Weather in Maldives in May

How May compares

May is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Maldives and ranks 29th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Maldives is 11.9°C warmer by day and 18.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Maldives peaks at 28.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.3°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 71 pass 30°C. Nights average 26.7°C; one night in ten drops to 25.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 30.5°C (1998-05-16) and the coldest night 25.2°C (1999-05-29).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 24 days with 1 mm or more, 227 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2018 with 392 mm, the driest 2004 with 89 mm. Humidity averages 82%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 29.6°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 29.1°C to 30.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 2.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:53 and sets about 18:12 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 76%.

Is May a good time to visit Maldives?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Maldives on our scoring are February, March, January; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Plan around rain, not guaranteed sunshine

Rain is the main reason to hesitate over May. Sunshine averages about 2.9 hours a day within 12.2 hours of daylight, so long days do not necessarily mean long stretches in the sun. Frequent wet days make a rigid outdoor schedule a poor fit; leave swimming and other outdoor time flexible rather than pinning everything on a particular day. The figures do not tell you when rain will fall or how long each spell will last, so do not assume it will be confined to brief showers. May suits travellers who can enjoy a warm holiday without needing clear skies throughout. If sunshine is central to your decision, consider a different month.

Warm water, sticky days and little evening cooling

The sea averages 29.6°C, making May well suited to travellers who dislike a chilly swim. On land, humidity of 82% is the catch: even without exceptionally high air temperatures, conditions can feel sticky. Pack light, loose clothing and something that dries easily, and keep exertion modest during the hottest part of the day. Evenings offer little cooling, so do not expect the fresh nights you might associate with a UK spring holiday. Reaching 30°C is uncommon, but that does not make this mild weather. The appeal is consistent warmth rather than dry heat, and the sea is warm rather than a cool contrast to the air.