When is the best time to dive in the Maldives?
Welcome to our comprehensive article on the best time to dive in the Maldives. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, the Maldives is suitable for everyone, but it’s helpful to know when to be where. In this article we describe the optimal travel time for a diving vacation in the Maldives, when you can best spot which animals and where to find them. We also discuss the popular liveaboard routes and when it’s best to sail which route. From whale sharks and manta rays to tiger sharks and hammerheads, discover the perfect time to see these fascinating marine animals. In addition, we give you the best dive sites and conditions in the Maldives by month. Get ready for an unforgettable diving trip through the Maldives!
Best time by month to dive in the Maldives
Find out in the tabs below what diving in the Maldives is like each month. From the best dive sites and liveaboard itineraries to spotting whale sharks, manta rays, tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks – here you will find everything about the optimal diving experience in the Maldives by month.
Diving in the Maldives in January
A diving vacation to the Maldives in January is a great choice because of the dry season, which ensures calm and clear waters. The water temperature is around 28-30°C, ideal for diving. Underwater visibility can be as high as 30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, manta season hasn’t started yet, but you can still see beautiful coral reefs and various fish species. The sea is usually calm, making this area suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
Central Maldives: The Central Maldives are the most popular for liveaboard itineraries. Well-known routes such as Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll offer a diverse diving experience. Here you can encounter large schools of fish, reef sharks and sometimes even whale sharks. The sea is generally calm in January, making it ideal for comfortable diving.
Southern Maldives: In the south, particularly at Fuvahmulah, you have the unique opportunity to see tiger sharks. The best months for this are January, February and March. So a perfect time to go south, the tiger sharks are absolutely worth it. View the
southern liveaboard itinerary
.
So January is an excellent time to explore the Maldives, whether you choose the north, the center or the south.
Diving in the Maldives in February
February is an excellent month for a diving trip to the Maldives. Weather conditions are stable with little rain and plenty of sunshine. The water temperature remains pleasant around 28-30°C, and underwater visibility is exceptionally good, often exceeding 30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, manta sightseeing is still rare in February, but the rich coral reefs and colorful fish make it worthwhile. The sea is calm, making it a perfect place for both beginners and advanced divers.
Central Maldives: The Central Maldives are famous for their liveaboard itineraries. Popular routes include Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll. Here you can see large schools of fish, reef sharks and occasionally whale sharks. Conditions at sea are usually calm.
Southern Maldives: The south, particularly around Fuvahmulah, offers the unique opportunity to spot tiger sharks. The best months for this are January, February and March. February is a perfect time to go south, the tiger sharks are absolutely worth it.
So February offers fantastic diving conditions in the Maldives, whether you choose the rich marine life in the north, the popular liveaboard itineraries in the central part, or adventure in the south.
Diving in the Maldives in March
March is a great month for a diving vacation to the Maldives. The weather is stable, with little rain and lots of sunshine. The water temperature is between 28-30°C, and underwater visibility is often excellent, up to 30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, manta season is slowly starting to get underway. Although the chance of seeing manta rays is not yet at its peak, the colorful coral reefs and diverse fish populations offer a great diving experience. The sea is calm, ideal for all levels of divers.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives are still the most popular choice for liveaboard itineraries. Routes such as Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll remain favorites. Here you can encounter large schools of fish, reef sharks and even whale sharks. The sea is usually calm, which makes for comfortable and pleasant dives.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, there is a good chance of seeing tiger sharks. This area is also known for its manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The best months for this are January, February and March. So if you go to the Maldives in March, the chances of seeing tiger sharks are very high. This is also the period when several
liveaboards sail the southern route
.
Diving in the Maldives in April
April is an excellent month for diving in the Maldives. The weather is still stable with lots of sunshine and little rain. The water temperature is around 28-30°C, and underwater visibility remains excellent, often up to 30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, manta season is starting to get underway. The chance of seeing manta rays increases, in addition to the beautiful coral reefs and various fish species. The sea remains calm, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains the most popular choice for liveaboard itineraries. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll offer a varied diving experience with large schools of fish, reef sharks and occasional whale sharks. The sea is generally calm, making for comfortable diving trips and a pleasant liveaboard experience.
