazing resort, but you also need to plan your holiday at the right time of the year. For example, dreaming of celebrating the New Year here, you should find out where it is better to relax in the Maldives in January. The Maldives has high and low seasons. Each of them has its own advantages. In this article you can find tips and tricks thatwill help you choose the best season to visit the Maldives for a holiday by month.
Climate
The islands enjoy warm weather all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 26 degrees. Humidity reaches 80%, but a light ocean breeze helps keep the night comfortably cool. You never have to worry about cold waters here, as the sea temperature fluctuates between 26 and 29 °C all year round.
You need to understand, when planning to visit the Maldives, which country you are going to. It is a tropical country with an equatorial climate, mostly humid and warm, with 2 seasons called monsoons.
At a distance of 800 km from north to south of the equator crossing the country, weather conditions will vary depending on the location in the archipelago.
As a result, the standard weather forecast for Male city (the capital of the Maldives, located in the north) will not be valid for the entire archipelago, and weather forecasts for the island of Gan will be required for the southernmost part, located under the equator.
Holidays in the Maldives can be divided into two seasons - peak (high) and off-season (low). Each season has its pros and cons, and it is best to choose one of them depending on the purpose of the trip. So whether a tourist is looking for a place to honeymoon or learn to scuba dive, the Maldives can cater for both.
Maldives high season: December to April
The peak or high season in the Maldives is the time when there is no rain orvery little rainfall, making it the best time to visit the Maldives. This dry season is known for being less humid and lasts from December to April. The Maldives offer the most optimal weather for tourists during this period, as this is the best time to enjoy beach activities. The average temperature during the high season is around 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 25 degrees at night. This is the best time for tourists to visit the Maldives to enjoy the beach, bars and spas.
Because this period is a popular time to visit the Maldives, the influx of tourists will be appropriate and you can expect to see many people from all over the world here.
If you want to go diving or take scuba diving lessons, this is the best season to visit the Maldives as it provides incredible visibility and optimal water temperatures. In the streams flowing from the northeast, you can see the majestic underwater world in all its glory.
Sun lovers will especially enjoy these months to visit when temperatures are high and there are few rainy days. The graphs show that February and March have the longest daylight hours. Rainfall is limited, but afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible, especially on the southern atolls. Fortunately, they pass as quickly as they begin, so it will be possible to return to the beach very soon.
The high season in the Maldives will allow luxuryspend the New Year and escape the Christmas cold by having fun on the beach under palm trees. Resorts will include major holidays in their offerings. Many host a special festive New Year's buffet or dinner serving European and Maldivian cuisine. On New Year's Eve, the resorts host gala dinners, acrobatic shows, and even famous performers perform at some of the major resorts such as The One and Only Reethi Rah.
Maldives Low Season: May to November
The other season is the low season, which is also the off season in the Maldives. May brings with it the start of the rainy season, with showers on about 15 days a month. The air temperature remains warm throughout May, as does the sea temperature, averaging 30°C. In July and August, you can expect a cooler climate, more rain and cloudy days. November marks the end of the off-season and this is the month when you can expect an average temperature of 27°C and about 6 hours of sunshine per day.
However, if there is a desire to retire to the islands, this season can offer a favorable atmosphere for this. This is the perfect time to read a book while enjoying a Pina Colada and Indian Ocean sunset views from the comfort of your hotel room balcony.
Where to stay in the Maldives
Staying on an inhabited island, it is not necessary to choose a hotel stay. A trip to the Maldives for two may not be affordable for every tourist. In this case, you can rent a room in a guest house or rent the whole house. But there is one warning for tourists here: you should first read the reviews where it is better for independent tourists to relax in the Maldives.
Guest houses designed for independent and budget travellers.
What makes a guest house special? They provide an opportunity to live within the Maldivian island communities, interact with the locals and learn about their culture. Doing everything from local crafts and music to everyday life on the islands, such as fishing and boat building, you can feel like you are in some special place, and not just another ordinary resort place. Instead of being isolated on private resort islands with an artificial environment and limited human contact in authentic situations, you can stay in a real local guest house on the island.
This will be a slightly different holiday away from the usual tourist spots, while not missing out on the island's extraordinary tropical features and magical beauties - lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, diverse marine life and coral reefs.
Thinking about where to relax in the Maldives, you can opt for guest houses and see the distinctive and charming features of the real Maldives.
If there is no time and desire to independently search for accommodation and book air tickets, then you can take advantage of the offers of travel companies offering tours in this direction. The cost of a tour to the Maldives for two starts from 100 thousandrubles per hotel 3 BB.
Not all resorts are the same. You need to take into account all the details and compare several offers to find the right one for a particular family.
