When To Go · Destination Guide

North Male Atoll

Fast transfers, manta stations, and high-energy channel drifts minutes from the Maldives capital

Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 13 sources

When to go

Best time to visit North Male Atoll

North Male Atoll is diveable yearround, but conditions shift with the monsoons.

Best overall window

Drier northeast monsoon feel, calmer seas, water around 28°C.

Outside that window

Southwest monsoon: more rain and wind (often 20 km/h to 30 km/h), choppier crossings.

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Best	Overall - Feb: Best	Overall - Mar: Best	Overall - Apr: Best	Overall - May: Tradeoffs	Overall - Jun: Tradeoffs	Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs	Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs	Overall - Sep: Tradeoffs	Overall - Oct: Tradeoffs	Overall - Nov: Good	Overall - Dec: Good

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Manta rays at cleaning stations
Best for Snorkel, Scuba, Freedive
Dec to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Northeast monsoon conditions can bring manta activity to North Male cleaning stations such as Lankan and Bodu Hithi.
Sharkier outer reefs and faster drifts
Best for Scuba
May to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Southwest monsoon can increase current and pelagic movement on outer reefs like Rasfari, improving odds for grey reef sharks and big schools.
North Male surf season
Best for Topside
May to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Southwest monsoon swell targets North Male breaks (often reached by boat from Thulusdhoo).
Clearest water for photography
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Freedive
Jan to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
The drier season often improves visibility for wideangle reef scenes, wreck shots, and manta cleaning stations.
Plankton blooms and variable visibility
Best for Scuba, Snorkel
Jun to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
During the wet season, plankton can reduce visibility and make the water feel greener, but it can also attract larger filterfeeders.

Peak occupancy is often during Northern Hemisphere winter holidays (Dec to Mar).

Nov to Dec: Transition months with improving visibility and generally manageable sea state.
May to Oct: Southwest monsoon: more rain and wind (often 20 km/h to 30 km/h), choppier crossings.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.