Maldives in March: weather, prices and tips

In March, the dry season continues in the Maldives, so travelers can expect sunny weather, a calm ocean and excellent underwater visibility. This is an ideal time for a beach holiday, snorkeling, diving and sea excursions. Prices during this period remain among the highest of the year. At the same time, the probability of rain is minimal, and the weather conditions make it possible to fully enjoy a holiday on tropical islands.

In this article, we will explain what the weather is like in the Maldives in March, whether it is possible to swim, where it is better to stay, how much hotels cost and what to do during your holiday.

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Is it worth going to the Maldives in March

If you are planning your first holiday in the Maldives, March will become one of the most successful months for the trip. At this time, dry and sunny weather continues, the ocean stays calm, and the water is as clear as possible. Because of this, you can plan a beach holiday, sea excursions, snorkeling and diving without limitations.

Another advantage of March is the start of the surfing season on the southern atolls. In addition, dolphin cruises, fishing and trips to uninhabited islands continue. The main disadvantage of the month is high demand. Popular resorts fill up quickly, and accommodation prices are much higher than in the low season. That is why it is better to book your holiday in advance.

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Weather in the Maldives in March

March remains one of the sunniest months of the year. The dry season continues, so the islands have clear weather most of the time, and the probability of long rains is minimal. Only at the end of the month do the first signs of the changing season begin to appear, and they hardly affect a holiday.

Air temperature

During the day, the air warms up to +30...+32 °C, and at night the temperature rarely drops below +27...+28 °C. Because of the location close to the equator, there are almost no sharp temperature changes.

Water temperature

The ocean warms up to +29...+30 °C and remains comfortable for swimming at any time of day. Calm water and the absence of strong storms make March a great time for a beach holiday and ocean trips.

Rain

March belongs to the driest months of the year. On average, different atolls have 2 to 4 days with precipitation, and showers more often happen at night or early in the morning and end quickly.

Humidity and wind

Air humidity gradually rises, however because of the north-eastern monsoon, stuffiness is hardly felt. The average wind speed is about 3 to 4 m/s, so the ocean remains calm most of the time.

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Where it is better to stay in the Maldives in March: the best atolls and hotels

In March, almost the whole archipelago enjoys sunny weather, so it is better to choose a resort based on your interests. Some atolls are more suitable for snorkeling, others for diving, and others for a calm beach holiday.

North and South Male atolls

The best choice for a first trip to the Maldives. A big choice of resorts and excellent conditions for a holiday in March, a wide range of activities, close location to Male airport and convenient transfers.

Recommended hotels:

• Bandos Maldives - one of the best house reefs near Male.
• Baros Maldives - a luxurious boutique resort with a magnificent lagoon.
• Velassaru Maldives - a modern five-star resort with beautiful beaches and overwater villas.

Baros Maldives

Ari atoll

One of the most famous diving regions in the Maldives. This is exactly where people come for whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and a rich underwater world.

Excellent resorts for a holiday:

• LUX South Ari Atoll - a luxurious resort with spacious beaches, overwater villas and excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling.
• Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa - a popular resort with a beautiful house reef and one of the best value for money ratios on the atoll.
• Constance Moofushi Maldives - a premium resort with an All Inclusive concept, a house reef and its own diving centre.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Baa atoll

A UNESCO biosphere reserve known for beautiful reefs and a diverse marine life. The atoll is very suitable for a calm beach holiday and snorkeling.

Popular resorts:

• Royal Island Resort & Spa - a green island with spacious beaches and an excellent house reef.
• Reethi Beach Resort - a cozy resort with good conditions for snorkeling and diving.
• Avani+ Fares Maldives - a modern five-star resort with a large choice of restaurants, family infrastructure and water activities.

Royal Island Resort & Spa

Addu atoll

The southernmost atoll of the Maldives attracts travelers with spacious beaches, a calm atmosphere and a lot of greenery. It is a good choice for those who prefer a relaxed holiday away from the most popular tourist routes.

