The southwest (wet) monsoon normally runs from mid-May to November and the northeast (dry) monsoon from January to March. December and April are transition months.
Maldives Meteorological Service ▾
meteorology.gov.mv (2026-10-14): “The southwest monsoon (wet-season) normally extends from mid-May to November. The northeast monsoon (dry-season) extends from January to March. The month of December and April are considered as the monsoon transitional periods.”
Official warnings
Strong tidal currents around the islands can drag swimmers away from the shore, and there have been drownings.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents that can drag you away from the shoreline resulting in drownings.”
There have been fatal boat-propeller accidents in the South Ari Marine Protected Area and nearby whale-shark sites, where propeller-guard rules are not yet fully enforced.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “There have been fatal accidents involving boat propellers in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and nearby whale shark tourism sites. Regulations requiring propeller guards are not yet fully enforced.”
UK government guidance for yachts: piracy off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden has fallen from its peak but remains a risk, with attacks possible up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast. Sailing vessels should not enter the former High-Risk Area.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, intl): “Pirate attacks can occur up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast. Sailing vessels should not enter the former High-Risk Area, as they may be particularly vulnerable to attack due to their low speed and height between the waterline and the deck.”
Divers: recompression
There are 3 hyperbaric chambers in the Maldives, and many resort islands are more than an hour from the nearest one. Check how your dive operator would get you there.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Many resort islands are more than an hour away from the nearest hyperbaric chamber. Make sure you understand how your dive operator would get you to one of the 3 chambers in the islands.”
Arriving by boat
A foreign vessel needs a cruise permit from the Ministry of Tourism, applied for on oneGov at least five days before arrival. A local shipping agent registered with Maldives Customs must represent the vessel, and stays beyond 44 days need Ministry permission.
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Maldives (oneGov portal) · Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Maldives (oneGov portal) · Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Maldives (oneGov portal) ▾
one.gov.mv (2026-10-14): “Applications should be submitted at least five days prior to the vessel’s arrival.”
one.gov.mv (2026-10-14): “A local Maldivian shipping agent must represent your vessel. The shipping agent should be registered with the Maldives Customs Service and will handle the application on your behalf.”
one.gov.mv (2026-10-14): “If any Foreign Tourist Vessel wishes to remain in the Maldives for longer than the 44 (forty-four) days what is the procedure that needs to be followed?”
What number do I call for help at sea in the Maldives?+
In the Maldives, call MRCC Maldives on 191. Police: 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in the Maldives?+
The general emergency number in the Maldives is 911. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for the Maldives. In a sea emergency, call 191.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in the Maldives?+
The southwest (wet) monsoon normally runs from mid-May to November and the northeast (dry) monsoon from January to March. December and April are transition months.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for the Maldives?+
The Maldives Meteorological Service publishes a daily marine forecast (weather, wind in knots, seas and wave height) alongside its general forecast.
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