The Maldives in March: Weather, Tips, and More
With a perfect mixture of sun and enough passing showers to keep cool, March is the perfect time to experience everything the Maldives offers. The surf season is just beginning in the Maldives in March. The Central and South Atolls offer some of the best surf breaks. Water temperatures are also pleasant, and visibility is optimum during this time. It is when you can surf at destinations like Pasta Point, snorkel at Banana Reef, or dive at Maaya Thila. So, grab your snorkel gear and flip-flops, and start planning your trip to the Maldives in March!
Maldives Weather in March
The weather in March in the Maldives is mostly sunny, with spotty rain showers blowing in from time to time. Because the islands are stretched over 800 kilometers longitudinally, the weather can vary greatly depending on where you’re located. Haa Alif Atoll and Baa Atoll experience less rain during March, while the southern islands, such as Addu Atoll, will start to see signs of the monsoon season in the latter half of the month. Temperatures in the Maldives in March are roughly the same across the archipelago. Highs hover around 31°C (88°F) during the day and dip to an average of 27°C (81°F) in the evenings.
Weather in Maldives in March - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 29 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 85 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 88 | 85 | 85 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 81 | 81 | 81 | 83 | 83 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 88 | 88 | 88 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 81 | 81 | 83 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 10 | 20 |
Why Visit Maldives in March?
Below are just a few of the many reasons to visit the Maldives in March.
- Ideal weather: The weather in the Maldives in March becomes pleasant, creating a favorable environment for exploring the cultural highlights and engaging in walking tours. Whether you wish to wander through the charming alleys of Malé, marvel at ancient mosques, or explore local heritage, March offers delightful weather conditions to fully immerse yourself in the culture, sites, and attractions of the Maldives.
- Shoulder season pricing: The Maldives in March is shoulder season with fewer tourists than the high season. Because March is nearing the monsoon season, prices are low while the weather is perfect. Watch for a slight increase around the Easter holidays as there may be a slight increase in prices and the influx of tourists during this time.
- Watersports: The surf season in the Maldives is just beginning in March, while underwater visibility is also excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving. Thulusdhoo Island is the premier spot to catch a wave or two. Scuba lovers will be mesmerized by the abundant wildlife and teeming coral reefs at locations like Fotteyu Kandu while snorkelers will want to seek out the Alifu Atoll for its beautiful reefs and marine life.
Where to Go and What to Do
Head to the northern atolls for the best scuba diving experience, as the region sees low precipitation during March. If you’re looking to come face to face with sea creatures like turtles, manta rays, and colorful coral, head to Kuredu Island and Fotteyo Kandu, both located in the northern atolls.
Snorkeling is another popular activity in the Maldives during March. The islands of Fulidhoo, Dhigurah, and Maafushi are some of the premier spots to snorkel and have a chance to see tons of marine life, including whale sharks.
March in the Maldives is also a great time to get a bird's eye view of these scattered atolls and cerulean waters by taking a float plane. Soar into the sky, uninhibited by the monsoon rains that come later in the season, and get a whole new perspective on the island’s reef and sandbar system and even see animals, like sharks, from above.
The Maldives has many high-end villas and bungalows built over and next to turquoise waters, where you can spend a night or two during your vacation. Pick any of the resort islands, from Male to Fuvahmulah to Maafushi to Eydhafushi, and enjoy the luxury. They are by no means cheap, particularly around Easter time, but definitely worth it.
Capital Male is often overlooked by travelers visiting the Maldives, but it is a great place to see how the locals live. Visit local markets, taste authentic Maldivian cuisine, and explore the attractions, including the Old Friday Mosque, one of the oldest in the city.
With mostly sunny skies, clear waters, and fewer tourists, March is one of the best times to visit the Maldives. From island hopping to enjoying water sports to spotting marine wildlife, there are tons of activities to enjoy. Come see why the Maldives is so beautiful in March!
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