At a glance
| At a glance | In August |
|---|---|
| Weather | Warm and humid; about seven hours of sun; short, heavy showers |
| Sea | Warm; visibility lower than in the dry season |
| Marine life | Whale sharks in South Ari; mantas in Baa |
| Surf | In season |
| Visitors | Fewer visitors than in winter; busier in the Italian holiday week |
| Suits | Families, snorkellers and divers, value |
Weather
August is warm and humid, with about seven hours of sunshine a day, broken by short, heavy downpours and the odd thunderstorm. The islands look especially lush.
In the water
Visibility is lower than in the dry season, but the water stays warm and the marine life makes up for it. Whale sharks are seen around South Ari Atoll all year, and August to November is often named as the best time. In Baa Atoll, the manta gatherings grow.
Surf
The surf season continues, with some of the biggest waves between June and September, and the wind suits kitesurfing.
Visitors and prices
August is mostly better value than the winter months, if you are happy to risk some rain. August is still a popular month, though, and the Italian holiday week in August brings peak prices at many resorts. Some resorts run family offers in the school holidays.
Who it suits
August suits families in the school holidays, snorkellers and divers hoping for whale sharks and mantas, and travellers happy to trade a little rain for value.