Maldives
Composed of 1,190 coral reef islands forming an archipelago of 26 atolls, the Maldives are acclaimed as a tropical paradise of pristine beaches and clear cobalt and turquoise waters. The country was formed from ancient volcanoes now hidden under the Indian Ocean. It is the planet’s lowest country, resting at just 4 feet 11 inches above sea level. They cover 35,000 square miles, making it one of the world’s most dispersed nations. It is the least populated (300,000 people) and smallest nation in Asia, though its size belies its prominence as a tourist destination. It is the perfect destination to tie off a multi-nation trip, particularly to Sri Lanka or India. Male is the international gateway to the Maldives via Hulhule Island, and the surrounding island resorts are accessed by private speedboat.
Once a Buddhist nation, the Maldives is now predominantly Muslim. Ever resilient, the friendly people of the Maldives have battled el Nino, the 2004 Asian Tsunami and the uncertainly of climate change. Nonetheless, this singular country features some of the best sand, sun and surf to be found anywhere, with world-class diving and ultra-luxurious resorts.
Maldives Regions

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Weather in Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, when the weather is clear with no rain.
- The Maldives are situated in the Indian Ocean to the south-southwest of India. The country consists of approximately 1,190 coral islands spread over roughly 35,000 sq miles (90,000 sq km), making this one of the most disparate countries in the world. While there is a prevailing hot tropical climate that affects all islands, the weather can vary depending on the atoll where you are staying.
- The tropical climate means relatively high humidity tempered by sea breezes. Temperatures fluctuate between as low as 77° F (25° C) and as high as 92° F (33° C), depending on the time of year.
- There are two monsoons: the southwest from May to October, which is the true wet season, and the northeast from October to December that is relatively quieter. The driest period runs from January to April.
- Temperatures are highest in April and May; at other times of the year, the temperature rarely exceeds 86° F (30° C).
- Average rainfall per month during the southwest monsoon season can exceed 12 inches (205 mm) in a month.
- The driest period lasts from January to April, when average rainfall is closer to two to four inches (50 to 102 mm) per month.
Multi-Country Specialists
Maldives Goes Well With
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Anantara’s Giles Selves on Travel in the Maldives in the Post-COVID World
- Author
- Travelogues
As the Maldives takes tentative steps toward reopening, Anantara’s Giles Selves speaks to Remote Lands on the future of travel in Asia’s island paradise.
Remote Lands Favorites: 7 Luxury Resorts in the Maldives
- Author
- Travelogues
The Maldives is all about the resort. It is where you are going to eat, sleep, and go on excursions — and these seven are Remote Lands favorites.
Another Day in Paradise: Things to Do in the Maldives
- Author
- Remote Lands
Here are our suggestions for keeping busy in the Maldives, hand-selected by Remote Lands’ team of expert itinerary planners.