The Maldives is hot every month, but what you can wear depends on where you are. Resorts are relaxed, while local islands require covered shoulders and knees off designated tourist beaches, so pack beachwear and modest cover-ups.
Maldives weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 7 | 15 | 21 | 21 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 21 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
What to bring to Maldives
0 of 25 packedMaldives sockets are mostly Type D and G, so most visitors need an adapter.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and dry clothes safe from spray on speedboat transfers and from 21-rain-day months.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Speedboat transfers can be choppy, especially June to November, so chewables are worth having.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Easy for sand floors, boat decks and rinsing off after the beach.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A big insulated bottle keeps water cold through 32°C (90°F) days on the beach.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan helps in the 33°C (91°F), humid heat of April and May.
- Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel PillowSleep & Comfort
Most trips to the Maldives involve a long-haul flight, and a pillow helps you arrive ready for the beach.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 3
- Rash guard · 1Long hours snorkeling in 31–33°C sun
- Modest cover-ups for local islands · 2Cover shoulders and knees off the resort
- Quick-dry shorts and tops · 4
- Smart-casual dinner outfit · 1Some resort restaurants expect it
- Light rain layer · 1Jun–Nov southwest monsoon
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairSharp coral and reef edges
- Sandals or slides · 1 pair
Gear
- Snorkel mask · 1
- Polarized sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen · 1
- After-sun lotion · 1
- Insect repellent · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card
Tech
- Phone and charger
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1Speedboat transfers and lagoon swims
Northeast monsoon (December–March)
The drier, sunnier season. These numbers are from Malé. Highs are 31–32°C (88–90°F), lows 26–27°C (79–81°F). February is the driest with 7 rain days, while December has 19, January 15 and March 15. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and light cover-ups.
Transition (April–May)
The hottest stretch. April averages a 33°C (91°F) high and May 32°C (90°F), with lows of 28°C (82°F) and 21 rain days in each month. Expect humidity and short, heavy showers. Bring quick-dry clothes and a waterproof bag.
Southwest monsoon (June–November)
Wetter and windier, still hot. Highs are 31–32°C (88–90°F), lows 27–28°C (81–82°F). Rain days range from 12 in June to 21 in September, with 15–18 in the other months. Seas can be rougher on transfers. Pack a light rain layer and motion-sickness remedies for boats.
What shoes should you pack for the Maldives?
Sandals or slides, and water shoes if you plan to snorkel from a reef. Most resorts are barefoot-friendly, and you rarely need closed shoes. Coral and reef edges are sharp, so protect your feet in shallow water.
What do people wear in the Maldives?
Swimwear and casual resort wear at resorts. On local islands, cover shoulders and knees off the resort, and wear bikinis only on designated tourist beaches. Alcohol is not available on local islands. Some resort restaurants expect smart casual at dinner.
Do you need seasickness tablets for the Maldives?
Bring them if you get motion sick. Many resorts are reached by speedboat, and seas can be choppier in the southwest monsoon from June to November.
What plugs does the Maldives use?
The Maldives mostly uses Type D and G sockets, with some Type C, at 230V. Most visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine.
Tours and things to do in Maldives
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Maldives.
What should you leave at home for the Maldives?
Leave heels, heavy shoes, jeans and alcohol. Sand floors and boat transfers make heels pointless, and you cannot bring alcohol into the country. Light, quick-dry clothes are all you need.
Packing for Maldives: questions people ask
What should I wear in the Maldives in February?
Swimwear, light cover-ups and sun protection. February averages a 32°C (90°F) high, a 27°C (81°F) low and 7 rain days in Malé.
Can I wear a bikini on local islands in the Maldives?
Only on designated tourist beaches. Elsewhere on local islands, cover shoulders and knees.
Is alcohol allowed in the Maldives?
At resorts, yes. On local islands it is not available.
When is the rainy season in the Maldives?
The southwest monsoon, roughly June to November, is wetter. September averages 21 rain days in Malé.
Do I need an adapter in the Maldives?
Most visitors do. Sockets are mainly Type D and G, with some Type C, at 230V.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.