Southern Maldives: In the south, around Fuvahmulah, there is a good chance of seeing tiger sharks. This area is also known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. Although the sea here can be a bit rougher, the excitement of diving with large sharks makes it an unforgettable experience for adventurous divers.
So April is a great time to dive in the Maldives, whether you want to explore the calm and colorful reefs in the north, follow the popular liveaboard itineraries in the center, or look for adventure and big sharks in the south.
Diving in the Maldives in May
May marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Maldives, but it is still a good time to dive. The water temperature remains pleasant around 28-30°C. Underwater visibility can vary, usually between 20-25 meters, depending on location and weather.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, the chances of seeing manta rays increase further. This area is increasingly alive with manta rays and other large pelagic species. The sea is generally calm, although there may be the occasional rain shower, which can affect visibility somewhat.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains popular for liveaboard itineraries, despite the onset of the rainy season. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll still offer excellent diving opportunities. You can see large schools of fish, reef sharks and whale sharks here. The sea can be a bit rougher at times, but generally conditions remain good for diving.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, the chances of seeing tiger sharks remain high. This area is famous for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea can be a little rougher here because of the rainy season, but the excitement of diving with large sharks makes it worthwhile for adventurous divers.
So May still offers excellent diving conditions in the Maldives, whether you want to explore the vibrant manta sites in the north, follow the popular liveaboard routes in the center, or experience the thrill of diving with large sharks in the south.
Diving in the Maldives in June
By June, the rainy season in the Maldives is well underway, but scuba diving remains an enthralling experience. The water temperature remains pleasant around 28-30°C. Underwater visibility varies, usually between 15-20 meters, depending on weather conditions and location.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, manta season is in full swing. This is the best time to see large groups of manta rays. The sea can sometimes be a bit rougher due to rain and wind, but the chance to spot manta rays makes it well worth it.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains popular for liveaboard itineraries, even during the rainy season. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll still offer excellent diving opportunities. Here you can see large schools of fish, reef sharks and whale sharks. The sea may be more turbulent, but the experience remains unforgettable.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, the chances of seeing tiger sharks remain high. This area is known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea may be rougher here due to weather conditions, but the adventure of diving with large sharks remains a unique experience.
Although June can offer challenging weather conditions, the diving conditions in the Maldives are still rewarding. Whether you want to see manta rays in the north, follow the popular liveaboard routes in the center, or seek adventure in the south with large sharks, June offers an unforgettable diving experience.
Diving in the Maldives in July
July is the middle of the rainy season in the Maldives, but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on diving adventures. The water temperature remains wonderfully warm between 28-30°C. Underwater visibility varies between 10-20 meters due to increased plankton blooms and weather conditions.
Northern Maldives: In the north, particularly at Hanifaru Bay, this is the top month to see manta rays. Large groups of manta rays gather here to feed, offering a spectacular sight. Although the sea can be rougher due to monsoon winds, the chance to see manta rays up close remains a unique experience.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains attractive for liveaboard itineraries, even in July. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll still offer fantastic diving opportunities. You can encounter large schools of fish, reef sharks and even whale sharks here. The sea can be more turbulent, but the liveaboard ships are well equipped to deal with these conditions.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, the chances of seeing tiger sharks remain high. This area is also known for its manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The sea can be rougher due to weather conditions, but the opportunity to dive with large pelagic species makes it well worth it.
July offers challenging but rewarding diving conditions in the Maldives. Whether you want to experience manta rays in the north, follow the popular liveaboard routes in the center, or seek adventure with large sharks in the south, July offers an unforgettable diving experience.
