Best time to visit

The Maldives in July

Mid wet season: breezy, with showers and sunny spells, and the Hanifaru Bay manta season under way.

July at a glance^*

198 mmof rain this month, in a normal year

14days with rain

212hours of sunshine, about 7 a day

26–31°Cfrom night low to day high

Hulhulé, by Malé: WMO climate normals 1991–2020

Weather

Winds blow mostly from the west at about 11–12 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.

Low season: one of the quietest months by visitor spending, so places are easier to book.

$341 millionvisitors spent in July 2025Rank 10 of 12 months by spending

What's good in July

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 July a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes, for mantas and a quieter trip. July is in the wet season, with showers and sunny spells.

Does it rain in the Maldives in July?

In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 198 mm of rain on 14 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.

Can I see manta rays in July?

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 July?

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.

Plan with Aurora

* 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).