Tourist life in the Maldives is in full swing in any weather. Despite the fact that the Maldives is still in the grip of rains in the fall and the flow of tourists is slightly weakening in comparison with the winter period, there are many who want to visit this piece of paradise in the autumn months. After all, vacation in the Maldives off-season has a number of advantages, which we will discuss in this article.
1. Weather in the Maldives in autumn
Each island in the Maldives archipelago has its own microclimate. In addition, global warming also affects local weather patterns. Therefore, with absolute accuracy, no forecast will be able to predict the weather at this or that resort.
However, each season has its own characteristics. So, the summer-autumn period in the Maldives is considered the rainy season, which is characterized by sudden tropical showers, increased wind and high humidity. At the same time, the water temperature remains at a comfortable 28-29 degrees, and the average air temperature is kept in the range of 29-30 degrees during the day and 25-28 degrees at night.
Despite the increased cloudiness and precipitation, the autumn season does not deprive tourists of the opportunity to acquire a luxurious tropical tan. Indeed, even in autumn there are fine days when guests can enjoy the sun on average 6-8 hours a day.
The success of an autumn holiday depends largely on the correct choice of the atoll.
- September in the Maldives is one of the rainiest months of the year. But, according to the observations of forecasters, Addu Atoll during this period is characterized by drier weather and moderate winds. As a rule, there are no more than 8 rainy days in September, which is somewhat less than, for example, on the atolls of Raa, Laviani, and Male atolls.
- The Maldives are still very humid in October. In some atolls, there are 10-15 rainy days a month, but such precipitation does not lead to a significant decrease in either the temperature of the water or the air.
- November marks the end of the wet monsoon and rainy season. Despite the fact that the last month of autumn is also quite rainy, the temperatures of the water and air remain quite favorable for relaxation.
Dorothea Oldani
2. Prices
The decrease in tourist activity in the so-called off-season directly affects the price level. Therefore, autumn tours to the Maldives can be purchased on rather favorable terms in comparison with the winter period.
Resorts prices
The cost of living in local resorts in September-October, like in summer, remains very attractive, and from November, there has been a gradual increase in prices.
The approximate cost of a three-night stay in the Maldives in September is as follows
- $ 155 per room at Maclura Residence on Maalhos Island, Baa Atoll. Continental breakfast included. An additional tax of $ 54 is payable.
- Nearly $ 700 for a Classic Meal Room at Malahini Kuda Bandos 4* Hotel, North Male Atoll.
- Slightly over $ 900 for a beach bungalow at Paradise Island Resort & Spa 5*. Meals and all applicable taxes are included.
Malahini Kuda Bandos
Restaurant prices
The dining room at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa 5* offers a wide variety of dishes and an extensive wine list.
Estimated prices for the lunch menu are
- salads - $ 16-24;
- sandwiches and burgers - $ 28-32;
- pizza - $ 22-65;
- water - $ 4-11;
- cola or fanta - $ 7.
The restaurant also has children’s and vegetarian menu.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
3. What to do in the Maldives in autumn
In addition to tropical sunsets, white sandy coves framed by turquoise lagoons and a decent level of service in local resorts, the Maldives is also known for its fantastic snorkeling, diving and all kinds of water activities.
Diving and surfing
In the autumn period, due to the massive accumulation of plankton in the waters washing the archipelago, visibility under water is slightly worse in comparison with the winter period. However, diving in the Maldives will not disappoint you, even with limited visibility.
After all, autumn is the perfect time to visit Hanifaru Bay - an amazing and unique nature reserve, which is under the protection of UNESCO and is considered the world's largest feeding station for manta rays. In addition to the hundreds of inquisitive rays gathered in one place, Hanifaru Bay is also famous for the high concentration of gray reef and whale sharks that gather to spawn in the local waters.
If you are lucky, then in the waters of the Indian Ocean you can meet a hammerhead shark. To increase your chances of such an encounter, head out early in the morning for dives in the Ari, Fuvahmulah and Fuvadhu Atoll areas.
For ocean lovers looking to tame the local waves, the fall period won't disappoint either. According to experienced surfers, it is in September-November that the best waves can be caught in the Maldives.
Milaidhoo Island Maldives Resort
Excursions
Maldivian resorts offer a fairly large selection of various sailing, cultural, romantic, relaxing or energetic journeys from hiking and private picnics to submarine diving and luxury yacht cruises.
Some Maldivian travel agencies, in addition to classic excursions, offer tourists to get creative and design their own personalized tour. At the same time, it is possible to both correct any of the standard routes, and create a route from scratch, taking into account the interest of each particular traveler.
