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Maldives holidays

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Maldives holidays

Unwind like the star you are in the Maldives

Luxury? Tranquillity? Oh yes, Maldives holidays are all they promise! With an average year-round temperature of 29°C, the Maldives is a pinch-me kind of place!

Famous for its pristine white sandy beaches, can't-believe-your-eyes turquoise waters, and opulent overwater villas, this tropical paradise is a top choice for honeymooners, couples, and A-list celebrities.

It’s widely regarded as one of the most desirable destinations on earth, offering breathtaking landscapes, world-class diving spots, and exceptional hospitality.

Why go on a Maldives holiday?
Picture yourself lounging on powder-soft beaches, where the only sound is the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean waves. Whether you're looking to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, enjoy a private beach dinner under the stars, or relax in the seclusion of an exotic resort, holidays to the Maldives deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Maldives holiday highlights
• This small but captivating archipelago boasts hundreds of islands, each offering something unique and an array of chilled-out things to do (or not do).
• From eco-conscious resorts with sustainable opulence to ultra-glam bases with private swimming spots and spas, you'll find no shortage of exceptional places to stay in the Maldives.
• Exclusive water bungalows are the ultimate Maldives experience! Step directly into the warm sea for a swim or watch the stunning marine life below your room.
• Savour gourmet meals prepared by award-winning chefs. Better pack your stretchiest trousers!
• Spa time is a rite of passage here, with holistic wellness treatments inspired by the natural surroundings.
• Explore some of the world’s best dive sites, teeming with exotic marine life like manta rays and sea turtles.
• Plus, all those Insta-worthy lagoons and the deep blue Indian Ocean make it an idyllic spot for watersports, including surfing!
• Romance in the air? Sunset cruises are something else in the Maldives. Utter bliss.

Book your Maldives holiday today for the ultimate combination of luxury, romance and adventure.

Map of Maldives

world_map
25°C - 32°C

There’s no such thing as a chill factor in the Maldives with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C. May to September is classed as the rainy season, but showers normally come in short bursts, and before you know it you’ll be sunbathing again.

Maldives weather forecast >

 

11 hours
Velana International Airport (MLE), also known as Malé International Airport.
Maldives Holidays

Maldives is best for...

Honeymooners: The Maldives is the ultimate honeymoon destination. Whether you dine on the beach with a private chef, walk hand-in-hand along the sand at sunset, or book yourself in for a couples’ massage, these islands scream romance!

Waterbabies: The clear waters offer amazing visibility for keen divers, giving you plenty of opportunity to spot the unique marine creatures. Back above the waves, you can stay active with sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing and even seabobbing.

Beach lovers: You won’t come across many beaches that rival those in the Maldives! Expect deserted white sands with coconut palms and shallow, emerald waters. Days here are all about kicking back and enjoying the view.

Fast facts for Maldives

Language: Dhivehi. Most Maldivians also speak fluent English.

Currency: Rufiyaa (Rf)

Local time: The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+5).

Fly to: Velana International Airport, also called Malé International Airport (MLE). It’s on the island of Hulhule, close to the capital Malé. From there, you’ll reach your hotel with a seaplane or speedboat transfer.

Flight time from UK: 11 hours

Tourist information: Visit Maldives has tons of useful info. Check out their Instagram and TikTok too!

Travel advice: Find out the latest from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Visas: You are likely to need a visa for entry to the Maldives.

Visiting Malé: The Maldives’ capital is quite conservative: you’ll need to dress modestly; public displays of affection are considered offensive; and alcohol is forbidden.

Getting around the Maldives

By sea: The Maldives islands are tiny, so you’ll need a seaplane or speedboat to get just about anywhere outside your resort hotel.

On foot: Strolling around your Indian Ocean paradise is utter bliss! Especially as some resorts have a whole island to themselves. Bikes and golf carts are often available, too.

Airport transfers: You’ll need to hop aboard a plane, seaplane or speedboat to get to your hotel. Transfers might be included in the price of your Maldives hotel, so check before you add them to your booking.

Maldives weather

You can look forward to beach holiday weather whenever you go to the Maldives. There are two distinct seasons: the wet season (aka the southwest monsoon), which lasts from May to October, and the dry season (the northeast monsoon) between November and April.

Temperature:
• Average temperatures in the Maldives hardly fluctuate throughout the year, ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
• The hottest month is March while the ‘coldest’ is January (but you’ll still think it’s warm).
• The sea temperature changes very little in the Maldives. It may drop to 20°C in December but that’s hardly cold. Most of the time it’s a balmy 28°C, so put away your wetsuits!

