Best time to visit

The Maldives in March

The sunniest month of the year: dry, hot and calm, and one of the best months for surfing.

March at a glance^*

49 mmof rain this month, in a normal year

5days with rain

288hours of sunshine, about 9 a day

27–32°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.

March is the sunniest 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.

$585 millionvisitors spent in March 2025Rank 3 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.
SurfingOne of the best stretches of the surf season, from March to May.
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 March a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes. March is the sunniest month, still in the dry season, and the surf season is in full swing.

Does it rain in the Maldives in March?

In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 49 mm of rain on 5 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.

Can I see manta rays in March?

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 March?

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

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* 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).