When to go · Maldives
Maldives in October
Mixed month. Transition month; showers; whale sharks in South Ari.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Low
- Maldives
- Prices
- Low
- Maldives
Verdict
Transition month; showers; whale sharks in South Ari.
Is another month better than October?
October is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in October
- 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, Addurainy
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.
- Malé30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 16 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 79 °F (26 °C), 16 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), 5 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 5 rain days
- Maafushi30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 14 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 77 °F (25 °C), 14 rain days
- Maamigili30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 11 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 77 °F (25 °C), 11 rain days
- Mathiveri30 °C (86 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 8 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 81 °F (27 °C), 8 rain days
- Rasdhoo30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 15 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 77 °F (25 °C), 15 rain days
- Thoddoo31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 79 °F (26 °C), 5 rain days
- Ukulhas30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 14 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 77 °F (25 °C), 14 rain days
Festivals and holidays
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.
National Day, Victory Day, Republic Day, Islam Day
Varies (lunar)
Public holidays; government offices closed.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Maldives
- Low
- Prices · Maldives
- Low
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Maldives, side by side.
Verdict
Oct: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Crowds
Oct: Low
Jan: High
Prices
Oct: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Oct: 1
Jan: 4
October: Transition month; showers; whale sharks in South Ari.
January: Dry, calm, excellent visibility; early January still peak-priced.
Maldives: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast