Weather in Maldives in October

How October compares

October is the 9th warmest month of the year in Maldives and ranks 38th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Maldives is 13.0°C warmer by day and 17.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Maldives peaks at 27.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.3°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C. Nights average 26.0°C; one night in ten drops to 25.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 29.0°C (2020-10-13) and the coldest night 24.1°C (1991-10-20).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 21 days with 1 mm or more, 194 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 1997 with 345 mm, the driest 2009 with 51 mm. Humidity averages 82%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 28.6°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.0°C to 29.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:51 and sets about 17:53 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 71%.

Is October 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.

Warm sea, sticky days and little evening relief

The heat is steady rather than extreme, with average daytime highs of 27.6°C and night-time lows of 26°C. Humidity of 82% can make that warmth feel sticky, so pack loose, lightweight clothing and avoid making your most energetic plans for midday. Evenings stay warm enough that you should not expect much relief after sunset; prioritise breathable clothes over heavy layers. The sea is a clear reason to consider October: at 28.6°C, it is warm enough for comfortable swimming without a chilly first dip. That suits travellers who value warm water more than long stretches of sunshine, although warm water alone does not guarantee suitable swimming conditions on the day.

Plan around rain, not guaranteed sunshine

Rain is the main compromise in October. About 21 days receive measurable rain, so wet weather should be part of your expectations rather than treated as an unlikely interruption. That does not mean every rainy day is a complete washout, but it does make a tightly planned outdoor holiday less appealing. Sunshine averages about 3.5 hours within 11.9 hours of daylight: there is time to be outside, but daylight should not be confused with clear skies. Pack a lightweight waterproof and keep outdoor plans flexible. October is a better fit if you can enjoy a slower day when it rains than if daily sunbathing is the reason for the trip.