Holidays to the Maldives

An archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has roots that trace back to early ancient maritime traders and explorers. Influenced by various passing civilisations including Indian, Arab and Southeast Asian, the Maldives was eventually introduced to Islam in the 12th century, developing a Sultanate era that endured for centuries. In the 19th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate, which continued until 1965 when the country gained independence, becoming a republic in 1968. 

Islam plays a central role in the culture of the Maldives, and you’ll see its influence in architecture, arts, religion and traditions. Traditional music and dance are inherited from the Indo-Arabic civilisation. The islands are renowned for their traditional lacquer work, mat weaving and intricate jewellery. 

The official language spoken in the Maldives is Dhivehi which is influenced by Indian and Iranian origins, though English is widely spoken by locals too. Music and dance are both at the heart of the local culture, with heavy influences from Indian and Hindi music, though popular instruments include Bodu Beru (drums) which are North African.  

The major annual festival celebrated in the Maldives is Eid, with a celebratory presence on each island due to the majority of the population being Islamic. Another popular festival which is precious to the culture, is National Day which is celebrated by parades and marches and is on the first day of the third month of the lunar or Islamic calendar. 

Maldivian custom holds the strong belief that once you are away from the resorts or beaches, all people should dress modestly, no matter which inhabited island you are visiting. This includes shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Another useful tip for couples out in on inhabited islands, they should refrain from public displays of affection. 

As the Maldives is a predominantly Muslim country, it’s important to be respectful of their customs which includes no alcohol outside your accommodation or resorts. Try to only drink alcohol in areas where they are serving and don’t bring your own instead.  

The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR); however, you can arrive on your holiday to the Maldives with no Rufiyaa as you can only exchange to this currency once in the country. In-light of this, some resorts will allow you to use Pounds, Euros and US Dollars.  

One Rufiyaa is worth roughly 4-5p, so £200 will exchange to about 4,400 Rufiyaa, and you will be mainly using notes when paying due to the little value of the coins, Laari. The best place to exchange currency is the Bank of the Maldives in Male, however there are plenty of ATMs across the country and on-site in resorts, which accept all major credit cards.  

The Maldives has a tropical climate, so you’ll see warm temperatures, high humidity and two distinct seasons: 

Dry season (Northeast Monsoon, December to April) 

This is peak tourism season, when the islands experience warm, dry weather with less humidity. There will also be cooling gentle breezes due to the Northeast Monsoon, which creates perfect conditions for water sports. 

Wet season (Southwest Monsoon, May to November) 

The weather is less predictable. You’ll see more rainfall and increased humidity, but despite this, rain showers still tend to be sporadic and short-lived. 

If you’re looking for holidays to the Maldives during the warmest month of the year, book for April as the average daily maximum temperature is 32°C and the average low is 29°C. The coolest month to visit is November, with an average daily maximum temperature of 30°C and an average low of 27°C.  

Whenever you choose to visit the Maldives, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures with little variation between 29 and 35°C (84–95°F), all year round. 

If you’re looking for a sunny holiday with minimal chance of rain, the best time to go is during the dry season which runs from December to April. Reflecting the weather, the sea will be warm and calm, allowing you to enjoy a variety of water sports and scuba diving to see the colourful coral reefs.  

If you want to save some money and travel when there are fewer tourists, you might want to consider the shoulder months of May and November. Although there is the risk of rainfall, the weather is still pleasant, and these months may offer a better balance between cost, weather and crowds. 

Holidays to the Maldives can deliver an extensive range of after dark entertainment, with a wide range of bars and vibrant clubs to enjoy live bands and DJ sets from to suit all. Some of the most popular clubs include Kurumba and Coco Bar, both renowned for music and dancing all night. Or if you fancy watching the sunset in tranquillity, the Champagne Pavillion or Aqua Bar both provide beautiful vantage points.  

For an alternative night out, the Maldives is home to Crab racing which is a must-see and you can participate with your own Crab allocated to you - some places offer winning prizes too. Another nighttime activity that’s perfect for couples and families alike, is a Jungle Cinema experience of watching a film on the sand under candlelight. Find one playing your favourite film and it’ll feel like a whole new experience.  

Visitors on holiday to the Maldives from the UK will receive a 30-day visa on arrival, though if you wish to stay for longer than this period then you will need to apply and pay for an extension. However, if you’re not a UK citizen then you will need to check your government website about travel requirements for holidays to the Maldives.