Rain on the parade? Why the Maldives is worth visiting in low season

Reluctant to send clients to the Maldives in low season? Think again. A rainy day doesn't have to spell disaster

Rainy days are rarely a welcome sight, but with shifting weather patterns and demand for the good-value prices that consumers can get when travelling outside the peak season, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of an off-peak escape. 

First, a guide to the terminology, which has become slightly misleading. In the Maldives, the period from May to November was once known as rainy season, but is now commonly referred to as low season, partly due to changing weather patterns. The high season lasts from December to early April, and in between sits the shoulder period of late November and late April.

Shoulder season in the Maldives
Changing weather patterns mean showers are now common during high season, and the cheaper periods once associated with rainfall can have glorious weather.

“While a European summer visit to the Maldives once meant rain, and winter offered guaranteed sunshine, today there is more variation and a more likely mix of conditions at any time of the year,” says Elisabeth Alleyne, General Manager at Ozen Life Maadhoo. 

“Many customers want to make bucket list-style trips more affordable,” says Destination2’s Head of Sales Betty Bouchier-Hobin. “Prices may rise around the low season’s mid-October half-term holiday. By planning trips either earlier in September or in late October, travellers can still take advantage of budget-friendly options.”

David McKenzie, Assistant Reservations Manager at Carrier, says: “The cheapest months are May, which is the beginning of monsoon season, although the weather is still pleasant, and September, the end of monsoon season.”

The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives at Crossroads is one of several resorts that has experienced an explosion in bookings outside peak times. “With occupancy rates now almost 25% higher during shoulder season than they were five years ago, it’s clear guests are embracing the Maldives as a year-round destination,” says General Manager Frederic Lebegue.

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Low season in the Maldives 
Interestingly, the most common misconceptions around the low and shoulder seasons don’t just relate to the weather – although that’s certainly a concern for some.

“People worry that it will rain the whole time, but this isn’t the case,” says Holly Parker, Luxury Travel Designer at Carrier. “I’ve been to the Maldives during shoulder season and had better weather than in high season. Another myth is that everything will be closed, but if major refurbishment work was needed, the resort wouldn’t be open.” 

In reality, low and shoulder season visits unlock activities that aren’t possible at other times

“Beyond reduced rates, clients will experience quieter resorts, more privacy and a greater selection of accommodation, while many hotels will offer meal package upgrades,” says Nikki Hain, Product Manager at Premier Holidays. “There’s also less light pollution, making stargazing more breathtaking, and surf season runs from April to November, providing fantastic surf breaks at resorts such as Six Senses Laamu.”

Seasonal wildlife in the Maldives
Shoulder season is when sightings of certain animals, including manta rays, are most likely. The South Ari Atoll is a magnet for fans of marine life, and it’s also the location of the new NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which opened in September.

“The South Ari Atoll has exceptional underwater marine biodiversity, making it a prime destination for divers and snorkellers,” says Bouchier-Hobin.

Another popular spot for divers is the North Ari Atoll, which is surrounded by dozens of shipwrecks. Light and occasional rain is unlikely to impact a client’s holiday if they’re spending most of it underwater, and from early 2025 they can stay at the North Ari Atoll’s W Maldives resort, which will emerge from an extensive renovation. 

Unsurprisingly, resorts with dedicated wet weather programmes, such as the ones offered by Ozen Collection resorts, are especially popular during low and shoulder seasons. 

It’s also worth reminding clients off-peak periods are optimum times for visits to local island communities, because this is when many cultural events take place

Cultural celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, which will take place in late March 2025, are good times to visit residential islands and meet Maldivians

Parker at Carrier flags another reason why both shoulder season and low season are great periods to visit the Maldives: “Hotels tend to invite wellbeing practitioners to the islands during these times to attract more guests – one example is Soneva’s September Wellness programme.” 

While many clients might focus on the savings to be found, which are substantial, there are plenty more reasons why getting on top of off-peak Indian Ocean escapes can pay dividends. 

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