To do this, you just need to tell the travel agency representatives the number of days, your interests and budget.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Bicycle
For the energetic traveler who does not want to spend their entire vacation in the beach doing nothing, on some islands there is the opportunity to rent bicycles and ride along the sandy roads, feeling the unspoiled nature and exploring every nook and cranny.
In the sports center of the Meeru Island Resort & Spa 4*, which is located on the Meerufenfushi island of North Male atoll, it is possible to rent not only ordinary, but also mountain bikes designed for off-road riding, as well as tandem bicycles.
Rent price
- regular bike - $ 101 day, $ 507 days, $ 8014 days;
- tandem bike - $ 151 day, $ 807 days, $ 12014 days.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
SPA
Spa lovers in the Maldives will find a huge selection of modern salons offering all kinds of health and beauty treatments. In addition to the classic spas, there are unique spas, for example, the Deverana salon (Dusit Thani Resort, Baa Atoll), which was built above the ground and nestled under the canopy of a dense palm tree, or the Lime underwater spa salon ( Huvafen Fushi Resort, North Male Atoll).
Hufaven Fushi
Shopping
You still have free time and the weather is not conducive to a beach holiday. Go shopping at the local market or shopping center in Male.
The Maldives cannot be called a shopaholic's paradise, but a walk through the Male local market gives you the opportunity to be acquainted with the local flavor, buy memorable souvenirs, and take colorful photos.
A trip to the market can be turned into an exciting walk. Numerous counters sell all kinds of fresh exotic fruits and vegetables, packages with sweets, nuts and chips, local crafts, souvenirs and gifts, smoked and dried fish and much more. The market is often filled with local and foreign buyers, as well as just curious tourists, so this type of leisure is suitable for those who are not afraid of large crowds and are ready to plunge into local life.
Fans of more civilized shopping can go to the STO shopping center, which is considered the largest in Male. It sells groceries, related products, electronic gadgets, souvenirs, local handicrafts, and a variety of imported goods.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
4. Holidays and events
National Day of Maldives
It symbolizes the victory over the Portuguese who colonized the Maldives and established their rule here, which lasted for 15 years.
In Male and on the large islands, flags are raised, and numerous parades, dances and fireworks are held. Various shows and activities for children can be organized on the occasion of the holiday.
The holiday is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, so the date changes every year.
Estimated date October 7, 2021.
Prophet's birthday (Mawlid)
The country is celebrating the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The participants of the holiday arrange solemn crowded processions, and in mosques and at public meetings they tell stories from the life of Muhammad.
Tentative dates October 18, 2021, October 8, 2022.
Victory Day
The holiday marks the failure of the attempted coup d'état in the Republic of Maldives in 1988 and is declared a day off. In the capital of Male, flags are solemnly raised, parades and parties are held.
Date annually November 3rd.
Day of the adoption of Islam in the Maldives
This public holiday is a day off for the local population and symbolizes the transition of the Maldives from Buddhism to Islam in 1153. The date of the holiday depends on the lunar calendar and in 2021 falls on November 7.
Republic of Maldives Day
The Maldives celebrate the end of the Sultanate and the transformation of the country from a monarchy to a republic in 1968.
Republic Day celebrations include parades of the armed forces, marching bands, school parades and public holidays, in which not only locals but also tourists take an active part.
Date annually 11 November.
In addition, various local eco-festivals such as Manta fest, Whale shark fest, Hay festival and others are periodically held in the Maldives in the fall. However, the dates and places of their holding must be specified additionally before the trip.
Asad Photo Maldives
5. Where to stay in the fall in the Maldives
Believe it or not, tourism on Maldives appeared relatively recently. Back in 1972, there were only 2 resorts Kurumba and Bandos, located in the North Male Atoll area. And today this small state has some of the best fashionable resorts with a worldwide reputation and the highest level of service.
Bandos Maldives
6. Advantages and disadvantages of holidays in the Maldives in the fall
The disadvantages of an autumn holiday in the Maldives include unstable rainy weather.
Whereas from the pleasant bonuses should be highlighted
- loyal prices for accommodation;
- less crowded beaches;
- the opportunity to see huge concentrations of large marine life in Hanifaru Bay or conquer your best wave at one of the many surfing locations.
More articles
- Overwater Hammock Villas in the Maldives
- Top 20 Best 4 Star Hotels in Bali
- Best 5 Star Hotels in Bali
- The Most Luxurious Hotels in Indonesia
- Best 3 Star Hotels in Indonesia
- Interesting cities and villages of Bali - where to go for impressions
- National Cuisine of Fiji: A Complete Food Guide
- What to do in Fiji - top 10 ideas for memorable experiences
- 10 Maldives Resorts to Welcome 2025
- Gambier Islands in French Polynesia - How to Organize Your Vacation