Maldives in November: weather, prices, the best atolls and hotels for a holiday

November in the Maldives is an in-between period between the wet south-west and dry north-east monsoons. In fact, this is already the beginning of the dry season in the Maldives and one of the most successful months for a holiday in terms of warm sunny days and prices. There is noticeably less rainfall in November, and the air temperature stays around +30°C, while the water is +28...+29°C. This is a good time for a beach holiday, snorkelling, diving and boat trips.

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Weather in the Maldives in November

The official rainy season is coming to an end, but the weather still remains unpredictable. Bright sunshine can suddenly be replaced by a tropical shower, then the clouds quickly part and make way again for sun rays.

Despite the high chance of rain, on average guests of the islands can enjoy the sun for about 6 hours a day. However, considering the geographical location of the Maldives, even in cloudy weather you should not neglect sun protection.

• Daytime air temperature: it steadily stays at +29...+31°C.
• Night-time air temperature: it does not drop below 25 degrees. Usually +25...+27°C.
• Water temperature: it stays at +28...+29°C.
• Number of sunny hours: 7 to 8 hours a day.
• Average number of rainy days: 10 to 13 per month, while rainfall is most often short and comes as showers.
• Air humidity: around 75 to 80%.

In the second half of November, as a rule, the weather becomes even sunnier and calmer. The ocean gradually calms down, underwater visibility improves, so this month is well suited for snorkelling, diving, fishing and sea excursions.

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Prices in the Maldives in November

Starting from November, there is a tendency for the cost of holidays in the Maldives to rise gradually. On average, the price rises by 15-20% compared with the summer period.

The approximate cost for 4 nights for two people with transfer in November is:

• About 1000 to 1200 dollars for a room with breakfast in a three-star hotel. For example, Bliss Dhigurah, located on the local island of Dhigurah. Taxes and fees are already included in the price.
• 1900 to 2100 dollars for a villa with breakfast in a good 4-star hotel, such as Reethi Faru Resort on Raa Atoll. Taxes and fees are included in the price.
• 2500 to 4000 US dollars for a villa with breakfast in an excellent five-star hotel, for example Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection (ex.Centara Grand). Taxes and fees are included in the price.
• About 4600 to 6000 dollars for a villa with breakfast at a popular Deluxe category resort, for example at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. Taxes and fees are included in the price.

The best time to book hotels in the Maldives is 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if it is the high season, from the end of November to March. Early booking will allow you to choose the hotel and villa type you like with confidence. In season, the most attractive offers sell out very quickly. Early booking discounts are also relevant.

Reethi Faru Resort

Best places for a holiday in the Maldives in November

In November, good weather gradually sets in across the whole archipelago, but the most stable conditions are usually observed in the central and northern parts of the Maldives.

North Malé Atoll

North Malé is one of the best options for a holiday in the Maldives in November. Convenient speedboat transfer from the airport, a calm lagoon, excellent conditions for a beach holiday, snorkelling and diving. During this period, cloudy days prevail here. The forecast amount of rainfall is about 250 mm, which equals about 15 rainy days per month. November here is one of the rainiest months of the year. However, winds are moderate and, as a rule, do not exceed 4 m/s.

North Malé resorts for a holiday in November:

• Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, one of the most stylish new resorts in the Maldives with designer villas, a focus on art, wellness and a modern holiday concept. An excellent choice for those who want to combine privacy with the rich infrastructure of Fari Islands.
• Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, a legendary Luxury category resort with the No News, No Shoes concept. It is known for huge water villas, a house reef and one of the best levels of service in the Maldives.
• One&Only Reethi Rah, one of the most prestigious resorts in the Maldives with spacious villas, long beaches, numerous restaurants and a large selection of entertainment for families and couples.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, a luxurious resort in the style of a traditional Maldivian village with excellent service, a famous spa centre and excellent conditions for surfing, diving and snorkelling.

One&Only Reethi Rah

South Malé Atoll

South Malé is close to the capital and also has comfortable weather. Many resorts with beautiful house reefs and a wide selection of water entertainment are located here.

South Malé hotels for a holiday in November:

• Anantara Veli Maldives, an adults-only resort with a romantic atmosphere, water villas, a spa centre and the possibility to use the infrastructure of the neighbouring Anantara islands.
• Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, one of the most popular South Malé resorts with a large territory, several islands, a wide choice of restaurants, pools and water entertainment. An excellent option in terms of price and quality.
• Velassaru, a modern 5-star resort with a beautiful lagoon, a magnificent beach, good snorkelling and a quick transfer from the airport.
• Adaaran Club Rannalhi, one of the best options in the middle price segment. The resort is known for its lively house reef, excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving, and a democratic holiday cost.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives

Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll (Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal) is considered one of the best places for diving and snorkelling. In November, whale sharks, manta rays and rich underwater life are often found here.

