Best time to visit

The Maldives in February

The driest month of the year, with long sunny days and the start of the surf season.

February at a glance^*

38 mmof rain this month, in a normal year

3days with rain

264hours of sunshine, about 9 a day

26–31°Cfrom night low to day high

Hulhulé, by Malé: WMO climate normals 1991–2020

The northeast monsoon brings steady winds from the north-east, and the seas are usually calmer than in the wet season.

Rain is light and the days are long and sunny.

February is the driest month of the year.

The sea is warm all year, around 28°C on average.

This is the northeast monsoon, Iruvai: the dry season, from December to April.

High season: by visitor spending, one of the six busiest months of the year.

$724 millionvisitors spent in February 2025Rank 1 of 12 months by spending

Manta raysIn the northeast monsoon they feed on the west side of the atolls, for example Rangali Madivaru in South Ari Atoll and the west of Raa Atoll.
Whale sharksSouth Ari Atoll's marine protected area has whale sharks all year, mostly young males. Researchers found no season in how many visit.
SurfingThe surf season starts in mid-February.
Snorkelling and divingCalmer seas and sunny days make boat trips easy.

Busy months: book early, especially local-island guesthouses, which may not have rooms on arrival.
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.

Is February a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes. February is the driest month and, by visitor spending, the busiest. Book places to stay early.

Does it rain in the Maldives in February?

In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 38 mm of rain on 3 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.

Can I see manta rays in February?

In the northeast monsoon they feed on the west side of the atolls, for example Rangali Madivaru in South Ari Atoll and the west of Raa Atoll.

How warm is the sea in February?

Warm all year: around 28°C on average, according to Visit Maldives.

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).