Maldives Weather &
Climate
The Maldives have a
tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal
of sunshine. During a 24 year period between 1967 - 1990, the hottest
month on average was April, with a maximum monthly mean temperature
of 31.5°C and a minimum of 26.5°C. The coolest month was
December, with a maximum monthly mean temperature of 29.8°C
and a minimum of 25.3°C.
There is a considerable
variation of climate between Northern and Southern atolls in the
Maldives. In the south the rainfall is greater but so are the number
of rain days. Showers are not as heavy as in the North. There are
extremes of temperatures in the North also, as the seasons are more
evident further away from the Equator.
- Monsoons
December - April
NE Monsoon
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- May - November
SW Monsoon
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- November
Transition Period
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The weather is determined
to a large extent by the monsoon circulation. Each year there are
two monsoons seasons, the north-east monsoon, iruvai and the south
west monsoon, hulhangu. The prevailing winds which can become quite
strong, are from the SW-W-WN during the south-west monsoon and N-NE-E
during the north-east monsoon.
The north-east monsoon
brings the driest period, the air having a comparatively short sea
track compared with that during the reminder of the year. The relative
humidity is only 5% lower than during the south-west monsoon. The
hot season is in March and April. In April, calm, windless days
are more likely to be experienced than any other time of the year.
The transitional period between monsoons begins in April and by
the end of May the winds are predominantly W-SW. A fortnight of
strong winds and rain usually ushers in the change of seasons.
The wet season is from June to September when the south-west monsoon
is firmly set. Gales and moderate to rough seas are common during
this season. Cloudy days are more frequent. November is again a
transitional period. During October day of light winds are experienced
more frequently and by the end of November, winds have shifted from
W-NE to N-NE. The effects of cyclones from the Arabian sea can be
experienced during this period. The first month of the north-east
monsoon, December, is typically rough with strong winds and rain.
Because the Maldives is in the equatorial belt, severe tropical
storms and cyclones are extremely rare events. But whenever cyclones
form in the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea, the spiraling feeder band
clouds appear over the Maldives and cause spells of rain and showers.
The weather in the north may deteriorate considerably as a result,
but there is little effect on the southern islands as it is almost
impossible for low pressure areas to develop within 5° of the
Equator.
Water Temperatures
Ocean water temperatures rarely vary beyond 27 - 30° C although
thermo clines can sometimes be experienced at depths below 20 meters.
During the hot periods, water temperatures inside the lagoons increases
measurably, influencing water temperatures inside the atolls. During
these periods divers are comfortable diving without a wetsuit, although
those of slight build may shiver a little. During overcast periods
with and rain squalls, it is wise to carry extra clothing on the
boat after a dive. Lycra and 3mm wetsuits are popular in tropical
waters but some divers prefer a 5mm suit if doing more than one
dive a day.
To check the current
weather condition of Maldives please
click here
Recommended
Hotels and Resorts
in Maldives
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honeymooners, family & group
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