North Malé Atoll
Close to the airport by speedboat, with many of the Maldives’ best-known luxury resorts.
Best for Short trips, easy arrivals
Why Maldives
The Maldives is the classic barefoot escape: private villas over the lagoon, house reefs for snorkeling and seaplane transfers. It pairs beautifully with Sri Lanka or a stop in Dubai.
Highlights
- Overwater villas
- Snorkeling with manta rays
- Seaplane arrivals
- Dinner on a sandbank
Where to go in Maldives
The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.
Getting to your resort
- Malé to North or South Malé Atoll15 to 60 minutes by speedboat
- Malé to Baa AtollAbout 35 to 45 minutes by seaplane
- Malé to Ari AtollAbout 25 to 40 minutes by seaplane
- Malé to Addu AtollAbout 1 hour 15 minutes by domestic flight
- Seaplane hoursDaylight only, so late arrivals stay near Malé
South Malé Atoll
Also a quick boat ride away, with lively reefs and good surf breaks.
Best for Families, surfers
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to Hanifaru Bay, where manta rays gather in huge numbers in the wet season.
Best for Snorkeling, mantas
Ari Atoll
Known for year-round whale shark sightings in the south and beautiful house reefs.
Best for Divers, wildlife lovers
Raa & Lhaviyani
Newer resorts and quieter waters farther north, reached by seaplane.
Best for Privacy, honeymoons
Addu Atoll
The southernmost atoll, just below the equator, with mangroves, history and a more local feel.
Best for Divers, something different
Overwater or beach villa
Overwater villas for stepping straight into the lagoon, beach villas for more space and shade. Many couples split their stay.
Best for Choosing your room
Local islands
Guesthouse islands offer a glimpse of everyday Maldivian life. They’re dry islands, so alcohol isn’t served.
Best for Culture, day trips
When to go
November to April is the dry season. May to October brings some rain and better value.
The best months, the busy weeks and the quieter windows, so you can choose the trip that fits.
- JanDry, calm and sunny
- FebDriest month
- MarClear water, great diving
- AprHot, calm, last dry weeks
- MayMonsoon arrives
- JunShowers, manta season
- JulMantas in Baa Atoll
- AugBest value
- SepSurf season, quiet
- OctCalmer, still showery
- NovDry season returns
- DecHoliday peak
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall in Malé
Jan4.5″
Feb1.5″
Mar2.9″
Apr4.9″
May8.6″
Jun6.8″
Jul5.9″
Aug7.0″
Sep8.2″
Oct9.5″
Nov8.5″
Dec8.6″
Approximate average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.
Spring
March and April are hot, sunny and calm, with excellent visibility for diving. Easter weeks are busy.
Summer
The southwest monsoon brings showers and stronger winds from May to October, usually in short bursts. It’s also manta season in Baa Atoll, and rates are at their lowest.
Fall
October and November are a transition, with more sunshine each week and great value before the holidays.
Winter
December through April is the dry season, with calm seas and blue skies. Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest, priciest weeks of the year.
Ideas by month:
Trip ideas
Starting points only. Every Maldives trip we plan is built around you.
Barefoot Honeymoon
A week at one island resort in an overwater villa.
Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Tea country and temples, then the beach.
Where you'll stay
Private-island resorts with overwater and beach villas. We choose every hotel ourselves and know which rooms have the view.
Good to know
The small things that make a big difference once you arrive.
Mind the seaplane schedule
Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so we time international flights around them or plan a night near Malé.
Choose the house reef
A great house reef means world-class snorkeling from your villa. We match resorts to how much time you want in the water.
Meal plans matter
Every meal is at your resort. Half board, full board or all-inclusive can save a lot over ordering à la carte.
Add a stopover
Break up the long flights with a few nights in Dubai, Doha or Sri Lanka.
Pack light
Resort casual all week, reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for long snorkels. That’s most of it.
Respect local custom
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Resorts are relaxed, but on local islands cover shoulders and knees.
Maldives questions
When is the best time to visit Maldives?
November to April is the dry season. May to October brings some rain and better value.
How long should I spend in Maldives?
Most of our travelers spend 5 to 8 nights in Maldives. We'll shape the length around what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Can Global Escapes plan a private trip to Maldives?
Yes. Every trip we plan to Maldives is designed around you, with hand-picked hotels, private guides where they make a difference and support while you travel. Call 706.549.1164 or tell us about your trip below.
Tell us about your Maldives dream.
Share as much or as little as you like. A member of our team will reach out personally to start shaping your trip.
Rather talk it through? Call 706.549.1164