MALDIVES TRAVEL GUIDE
Strung out along the equator in the Indian Ocean are the 26 atolls that make up the tiny country of Maldives. Brilliant white sands, azure blue seas, tropical palms, sun and surf, the Maldives is an ideal destination to lie back, sip a drink and tan a delightful bronze.
The Maldives was for the most part unknown to tourists until the early 1970s. Just 189 of the islands are home to its 515,696 inhabitants. The other islands are used entirely for economic functions, of that tourism and agriculture are dominant.
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MALDIVES QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Malé
- Currency: Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Area: 300 km²
- Population: 515 696 (2018)
- Language: Dhivehi is the native language, English is widely spoken
- Religion: Sunni Muslim
- Electricity: 240 V, 50 Hz (European or British plugs)
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MALDIVES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 26 July, Independence Day
- 3 November, Victory Day
- 11 November, Republic Day
- 23 December, National Day
Also, Islamic New Year (Al Hijrah), Maulid an-Nabi, Day of Embracing Islam, Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, the Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and Martyr’s Day.
MALDIVES WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Maldives is characterised by a warm and humid tropical monsoon climate with an annual mean temperature of 28°C. The islands experience little variation in temperatures throughout the year. The seasonal cycle is strongest in the north recording an average maximum temperature of around 29.3°C just prior to the onset of the southwest monsoons (April-May) and an average minimum temperature of around 27.4°C prior to the onset of the northeast monsoons (December-January). The southern equatorial regions experience precipitation throughout the year and do not experience a very significant dry spell related to the northeast monsoons.
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
HIKING & CYCLING IN MALDIVES
The dry season in The Maldives is from from November to April, but always be prepared for some rain!
BEACH OPTIONS IN MALDIVES
The Maldives is an idyllic beach destination and it's always hot enough for the beach. Just note that from May to October it's the wet monsoon season! You will enjoy much better beach weather from November to April.
SURFING IN MALDIVES
The Maldives surfing season begins in February and lasts through to November with the best waves usually from March to May and also from September to November.
KITESURF IN MALDIVES
With some incredible spots for kitsurfing, the most consistent winds for kite and windsurfing in The Maldives blow from May to October, during the wet, monsoon season. This is the low season, so at least accommodation will be cheaper!
HEALTH RISKS IN MALDIVES
Be aware of possible health risks in
Maldives
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
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