Diving in the Maldives in August
August falls in the middle of the rainy season in the Maldives, but it remains an excellent time for diving thanks to abundant marine life and warm water temperatures of 28-30°C. Underwater visibility varies between 15-20 meters, depending on weather conditions.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, August is a top month for spotting manta rays and whale sharks. The plankton-rich waters attract these giant marine animals, making for unforgettable diving experiences. Although the sea can be rough at times, the chance to see these animals up close is a great highlight.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains popular for liveaboard itineraries, even in the rainy season. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll still offer fantastic diving with the possibility of seeing large schools of fish, reef sharks and occasional whale sharks. The sea can be choppy, but the liveaboard ships are designed to provide comfort despite the weather conditions.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, there is a good chance of seeing tiger sharks. This area is known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea can be rougher here due to the monsoon, but the adventurous diving experiences make it worthwhile for advanced divers.
August offers varied and exciting diving opportunities in the Maldives, whether you choose the manta rays and whale sharks in the north, the popular liveaboard itineraries in the center or the adventurous shark dives in the south.
Diving in the Maldives in September
September is still part of the rainy season in the Maldives, but it remains an excellent time for diving due to the abundant marine biodiversity and warm water temperatures of 28-30°C. Underwater visibility varies between 15-25 meters, depending on weather conditions and location.
Northern Maldives: In the north, particularly at Hanifaru Bay, September is a great month for spotting manta rays and whale sharks. The plankton-rich water attracts these impressive animals. Although the sea can be a bit rough at times, the unique opportunity to see manta rays and whale sharks makes it more than worth it.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains a popular choice for liveaboard itineraries, even during the rainy season. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll still offer fantastic diving opportunities. You may encounter large schools of fish, reef sharks and the occasional whale shark. The sea can be somewhat unsettled, but the liveaboard ships are well equipped to provide comfort despite the weather conditions.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, the chances of seeing tiger sharks remain high. This area is also known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea can be rougher here due to monsoon winds, but the excitement of diving with large sharks makes it worthwhile for adventurous divers.
September offers challenging but rewarding diving conditions in the Maldives. Whether you want to spot manta rays and whale sharks in the north, follow the popular liveaboard routes in the center, or seek adventure in the south with tiger sharks, September offers an unforgettable diving experience.
Diving in the Maldives in October
October marks the end of the rainy season in the Maldives, when weather conditions begin to improve. The water temperature remains pleasant between 28-30°C, and underwater visibility gradually improves, ranging between 20-30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, October remains a top month for spotting manta rays and whale sharks. The plankton-rich waters attract these majestic creatures. Although the sea can still be rough at times, conditions are generally better than in previous months.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains a favorite for liveaboard itineraries, especially as the weather improves. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll offer excellent diving opportunities. You can encounter large schools of fish, reef sharks and occasionally whale sharks here. The sea is usually calmer, making for a more pleasant liveaboard experience.
Southern Maldives: In the south, particularly around Fuvahmulah, the chances of seeing tiger sharks remain high. This area is also known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea here can still be somewhat turbulent, but the excitement of diving with large sharks makes it a great destination for adventurous divers.
October offers improved diving conditions in the Maldives. Whether you choose the manta rays and whale sharks in the north, the popular liveaboard itineraries in the center or the exciting shark dives in the south, October offers an unforgettable diving experience.
Diving in the Maldives in November
November is an excellent month for diving vacations in the Maldives. The rainy season is over, and weather conditions are ideal for diving. The water temperature is between 28-30°C, and underwater visibility is often excellent, ranging between 25-30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, particularly at Hanifaru Bay, manta season is coming to an end, but you still have a good chance of seeing these majestic animals. The water is calm, making for a relaxing diving experience. You can also enjoy the colorful coral reefs and various species of fish.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives are most popular for liveaboard itineraries, and November is a great time to explore this region. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll offer an array of diving opportunities. Here you can see large schools of fish, reef sharks and sometimes whale sharks. The sea is usually calm, which is ideal for long diving days and comfortable liveaboard experiences.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, November is an excellent month to spot tiger sharks. This area is also known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea is generally calmer than in previous months, making for better diving conditions.
