Maldives in May
Monsoon begins, manta season starts
The short answer
May is one of the best months to visit Maldives.
The southwest monsoon begins, bringing fewer visitors, softer prices and the start of major manta activity.
May in detail
What May actually feels like
- Weather
- 28–31°C
- Hot and humid with more frequent tropical showers.
- Crowds
- Low
- Noticeably quieter as the wet season begins.
- Prices
- €€ (Medium-Low)
- Significantly cheaper than peak season.
+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.
My tip for May
Choose a resort with good spa and indoor facilities.
- Value
- Mantas
- Diving
- Surfing
How May compares
Against the other eleven months
6th of 12 overall in Maldives, 6th for weather, 3rd for space, 6th for value. The emptiest month is September; the best value is September.
See all twelve months for MaldivesPlan around
What’s on in Maldives in May
- Manta season — Hanifaru Bay
- Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay becomes a major manta aggregation site during the southwest monsoon. Marine conditions and sightings vary by tide and weather.
May to November, strongest around June–October
Not set on May?
Even stronger months in Maldives
Ready to book May in Maldives?
The southwest monsoon begins, bringing fewer visitors, softer prices and the start of major manta activity.
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