The Maldives have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The hottest month on average is April, with a maximum monthly mean temperature of 31.5°C and a minimum of 26.5°C. The coolest month is December, with a maximum monthly mean temperature of 29.8°C and a minimum of 25.3°C.
There is a considerable variation of climate between Northern and Southern atolls in the Maldives. In the south the rainfall is greater but so are the number of rain days. Showers are not as heavy as in the North. There are extremes of temperatures in the North also, as the seasons are more evident further away from the Equator.
When to go
One must visit the beautiful island nation between December and April, which is the dry season. This is the high season, however, and resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season.
Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.
Culture
The Maldivian culture is rich with flavors from most of the seafarers who landed on it. Traditional dances and music may not be an everyday event but there are occasions where traditional music and dances are performed. Though traditional dresses are not used by present day generation there are many types of traditional dresses made for both men and women.
With a renowned history that evolved from the early settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in olden times, Maldives has been a meeting point of different cultures. For example some of the local music and dance has African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. Besides this, there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However, many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance the Sub Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the sea and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around.
As a rule visitors to the Maldives do not need an entry visa for a stay of up to four weeks, however the passport has to be valid for at least six months exceeding the date of leaving the Maldives.
A vaccination certificate is only required for visitors arriving from cholera, yellow fever or malaria infested countries.
