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Best time to visit
The Maldives in August
Wet season, with steady westerly winds and more sun than June or July. Mantas gather on the east side of the atolls.
August at a glance*
Hulhulé, by Malé: WMO climate normals 1991–2020
Weather
Winds blow mostly from the west at about 10–11 mph in the north and centre, and lighter in the south.
Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.
The sea is warm all year, around 28°C on average.
The season
This is the southwest monsoon, Hulhangu: the wet season, from May to November.
Shoulder season: busier than the wet-season lows, quieter than the dry-season peak.
What's good in August
- Manta raysIn the southwest monsoon they move to the east side of the atolls, for example Lankan Manta Point in North Malé Atoll and Mahibadhoo Manta Point in South Ari Atoll.
- Hanifaru BayA protected bay in Baa Atoll where plankton draws large groups of feeding mantas in the southwest monsoon. Visits are with licensed guides.
- Whale sharksSouth Ari Atoll's marine protected area has whale sharks all year, mostly young males. Researchers found no season in how many visit.
- SurfingIn season. The best months are March to May and September to November.
- Snorkelling and divingMonsoon currents bring the plankton that feeds mantas and whale sharks; on the plankton side the water is less clear.
Watch out for
- Stronger winds and rougher seas can make boat transfers bumpy and delay ferries and trips. Leave a spare day before your flight home.
- Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so a late arrival can mean a night near the airport.
- With mantas and whale sharks, keep at least 3 m away, don't touch and don't chase.
Questions
Is August a good time to visit the Maldives?
Yes, for marine life. August is in the wet season but sunnier than June and July, and a good month for mantas in Baa Atoll.
Does it rain in the Maldives in August?
In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 193 mm of rain on 13 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.
Can I see manta rays in August?
In the southwest monsoon they move to the east side of the atolls, for example Lankan Manta Point in North Malé Atoll and Mahibadhoo Manta Point in South Ari Atoll. Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is in season.
How warm is the sea in August?
Warm all year: around 28°C on average, according to Visit Maldives.
Plan your trip
Tell Aurora your dates, who's coming and what you love. She finds registered places that fit.
* Sources: Maldives Meteorological Service (seasons and climate), WMO climate normals 1991–2020 (rain, sun and temperature at Hulhulé), Visit Maldives (surf season, sea temperature), Visit Maldives (manta sites), Manta Trust (Hanifaru Bay), Manta Trust (manta seasons), Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (whale sharks), MMA (visitor spending).