Maldives Climate

Climate of Maldives

Most of the Maldives area is in the humid equatorial climate zone, with the exception of the northern atolls lying in the sub-equatorial zone. The entire region of the country is characterized by high constant temperatures with small diurnal variations, high rainfall and high humidity.

Annual air temperatures range between 25°C - 30°C, with water temperatures around 28°C. The tropical heat of the islands is mitigated by the movement of air masses from the Indian Ocean, which cools the atmosphere while increasing its humidity. In the northern part of the country (in the sub-equatorial zone) precipitation values are slightly lower, amounting to about 1800 mm, in the central part about 2200 mm, while in the south they reach 2500 mm.

In the Maldives it is possible to distinguish between the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is associated with the northeast monsoon, locally known as "Iruvai," and lasts from November to April. It is then hot and relatively dry. The rainy season is created by the southwest monsoon called "Hulhangu." It lasts from May to October, and is then warm and sunny, but there are strong winds, thunderstorms and rainfall. The rains come in the form of intense but short-lived downpours. Storms and high waves can also occur, making inter-island boat trips somewhat difficult. The period between monsoons (autumn and spring) brings about two weeks of windless weather.