November offers great diving conditions in the Maldives, whether you want to explore manta rays and colorful reefs in the north, follow the popular liveaboard routes in the center or seek adventure in the south with tiger sharks.
Diving in the Maldives in December
December is a fantastic month for a diving vacation to the Maldives. The weather is usually dry and sunny with calm seas, making it ideal for diving. The water temperature is around 28-30°C and underwater visibility is often excellent, ranging from 20-30 meters.
Northern Maldives: In the north, at Hanifaru Bay, manta season is over, but the coral reefs and various fish species remain attractive to divers. The sea is calm, making for a relaxing diving experience. Although manta rays are less frequent, the rich biodiversity still offers much to see.
Central Maldives: The central Maldives remains the most popular choice for liveaboard itineraries, especially in December. Routes through Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll offer an array of diving opportunities. You can see large schools of fish, reef sharks and sometimes whale sharks. Conditions are ideal with calm seas, making for a comfortable and enjoyable liveaboard experience.
Southern Maldives: In the south, especially around Fuvahmulah, December is an excellent time to spot tiger sharks. This area is also known for its manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other large pelagic species. The sea is calmer than in earlier months, making for better diving conditions and an exciting experience for adventurous divers.
December offers great diving conditions in the Maldives, whether you want to explore the colorful reefs in the north, follow the popular liveaboard routes in the center, or seek adventure in the south with tiger sharks.
Whale shark: Best time to dive with whale sharks
Best Period: November to April. Whale sharks are most commonly seen in the central Maldives, especially around Ari Atoll. These gentle giants are present during the dry season, when visibility is excellent. You can spot whale sharks both from resorts and on liveaboard trips. Popular liveaboard itineraries such as Ari Atoll and South Male Atoll offer the best opportunities to see these majestic creatures.
Manta: Best time to dive with manta rays
Best Period: May to November Manta rays are often seen at Hanifaru Bay in the northern Maldives during the rainy season. This is the best time to spot manta rays due to the high concentrations of plankton. Both resorts and liveaboards offer access to Hanifaru Bay. Liveaboard routes through the north and central areas such as Ari Atoll are excellent for seeing manta rays.
Tiger shark: Best time to dive with tiger sharks
Best Period: January to March Tiger sharks are mostly spotted around Fuvahmulah in the south of the Maldives. These months offer the best opportunity due to calmer seas and ideal conditions. This adventure is mainly accessible via liveaboard trips, as tiger sharks are found in deep waters farther from resorts. The southern liveaboard route is ideal.
Hammerhead: Best time to dive with hammerhead sharks
Best Period: January to March Hammerhead sharks are often seen in the south of the Maldives, particularly around Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll. These months offer the best conditions for spotting these impressive sharks. Hammerhead sharks are primarily seen on liveaboard trips, which call at deeper and more remote dive sites. The southern liveaboard route is the most convenient.
Best Time Northern Maldives Liveaboard Route
Best Period: May to November The northern route, including Hanifaru Bay, is best between May and November. This is the peak season for manta rays and whale sharks, attracted to the plankton-rich waters. The sea is usually calm, although rain can sometimes fall, making the diving experience unforgettable.
Best Time Central Maldives Liveaboard Route
Best Period: November to April The central Maldives are most popular from November to April. This dry season offers calm seas and excellent underwater visibility. Divers can enjoy diverse marine life, including large schools of fish, reef sharks and occasional whale sharks, in ideal conditions.
Best Time Southern Maldives Liveaboard Route
Best Period: January to March The southern route, including Fuvahmulah, is best from January to March. This is the ideal time for spotting tiger sharks, manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The sea is calmer, making for better diving conditions and an exciting experience for adventurous divers.
