Cheap Holidays to Maldives

How Hot?

The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The hottest month on average is April, and the coolest is December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons, where there is a significant variation in the monthly rainfall levels, though not much variance in the temperature.

February is typically the driest month, with January to April being relatively dry. The southwest monsoon (Hulhangu) from May to September is the rainy season along with rough seas and strong winds, May and October are usually the wettest months. The northeast monsoon (Iruvai) from December to April is the dry season with clear skies, lower humidity and very little rain.

Out and About

The Maldives are just perfect for getting away from it all and with the crystal clear waters and pure white beaches it is easy to see why it is such an idyllic holiday destination.

Scuba diving is the number one activity in the Maldives and possibly one of the best places in the world to scuba dive. There are many dive centres that offer instruction and equipment and with the countless reefs and vast array of marine life, it is clear to see why this is such a popular activity.

Various watersports, surfing and snorkelling are all popular here. Snorkelling is a great way to see the many colourful tropical fish that swim in the shallow turquoise lagoons.

Many of the excursions here consist of boat trips or island hopping with many trips being offered to uninhabited islands or fishing villages. Aerial excursions are also a great way to see the island and travel to other recommended dive sites around the islands.

There are many places of interest in the capital, Male, such as the Friday Mosque which is one of the most ancient mosques in the islands and features some amazing wooden carvings and some fantastic examples of Islamic art. The magnificent President's Palace is the official residence of the President of the Maldives and although it is not open to the public it is certainly worth a visit just to see how beautiful it is.

The National Museum in Sultan Park, Male houses a great range of artefacts such as royal antiquities, traditional costumes, Buddhist relics and a hand-written miniature of the Koran.

The Maldives Fish Market is nice to see and you can get a glimpse of normal life for ordinary Maldivians and perhaps get to sample some fresh fruit and vegetables.

So although most activities are centred around the beach, there are plenty of activities to be found on dry land.

Out for Lunch!

The Maldivian diet consists of the use of 3 main ingredients used constantly. Coconuts are used widely for their flesh which is grated, squeezed to get the coconut milk or the coconut oil in cooking. Tuna, little tunny, Mahi-mahi and skip-jack tuna are a big hit and can be eaten either processed or boiled. Sweet potato, tapioca, breadfruit and taro are some of the main starches in the local cuisine.

All the resorts in the Maldives offer a great variety of International cuisine and menus as well as Italian, French and Japanese foods. You can dine in a variety of eateries from snack shacks through to luxury restaurants.

There are 5 star All Inclusive hotels to stay in offering a great choice in local and International cuisine.

Quick Facts

Flight Time - from London 10 hrs 20 mins

Currency - Maldivian Rufiyaa

Nightlife - most of the Hotels run their own entertainment (bars and discos)

Best Time to Visit: December and early April

Maldives Deals