Wet season (May - October):
• It tends to be slightly hotter in the wet season, with the mercury occasionally hitting 33°C.
• You’re most likely to be rained on in August and September, with a monthly average of 243 mm.
• Rain clouds blow over quickly and the sun comes out again after the short, sharp downpours – it’s sometimes not even worth leaving the beach!

Dry season (November - April):
• Expect 12 hours of daylight and up to 10 hours of sunshine a day with beautiful blue skies and temperatures between 24°C and 30°C.
• The seas are calmer and clearer so it’s easier to swim, snorkel and dive between November and April.
• For many, January and February are the best months to visit the Maldives from the UK and Northern Ireland, when temperatures are around 28°C. Rain is rare and brief – only about 50mm a month and more of a welcome refreshment than a nuisance.

What to pack:
• Pack beachwear, shorts and T-shirts plus plenty of high-factor sunscreen.
• You won’t need a cardigan for colder nights as the temperature only dips slightly, but it could come in handy to take the chill off the powerful air-conditioning at your hotel.
• If you’re planning to visit Malé (the capital), pack clothes that cover your arms and legs – it’s a very conservative city, but well worth exploring!

Best hotels in Maldives

Dreamland Unique Sea and Lake Resort Spa

Dreamland Unique Sea and Lake Resort Spa

Maldives, Baa Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,325 pp
Arena Beach Hotel

Arena Beach Hotel

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,004 pp
Adaaran Club Rannalhi - 45 Minutes away from Male by Speedboat

Adaaran Club Rannalhi - 45 Minutes away from Male by Speedboat

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,533 pp
Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

5007 reviews

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,238 pp
Eriyadu Island Resort

Eriyadu Island Resort

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,240 pp
Fihalhohi Maldives

Fihalhohi Maldives

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,290 pp
Filitheyo Island Resort

Filitheyo Island Resort

Maldives, Faafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,437 pp
Kaani Grand Seaview

Kaani Grand Seaview

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,075 pp
Villa Park Sun Island Resort - Complimentary One Way Domestic Transportation for stays of 7 nights and more 01 April to 30 September 2025

Villa Park Sun Island Resort - Complimentary One Way Domestic Transportation for stays of 7 nights and more 01 April to 30 September 2025

Maldives, Maamigili

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,406 pp
Adaaran Select Huduran Fushi - with 24hrs Premium All Inclusive

Adaaran Select Huduran Fushi - with 24hrs Premium All Inclusive

Maldives, Lhohifushi

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,527 pp
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,487 pp
Cocoon Maldives

Cocoon Maldives

Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,936 pp
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Maldives, Felidhoo

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,385 pp
Embudu Village

Embudu Village

Maldives, Kaafu Atoll

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,304 pp
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives by IHG

Maldives, Kandoomaafushi

7 nights
7 nights
from £1,340 pp

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Maldives holidays FAQs

Maldives holidays FAQs

Do I need a visa for holidays to the Maldives?

British citizens need a Maldives visa to go on holiday there. Also known as ‘tourist visas’, these allow you to stay in the Maldives for up to 30 days, so long as you have a return or onward ticket and enough funds to support your stay.

You might also need a visa if you’re not a British national – take a look at the Maldives entry requirements for more information.

Should I get travel insurance?

It’s always best to have comprehensive travel insurance if you’re going abroad. Policies offer insurance against things like lost luggage, theft cancellation, illness and injury – like the cost of medicines, treatment and even repatriation back to the UK.

Be sure to check what your policy covers before you buy!

Is there alcohol in the Maldives?

Yes! You won’t find alcohol in ultra-conservative Malé, the capital, but it’s served in the holiday resorts, which are much more chill.

And while we're here... you’ll need to dress modestly when you're out and about (especially in Malé) and avoid public affection with your SO.

Those rules don’t apply in the resorts either, so throw on your swimwear, grab a cocktail in a coconut, and give your boo a cheeky peck on the lips!

Can I go to the Maldives in wet season?

The Maldives’ wet season (May - October) is still a great time for a paradise holiday! Yes, there’s likely to be some rain, wind and higher humidity levels, but don’t expect constant monsoon weather. It’s also the best time to go surfing. You’re more likely to see whale sharks and manta rays as the ocean is rich in plankton for them to feed on. And prices are lower!

Even at the height of the wet season you won’t experience more than three days of rain together, so you can still enjoy a great holiday. If you’re in the southern islands (such as the Huvadhoo and Addu atolls), you’ll get slightly more rain than in the North Atolls (Baa, for example). It can be raining on your island and not on the one next door.

How many days in Maldives is enough?

We reckon 10 nights is a pretty perfect length for a Maldives holiday! But seven nights are still lovely if that’s all you can fit in – and 14 nights in the Maldives will leave you feeling like a new person.

However long you want to stay in the Maldives, remember to allow for a full day’s travel to get there… and back again.

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