Recommended resorts:

• Canareef Resort Maldives - a resort with one of the longest beaches in the Maldives, spacious villas and good conditions for bike rides.
• South Palm Resort Maldives - a modern resort with overwater villas and a large spa centre.

South Palm Resort Maldives

Prices for a holiday in the Maldives in March

March belongs to the high season, so holiday prices remain among the highest of the year. However, closer to the end of the month some resorts begin to offer the first discounts before the start of the low season. If you book in advance or follow special offers, you can find good deals even during this period.

How much guesthouses cost

Holidays on local islands remain the most affordable option. The cost of a double room in a good guesthouse starts from 40 dollars per night, although on popular islands prices can be higher.

For a budget holiday in the Maldives during this period, the islands of Maafushi, Toddoo, Ukulhas and Dhigurah are a good fit, where there is a large choice of guesthouses and excursion programs.

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Prices for four-star resorts

On average, accommodation in four-star resorts in the Maldives starts from 400 dollars per night for two people.

For example:

• Kuredu Island Resort & Spa - from 400 dollars per night.
• Bandos Maldives - about 440 dollars per night, depending on the room category and meal plan.

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

Prices for five-star resorts

In five-star resorts, March remains one of the most expensive months. Approximate prices:

• Kandima Maldives - from 1200 dollars per night for a beach villa with pool and All Inclusive.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa - from 2500 dollars per night for two people with full board.

Prices are approximate and depend on dates, villa category, meal plan, taxes and special offers from the hotel.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

What to do in the Maldives in March

Thanks to sunny weather and a calm ocean, March is considered one of the best months for an active holiday. At this time, practically all water activities are available, from diving to dolphin cruises.

Snorkeling

At the beginning of spring, underwater visibility reaches 20 to 30 metres, so March is considered one of the best months for getting to know the underwater world of the Maldives. Especially good water clarity is usually observed on the eastern side of the atolls, while the western reefs attract more plankton and large marine creatures.

If you plan to swim a lot with a mask, choose Maldives resorts with a house reef, most of them are located just a few metres from the beach.

Diving

March is ideal for diving because of the calm ocean and excellent visibility. At this time, there are still good chances to see whale sharks on South Ari atoll, and on the western side of some atolls, giant manta rays.

Most diving centres offer programs for every level of difficulty, from introductory dives to diving in channels with current. Read the full guide to diving in the Maldives.

Night diving

An unusual experience is a night dive near NAKAI ALIMATHA RESORT on Vaavu atoll. Dozens of nurse sharks and large stingrays regularly gather here and behave calmly around divers.

Surfing

In March, the surfing season in the Maldives gradually starts on the southern atolls. The best conditions are observed on Gaafu Dhaalu and Addu atolls, as well as on the popular spots Sultans and Tomb Stones in North Male.

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Dolphin cruises

One of the most popular activities remains evening cruises on a traditional dhoni boat to see dolphins. The cost of group excursions starts from 50 to 100 dollars, and renting a boat for a private trip starts from 200 dollars. March offers excellent weather conditions for these trips.

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Holidays in the Maldives in March

In March, the islands can celebrate International Women's Day. Resorts organize festive dinners, musicians' performances, yoga classes, spa discounts and small gifts for guests. Although this day is not a public holiday, most resorts pay special attention to it.

Pros and cons of a holiday in the Maldives in March

Before the trip, it is worth considering not only the advantages, but also the features of the high season.

Pros:

• sunny and dry weather;
• air temperature +30...+32 °C and water temperature +29...+30 °C;
• excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving, visibility up to 20 to 30 metres;
• calm ocean and a big choice of sea excursions;

Cons:

• high season and some of the highest prices of the year;
• popular resorts fill up quickly;
• more tourists on famous islands and excursions;
• the best hotels need to be booked several months before the trip.

If you want to see the Maldives with white beaches, turquoise lagoons and a crystal clear ocean, March will be an excellent choice. You can choose and book a suitable hotel in the Maldives on Wiotto, current offers are presented in the catalogue.

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