Hotel recommendations:

• Nova Maldives, a modern resort with a house reef, an excellent diving centre and snorkelling programmes with large marine inhabitants.
• Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, one of the best resorts on the atoll in terms of price and quality, known for its magnificent house reef and excellent diving conditions.
• Lily Beach Resort & Spa, a premium resort with the Platinum Plan concept, a romantic atmosphere, a house reef and a convenient location near popular dive sites.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Baa Atoll

Almost the entire territory of Baa Atoll is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Here are the most picturesque lagoons of the Maldives and many luxury resorts. The peak manta season in Hanifaru Bay falls in summer and ends just in November. At this time, sunny weather and excellent holiday conditions already begin to prevail here.

The best Baa Atoll resorts for a holiday in November:

• Soneva Fushi, one of the most famous resorts in the Maldives with the No News, No Shoes concept. Huge villas, first-class service, world-level gastronomy and a unique atmosphere of complete unity with nature. This is the hotel where there are water villas with slides straight into the lagoon.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, a luxurious resort with a magnificent house reef, a marine research centre, a spa complex and some of the best programmes for discovering Maldivian marine life.
• Anantara Kihavah Villas, a luxury resort with the SEA underwater restaurant, its own observatory, spacious villas with pools and one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
• Milaidhoo Maldives, a small boutique resort only for adults and children over 9 years old. An ideal choice for a romantic holiday and honeymoon.
• Dusit Thani Maldives, a resort with Thai hospitality, a beautiful lagoon, an excellent house reef, a large infinity pool and a convenient location for excursions to Hanifaru Reserve.

The difference in weather between the atolls is usually small, and weather in the Maldives can differ even between neighbouring islands. Therefore, when choosing a resort, it is worth focusing first of all on the resort itself, the house reef, the budget and the desired holiday format, and not only on the location of the atoll.

Soneva Fushi

What to do in the Maldives in November

November is considered one of the most successful months for an active holiday in the Maldives. The ocean gradually calms down after the monsoon season, underwater visibility improves, and the weather becomes sunnier and sunnier. At this time, almost all popular activities are available, from diving to yacht trips.

Diving and snorkelling in the Maldives in November

In the second half of November, conditions for diving become much better. The water gradually becomes clearer, and underwater visibility often reaches 20 to 30 metres. This is a great time to get to know coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks and numerous tropical fish.

South Ari Atoll remains one of the best places to meet whale sharks, and in the Baa Atoll area there are still good chances to see manta rays. Most resorts organise daily snorkelling tours and diving safaris.

Surfing in November in the Maldives

In November, the big wave season gradually comes to an end, but on the southern atolls, such as Gaafu Dhaalu and Addu, good conditions for surfing in the Maldives still remain. Here the waves stay stable, and the number of surfers is much lower than in the high season.

Many resorts have surfing schools, and lessons with instructors and equipment rental are offered both for beginners and experienced riders.

Sea trips and fishing

The calm ocean makes November an excellent time for trips on a traditional dhoni boat, sunset cruises and dolphin watching. Excursions to uninhabited islands and evening fishing, during which the fish caught can be cooked right in the resort restaurant, are also very popular.

Spa and wellness

If the day turns out cloudy, it can be devoted to relaxing in a spa centre. Almost every spa resort in the Maldives offers signature massages, treatments with natural coconut oils, yoga classes and wellness programmes. Many hotels also run special wellness retreats that combine spa, meditation and fitness.

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Pros and cons of a holiday in the Maldives in November

November is considered one of the most comfortable transition months in the Maldives. The weather becomes more stable, there is noticeably less rainfall, and the high season is only beginning. That is why this month is often chosen by travellers who want to combine good weather conditions and more accessible prices.

Pros:

• there are much more sunny days than in September and October;
• the air temperature stays at +29 to 31°C, and the water at +28 to 29°C;
• underwater visibility improves, creating excellent conditions for diving and snorkelling;
• fewer tourists than during the New Year holidays and in winter;
• until the end of the month, you can still find good offers and discounts at many resorts;
• a great time for sea trips, fishing and a beach holiday.

Cons:

• the weather remains changeable, especially at the beginning of November;
• short tropical showers are possible;
• prices gradually begin to rise as the high season and New Year holidays approach.

November is considered one of the most successful months for a holiday in the Maldives. The weather becomes sunnier and sunnier, the ocean gradually calms down, and accommodation prices still remain lower than in the peak of the high season. If you want to combine comfortable weather conditions, a beautiful underwater world and the possibility to book a good resort at a better price, November will be an excellent choice.

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