Maldives · Month comparison
May vs February
February ranks #1 overall vs May at #6. The statistical peak of dry season: maximum sunshine, minimum rainfall, ideal conditions.
May
#6 of 12 months
Best match
SW monsoon arrives: rain increases significantly and prices drop sharply. Surf season begins.
- ↑Prices 40–50% below dry season peak — the most significant value drop of the year
- ↑World-class surfing at Lohis, Cokes, and Chickens (south Malé Atoll): consistent SW swell
February
#1 of 12 months
Best match
The statistical peak of dry season: maximum sunshine, minimum rainfall, ideal conditions.
- ↑Lowest rainfall month (55mm): fewer clouds than any other time, clearest skies of the year
- ↑9.5 hours of sunshine: maximum beach and water time
| Factor | May | February |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 4 | 10 |
| Value score | 8 | 3 |
| Crowd score | 8 | 3 |
| Events score | 5 | 4 |
| Atmosphere | 6 | 9 |
| Avg high temp | 31.5°C | 30.2°C |
| Monthly rain | 187mm | 55mm |
| Daily sunshine | 6.6hrs | 9.5hrs |
May trade-offs
- ↓187mm of rain across the month: expect daily showers, often heavy
- ↓Grey skies interrupt the consistently blue-sky experience of dry season
- ↓Visibility drops in some dive sites due to increased plankton — varies by atoll
February trade-offs
- ↓Valentine's week pushes already-high prices further: romantic packages command significant premium
- ↓Absolute peak booking period — many resorts sold out a year in advance
- ↓Budget travel essentially impossible during February dry season
Scores compare months within Maldives. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →