Maldives in May

South-west monsoon arrives: squalls and rough transfers; big discounts; mantas start in Baa.

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• JanuaryGreatDry, calm, excellent visibility; early January still peak-priced.
• FebruaryGreatThe driest month; Chinese New Year peak.
• MarchGreatHot, calm seas, best visibility for diving.
• AprilGreatHottest; calm before the monsoon; Easter peak.

• Northern atolls · Haa Alif, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyanirainy

  Most pronounced monsoon swing; Hanifaru Bay mantas in Baa May–November.

• Central atolls · Malé (Kaafu), Ari, Vaavu, Meemurainy

  The north-east monsoon (Iruvai) brings dry, calm weather December–April; south-west (Hulhangu) squalls May–November, with sunny spells between.

• Southern atolls · Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addufine

  Near the equator: rain spread through the year, fewer strong seasons; tiger sharks at Fuvahmulah all year.

• Ari: Ari Atoll · North and South Ari, both sides of the atoll rimfine

  Dry season roughly December to April, southwest monsoon rain June to September; the atoll sits near the equator, so showers are short and temperatures stay around 28–31 °C (82–88 °F) all year.Dry season roughly December to April, southwest monsoon rain June to September; the atoll sits near the equator, so showers are short and temperatures stay around 82–88 °F (28–31 °C) all year.

• Kaafu: North and South Malé Atoll · Kaafu, around Malé and Velana airportfine

  Dry northeast monsoon roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind, heaviest June–September. Temperatures stay around 27–31 °C (81–88 °F) all year.Dry northeast monsoon roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind, heaviest June–September. Temperatures stay around 81–88 °F (27–31 °C) all year.

• Lhaviyani: Lhaviyani · northern atoll, 5.38 N 73.48 Efine

  Dry season roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind.

• Malé31 °C (88 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 17 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 17 rain days
• Addu31 °C (88 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 6 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 6 rain days
• Kuredu31 °C (88 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 6 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 6 rain days
• Maafushi31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 14 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 79 °F (26 °C), 14 rain days
• Maamigili31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 13 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 79 °F (26 °C), 13 rain days
• Mathiveri31 °C (88 °F) / 28 °C (82 °F), 9 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 82 °F (28 °C), 9 rain days
• Rasdhoo31 °C (88 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 14 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 14 rain days
• Thoddoo31 °C (88 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 6 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 6 rain days
• Ukulhas31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 12 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 79 °F (26 °C), 12 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Eid al-Adha (Bodu Eid)

  ~17 May 2027 (check)

  Long public holiday; domestic travel peaks.

• National Day, Victory Day, Republic Day, Islam Day

  Varies (lunar)

  Public holidays; government offices closed.

• Eid al-Fitr check

  Islamic calendar, moves yearly · Malé

  A multi-day holiday; shops, ferries and offices reduce service.

Crowds · Maldives

Low

Prices · Maldives

Low

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Maldives, side by side.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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