When should you visit Maldives?

+Dry-season sunshine, calm water and excellent visibility make January a classic Maldives month.

–Christmas/New Year demand carries into early January and resort rates remain high.

+The strongest all-round combination of reliable weather, calm seas and excellent visibility.

–Premium-season pricing remains, especially at top resorts.

+Excellent beach weather and diving conditions with the peak holiday rush behind you.

–Demand remains strong and Easter can affect rates when it falls in March/April.

+Warm, sunny conditions continue and late-April shoulder-season deals can appear.

–Humidity and showers become more likely toward the end of the month.

+The southwest monsoon begins, bringing fewer visitors, softer prices and the start of major manta activity.

–Rain becomes less predictable and seas can be rougher.

+Excellent value and strong manta-season potential, particularly in Baa Atoll.

–More cloud, showers and wind than the dry season.

+Quiet resorts and attractive rates, with strong marine-life opportunities.

–Rain and wind can interrupt boat trips and beach days.

+Great value and strong whale-shark opportunities in South Ari.

–Wetter, windier conditions make the trip less weather-proof.

+One of the best months for value and marine-life experiences, especially manta and whale-shark trips.

–Rainfall risk is high and sunshine is less reliable.

+Excellent rates, low crowds and continued manta/whale-shark season.

–Still one of the wetter parts of the year.

+Conditions begin improving as the transition toward the dry season starts, while marine life remains strong.

–Weather can still be unsettled early in the month.

+Dry-season conditions return and the islands have a festive atmosphere.

–Christmas and New Year create the year's biggest demand spike.