Budget holidays in the Maldives
The price of a tour to the Maldives is not affordable for every tourist. And for many travelers, these wonderful islands remain an unrealizable and unattainable dream. But there are options for a budget holiday for those who want to visit this place. In order to find out where it is better to relax in the Maldives inexpensively, you can check out the following list of the most attractive islands where you can rent a house or rent a room:
- Thoddoo is one of the favorite local islands in the Maldives. Thoddoo is not too far from Male. Only 67 km. And there are some incredibly beautiful beaches and great places to stay. It is also one of the few agricultural islands where food is grown for other islands.
- Dhigurah. The island is located almost 100 km from Male and is part of the Alif Daal Atoll with a local population of about 500 people. You can get there by speedboat. This is where whale sharks live all year round.
- Thulusdhoo is located north of Male and is considered one of the best surf islands in the Maldives. About 1400 local residents live here. You can stop here to surf at places like Canopus Retreat, Kahanbu Oceanview or Season Paradise.
- Maafushi - The first guest house in the Maldives opened here in 2010. This is a popular local island whereThere are dozens of guesthouses and even dive centers to choose from.
- Guraidhoo. The island is close to Male. You can get there by speedboat or local ferry.
Holidays with children
The Maldives, synonymous with honeymoon paradise in the tourism world, is slowly being renovated to meet the needs of families visiting this tropical island. Dedicated children's centers at upscale resorts, expert snorkeling lessons and recreational activities such as crab racing are some of the many activities introduced over time to ensure that children enjoy the beauty of this archipelago as much as young couples. When traveling with the whole family, you need to find out in advance where it is better to relax with children in the Maldives and what places to visit.
How to spend time on the islands?
Walking with dolphins. Dolphin watching is one of the activities in the Maldives offered on all islands. Here you can see 4 different species of dolphins. Unlike other incredible sea creatures that can also be seen here, such as whale sharks or blue whales, dolphins are a common sight and are present all year round. About 100 dolphins can be counted around Kaashidhoo, but in other places their number can reach thousands
- Movement on boats. Just like most people, city dwellers, take the train or bus, the Maldivians catch the boat. There is a lot of water here, so boating is one of the things thata must do in the Maldives. On the way, you can see many fascinating moments: jumping tuna, flying fish, dolphins and birds.
- Fishing is an art that the Maldivians have in their blood. There are many lagoons and fishing grounds in the area, so fishing is the main occupation for many communities. Tourists can also be involved in this process and even try their hand at local fishing. This is a very interesting experience with children in the Maldives.
- Family time on the beach. You can just spend time on the beach with your children playing in the white sand.
Best beaches
The Maldives offers many interesting and varied options for tourists looking for the perfect beach holiday. Thousands of years ago, the islands were shaken by volcanic eruptions. Volcanic activity has created beautiful coral atolls that can rise thousands of meters above sea level.
Let's take a look at where the best beaches in the Maldives are.
Beaches of the northern islands
Where is it better to relax in the Maldives in the northern part of the islands? Northern beaches include Haa Alif (the northernmost atoll in the Maldives), North Kaafu Atoll, North Ari Atoll and Soneva Gili.
Maldives beaches are known for their impeccable reputation, but the ultra-expensive resort of Soneva Gili reigns supreme with its overwater villa, which comes equipped with a few luxuries travelers don't even know about.suspect. The resort offers speedboat room service and private butler services to take tourists to deserted private beaches and enjoy picnics.
Beaches of the southern islands
Where is the best place to relax in the Maldives in the southern part of the archipelago? The southern beaches include Seenu (the southernmost atoll in the Maldives), South Kaafu Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Nalaguraidhoo Beach, known as the most stunning beach in the Maldives. As well as the islands of Banyan, Nika and Cocoa.
Cocoa Island is another one of those islands in the sun where nothing much happens and the beauty of the surrounding seas is magnificent. Tourists come here for romance or to relax.
Beaches of the Western Islands
Where is the best place to relax in the Maldives in the western part of the islands? Baa Atoll is located in the west of the atoll chain in the Maldives. It consists of 75 islands. Of these, 13 are inhabited, and the total population of Baa Atoll is just over 11,000. To date, 5 other islands are being converted into resorts, while the rest remain uninhabited.
The most popular beach in Baa Atoll is on a tiny island called Fonimagudu Island. This island has only 15% land development and is home to a stunning eco-friendly beach resort that caters primarily to clients from the UK and mainland Europe. The rest of the island offers lush vegetation, beautiful palm trees and a white sand beach known as Reeti Beach. Reethi Beach's crystal clear waters lagoon is home to a beautiful house reef thatis located only 30-100 m from the coast.
When planning to go to these paradise islands, first of all, you need to determine the season for a holiday by months. The Maldives is what dreams are made of, from a vacation inspired by incredibly idyllic pictures or fantasies to quitting your day job and living on an exotic island for the rest of your life (or at least a week). or two).
