Getting Around › Best time to visit
Best time to visit
The Maldives in November
A changeover month: rain eases in the north, the winds swing, and visitors start to return.
November at a glance*
Hulhulé, by Malé: WMO climate normals 1991–2020
Weather
Winds over the central and northern atolls swing between east and west at about 6–10 mph; the south keeps its westerlies.
Rain continues, especially in the central and southern atolls, but there are fine, sunny days too.
The sea is warm all year, around 28°C on average.
The season
The last month of the southwest monsoon. The Maldives Meteorological Service counts November as a changeover month.
High season: by visitor spending, one of the six busiest months of the year.
What's good in November
- 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.
- SurfingOne of the best stretches of the surf season, from 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
- Busy months: book early, especially local-island guesthouses, which may not have rooms on arrival.
- 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 November a good time to visit the Maldives?
Yes. November is a changeover month at the end of the wet season, one of the busier months, and good for surfing.
Does it rain in the Maldives in November?
In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 236 mm of rain on 14 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.
Can I see manta rays in November?
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 November?
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).