Maldives in September: is it worth going on vacation

Traveling to the Maldives in September is a great way to extend your summer. The winds that prevail here in the summer months gradually subside, the wave height decreases, and the weather conditions are quite favorable for a serene vacation. In this article, we will look at the nuances of a vacation in the Maldives in September, so that such a trip will bring only positive emotions.

Weather in Maldives in September

September in the Maldives is considered one of the wettest months of the year. However, the weather this month should not be considered unacceptable for travel. Heavy rains occur most often at night. During the daytime, showers are rare and usually don't last more than an hour.

• Daytime air temperature: the average daytime temperature is about 30 degrees.
• Air temperature at night: the thermometer does not drop below a comfortable 25 degrees, while the air humidity remains high.
• Water temperature: the sea is also very warm (about 28 degrees), but visibility when diving is slightly impaired due to the presence of plankton in the water. This has its positive aspects as well, as travelers have an excellent opportunity to observe whale sharks and manta rays that feed on plankton.

Despite the increased cloudiness, the sun shines actively for more than 7 hours a day, so it is worth taking care of protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Maldives in September, prices

September in the Maldives is considered a low season, so this period is suitable for everyone who wants to buy a tour at a bargain price. However, in August-September, surfing championships are often held in the Maldives. And if your vacation coincides with the season of the championship, there may be a slight increase in prices for tours.

The best places to stay in September in the Maldives

When planning a trip to the Maldives, you should pay attention to the weather features of some of the atolls.

So, on the North and South Male atolls, as well as on the Baa atoll, on average, there are about 9-10 rainy days per month.

At the same time, it rains on Addu Atoll (also known as Siinu Atoll) for no more than 8 days, and the wind, as a rule, does not exceed 4 m / s. September is considered to be one of the quietest months of the year here.

According to statistics, on the Raa and Laviani atolls, sunny days are slightly less than in the area of ​​Male and Addu atolls, and the average wind force is about 5.5 m / s. Despite the fact that it can rain here 10-11 days a month, the air temperature remains at 28-30 degrees. The water temperature also does not go beyond 28-29 degrees, which creates quite comfortable conditions for a beach holiday.

September is a comfortable time to vacation in the Maldives

Diving in the Maldives in September

September is a great time to visit Hanifaru Bay. Located in Baa Atoll, this unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of the best spots in the world to watch stingrays and manta rays. The high concentration of plankton in the water attracts up to 200 large marine life to the bay at the same time. Also, whole schools of gray reef and whale sharks gather here for spawning.

There is no diving in the Hanifaru Bay itself, only snorkeling is allowed. Tourists must be accompanied by a certified guide who will give instructions on how to behave without disturbing the animals.

Since the underwater inhabitants here often swim quite close to the surface to observe them, it is not necessary to dive under the water. However, travelers wishing to explore the mysterious world of the ocean in more detail will have an excellent opportunity to take impressive underwater photos.

It should be borne in mind that there are peculiarities of underwater photography in Hanifaru Bay. Thus, it is prohibited to use flashes without special permission. To take the best possible photo in natural light, you need to stay close to the surface. When shooting, you should not chase animals, it is better to let them come closer to you. Also, do not limit yourself to just a photo, as often it is video recording that better captures the movement and behavior of animals when feeding.

In addition, experienced underwater photographers recommend visiting the bay during the full moon or new moon, as these times are characterized by higher tides, bringing in more plankton, which feeds the underwater inhabitants.

The number of people wishing to visit Hanifaru Bay is large, so it is necessary to plan a visit in advance.

The protected nature of Hanifaru Bay | Milaidhoo Island Maldives Resort

Surfing the Maldives in September

For those wishing to catch a wave in the Maldives in September, the weather will also not disappoint.

In general, the surfing season in the Maldives depends on the atolls. From May to October, during the southwest monsoon, the best surfing spot is in North Male or Central Atolls. And although the peak of the wave occurs in August, there is an opinion among local surfers that the best waves arrive in September-November.

So if you decide to have an unforgettable experience on perfect waves in the turquoise waters of the Maldives, September is the perfect place for that.

Surfing in the Maldives | Ahmed Nishaath

Holidays and events

Since 2018, the Manta Fest has been held in Baa Atoll in September. This is a large-scale event dedicated to the conservation of the manta ray population, which brings together students and schoolchildren, local residents and tourists from all over the country.

In addition to musical events, various themed games and competitions, the guests of the festival are expected to:

• contests for the manufacture of products from plastics collected within the region;
• learning to swim with a mask and snorkel;
• educational lectures on how to care for the ocean and its inhabitants.

It was originally planned that the festival would become an annual event, but in 2020, due to the epidemiological situation, its holding was postponed to 2021. At the moment, the exact date of the festival in 2021 remains unknown.

Manta rays in the Maldives | Kuredu Island Resort & Spa