Maldives weather in May
May is probably not the best time to visit the Maldives as it marks the onset of the wet monsoon season.
While the weather remains warm and sunny, the temperature drops and rainfall increases, with rainy spells lasting anywhere up to a week at a time.
May also brings the increased possibility of thunderstorms. Despite this, May can still be a pleasant time to visit the Maldives.
How hot is it in the Maldives in May?
Daytime high temperatures in the Maldives average 31°C (87°F) in May, with high heat and humidity, falling to a night-time low of 26°C (78°F).
How sunny is it in the Maldives in May?
There are normally seven hours of bright sunshine each day in the May in March – that's around 58% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in May?
Sunrise is around 5:53am with sunset around 6:12pm.
How warm is the sea around the Maldives in May?
The average sea temperature around the Maldives in May is 30°C (86°F).
Does it rain in the Maldives in May?
May is one of the wettest months in the Maldives. There are usually 15 days with some rain in the Maldives in May, and the average monthly rainfall is 220mm (8in).
How windy is it in the Maldives in May?
May is one of the windiest months of the year, with an average wind speed of 19 kilometres per hour (12 mph; 10 knots).
What to do in the Maldives in May?
Despite the rain, May can still offer good swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing.
Local holidays?
International Worker's Day – 1st May; Eid-ul Fithr – 3rd May. This is the low season in the Maldives.
Note: Islamic holiday exact dates are subject to moon sightings and may differ from the date given. The weekend in the Maldives is observed on a Friday and Saturday.
Maldives – May weather
 |
High Temp: 31°C (87°F) |
 |
Low Temp: 26°C (78°F) |
 |
Sunshine: 7 hours per day |
12
 |
Daylight: 12 hours per day |
 |
Wind speed: 19 km/h (12 mph; 10 knots) |
 |
Wet Days: 15 days with some rain |
 |
Rainfall: 220mm (8in) per month |
 |
Comfort Level: High heat & 80% humidity |
11
 |
UV Index: Extreme |
 |
Sea Temp: 30°C (86°F) |
| Male, Maldives | |
Best time to visit the Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives is anytime from late-December to early-March when it’s mainly sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F).
The Maldives has a hot tropical climate with a short dry season and cooling daytime sea breezes.
Maldives weather by month
Source: Meteorological data for the Maldives is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1991 to 2020 from the closest weather station: Velana International Airport (MLE), located around 5km (3mi) northeast of the capital, Malé, on Hulhulé Island in North Malé Atoll. Additional climate data is sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Maldives weather in May: 12 June, 2024
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
Advertising