At a glance
| At a glance | In May |
|---|---|
| Weather | The monsoon arrives; short, heavy showers with sun between |
| Sea | Livelier; visibility a little lower; about 30°C |
| Marine life | Mantas move to the eastern sides; Hanifaru Bay’s season begins |
| Surf | Good, especially in the south |
| Visitors | Low season begins; lower rates and offers |
| Suits | Value, divers, manta lovers, surfers |
Weather
The southwest monsoon, Hulhangu in Dhivehi, usually arrives around the middle of May. It brings more cloud, wind and humidity, and the change from one monsoon to the other can make May one of the most unsettled months. Rain mostly comes in short, heavy showers, often followed by clear skies, and most days still see seven or eight hours of sunshine.
In the water
The sea becomes livelier: the western sides of the atolls can be choppy, while the eastern sides are more sheltered. Plankton lowers the visibility a little, but it is also what brings in the mantas and whale sharks. The sea is about 30°C.
Mantas move to the eastern sides of the atolls, and the season begins in Hanifaru Bay, in Baa Atoll, where they gather to feed between about May and November. Turtle nesting is building towards its peak, between June and August.
Surf
May is a strong surf month, especially in the southern atolls, and the stronger wind suits kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Visitors and prices
The low season begins. Room rates and airfares are lower, resorts are quieter, and offers and upgrades are easier to find; May is usually one of the quietest months of the year. Many resorts run activities that do not depend on the weather, from cooking classes to art workshops.
Who it suits
May suits travellers who would rather have value and quiet than guaranteed sunshine, divers who want mantas, and surfers. It also suits couples who want the islands quiet.