Southwest monsoon (Hulhangu) begins
May to November
Brief, heavy showers and breezier seas, with great prices. Pack a light rain jacket and a waterproof phone pouch.
Highs32°C (90°F)
Lows27°C (81°F)
Rainy days~15
Daylight12 h
CrowdsModerate
May averages for Malé (Velana Airport). Source
May marks the start of the southwest monsoon — more showers and wind, but still plenty of sunshine and lower prices. Quick-dry beachwear and a rain jacket.
☀️ By day
Quick-dry beachwear and a light rain jacket as the monsoon arrives.
🌙 Evening
A breathable dinner outfit.
What's on in May
Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.
Eid al-Adha (2027: about 16 May)
Moves about 11 days earlier each year
A public holiday on local islands. Dress modestly if you are visiting.
May packing essentials
Your May outfit list
- SwimwearFull-coverage swimwearShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry cover-upShop Amazon ↗
- Maxi dressRayon kurta setShop Amazon ↗
- Packable rain jacketShop Amazon ↗
- Flat sandalsShop Amazon ↗
- Swim shortsShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry shirtsShop Amazon ↗
- Linen trousersShop Amazon ↗
- Packable rain jacketShop Amazon ↗
- SandalsShop Amazon ↗
Also pack
Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.
Dress code
- Resorts: swimwear, cover-ups and resort-casual are fine everywhere.
- Local islands and Malé: cover shoulders and knees; bikinis only on designated bikini beaches.
- Mosques: long, loose clothing; women cover their hair.