Maldives
Beginner-friendly
Best conditions around May 18
Atoll-hopping in flat, transparent water.
Best time to sail
Best time to sail in the Maldives
Sailing works year-round in the Maldives, with conditions at their best in January and May.
That verdict comes from 1991–2020 climate normals — wind, rain, sunshine, and air temperature — scored week by week for charter conditions across 1 sailing area.
Sailing conditions in the Maldives, month by month
Mean weekly values across our sailing areas in the Maldives. The sail score weighs wind, rain, sun, and temperature — and discounts tropical-storm season where one applies.
Temperature (°C)
- Air
- Water
Wind (kn)
Rain (mm/day)
Sun (h/day)
| Month | Sail score | Wind (kn) | Rain (mm/day) | Sun (h/day) | Temp (°C) | Water (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 11 | 4.4 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
| February | Excellent | 9 | 2.5 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
| March | Excellent | 7 | 2.5 | 12 | 28 | 30 |
| April | Excellent | 8 | 5.6 | 12 | 28 | 31 |
| May | Excellent | 11 | 6.7 | 12 | 28 | 30 |
| June | Excellent | 10 | 3.4 | 12 | 28 | 30 |
| July | Excellent | 9 | 6.7 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| August | Excellent | 9 | 7.7 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| September | Excellent | 10 | 6.5 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| October | Excellent | 9 | 4.9 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
| November | Excellent | 9 | 6.9 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
| December | Excellent | 9 | 7.4 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
Sailing areas in the Maldives
Every area below is scored individually in the interactive calendar; where we have an in-depth guide, it's linked.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sail in the Maldives?
Sailing works year-round in the Maldives; January and May scores best for wind, rain, sunshine, and temperature in the 1991–2020 climate normals.
How warm is it in the Maldives in January?
Around 27 °C air temperature on average in January, with about 12 hours of sun a day.
How warm is the water in the Maldives in January?
Around 29 °C sea-surface temperature on average in January, based on 2023–2025 marine averages.