Apsley Travel · Bespoke Luxury Travel
The Maldives is best from November to April — the dry season delivers reliable sun, warm calm water and postcard weather. December to March is peak (and most expensive); May to October is the wetter shoulder, with short afternoon storms rather than day-long rain, and 20–35% off the same villa. Water temperature stays 27–30°C year-round. The peak of peak is Christmas–New Year, when top resorts add 40–80% and impose 7–10 night minimums.
The Maldives is best November to April (dry season) — sun, calm seas, minimal rain. December–March is peak and most expensive; May–October is greener, warmer and 20–35% cheaper on the same villa. Christmas–New Year adds 40–80% and 7–10 night minimums at the top resorts.
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February — peak dry season with the most reliable weather, calmest sea and best snorkelling visibility of the year. Second best: January and March. For best value at 90% of the weather, late November through mid-December, and late April.
Wetter than dry season but not consistently rainy. Expect 6–8 hours of sun daily and typically one 30–60 minute tropical storm per day, most often in the afternoon. Water stays 27–30°C. Villa pricing is 15–25% below peak. Fine for family holidays with children who want pool + beach + kids' club.
June is the single cheapest month — 30–35% off peak on the same villa — followed by September. Late April and late October are our recommended value windows: 20–30% off with dry-season-like weather.
40–80% on nightly rate, plus compulsory 7–10 night minimums at top resorts, plus £400–£1,200 pp gala dinner surcharges. A shoulder-season £2,000/night villa can hit £3,600/night at NY. Book 9–14 months out or the best villas are gone.
Yes, with seasonal variation. December–May: exceptional visibility (25–40m), calmer seas, best for photography. May–November: manta and whale shark season on Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay); visibility drops to 15–25m. Different windows favour different atolls.
Seaplanes are daylight-only, year-round. A late international arrival (after ~15:00) usually means either an overnight in Malé at Hulhulé Island Hotel or St Regis Vommuli's speedboat, plus a next-morning seaplane. Apsley builds this into the itinerary at booking.