Month guide · Maldives
Maldives in March
What March is really like in Maldives: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Maldives. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 26°C (79°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 12.1 hours of daylight. Hot, sunny and calm with glassy seas; a superb month for diving and snorkelling.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in March
March is the 2nd-warmest month in Maldives: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 26°C (79°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 31 days. Compared with February (30°C (86°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:13
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:18
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea
- 29°C (84°F)
North-east monsoon (December–March). Dry, sunny and calm with excellent visibility; peak season with the highest prices, especially at Christmas, New Year and February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
- Surf season begins (usually from March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Museum · Malé
National Museum and Sultan Park
Visit in the heat of the day when the air-conditioned galleries offer a break from Malé's sun.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Art
Market · Malé
Malé fish market
On Boduthakurufaanu Magu facing the harbour, fishermen unload skipjack and yellowfin tuna from their dhonis and cut them on tiled counters in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Photo spot
Beach · Malé
Artificial Beach, Malé
Come at sunset when families arrive, and grab tea and hedhikaa from a nearby café.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- After dark
Experience · All atolls
Sunset dolphin cruise
Spinner dolphins are common in channels and lagoons across the central atolls, and most resorts and guesthouses run evening boat trips on traditional dhonis to see them leaping as the sun sets.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Couples
- Nature
The sea averages 29°C (84°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Maldives.
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 26°C and 5 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Maldives?
One of the best months to visit Maldives, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April and December–February. Compare every month.
Maldives in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Maldives?
It is one of the best months to visit Maldives. Hot, sunny and calm with glassy seas; a superb month for diving and snorkelling.
+How warm is Maldives in March?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 26°C (79°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Maldives in March?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.