Reluctant to send clients to the Maldives in the low season? Think again – a rainy day doesn’t have to spell disaster
Rainy days are rarely a welcome sight at home, never mind on holiday – but with shifting weather patterns and a desire for the good-value prices you can get when travelling outside the peak season, it’s more important than ever to consider the pros and cons of an off-peak escape.
First, a guide to the terminology, which has become slightly misleading. In the Maldives, the period from May to early October was once known as rainy season, but is now commonly referred to as low season, partly due to weather patterns – more of which later. The high season lasts from December to early April, and in between sits the shoulder period of late October/ November and late April.
Shoulder season in the Maldives
Various factors have boosted low-season bookings. “Postpandemic, many customers want to make bucket list-style trips more affordable,” says Destination2’s head of sales Betty Bouchier-Hobin. “Prices may rise around the low season’s mid-October half-term holiday. By planning trips either earlier in September or in late October, travellers can still take advantage of budget-friendly options.”
As for other good times to bag a bargain? “The cheapest months are May, which is the beginning of monsoon season – although the weather is still pleasant – and September, the end of monsoon season,” says David McKenzie, assistant reservations manager at Carrier.
Which brings us on to the weather. Changing weather patterns mean showers are now common during high season too, and the cheaper periods once associated with rainfall can mean unexpectedly glorious weather. “While a European summer visit to the Maldives once meant rain, and winter offered guaranteed sunshine, today there is more variation and a more likely mix of conditions at any time of the year,” says Elisabeth Alleyne, general manager at Ozen Life Maadhoo.
The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives at Crossroads is one of several resorts that has experienced an explosion in bookings outside peak times. “With occupancy rates now almost 25% higher during shoulder season than they were five years ago, it’s clear guests are embracing the Maldives as a year-round destination,” says general manager Frederic Lebegue.
Reasons to visit the Maldives in low season
Interestingly, the most common misconceptions around the low and shoulder seasons don’t just relate to the weather – although that’s certainly a concern for some. “People worry that it will rain the whole time, but this isn’t the case,” says Holly Parker, luxury travel designer at Carrier. “I’ve been to the Maldives during shoulder season and had better weather than in high season. Another myth is that everything will be closed, but if major refurbishment work was needed, the resort wouldn’t be open.”
In reality, low and shoulder season visits unlock activities that aren’t possible at other times.
“Beyond reduced rates, clients will experience quieter resorts, more privacy and a greater selection of accommodation, while many hotels will offer meal package upgrades,” says Nikki Hain, product manager at Premier Holidays. “There’s also less light pollution, making stargazing more breathtaking, and surf season runs from April to November, providing fantastic surf breaks at resorts such as Six Senses Laamu.”
Wildlife in the Maldives
Shoulder season is when sightings of certain animals, including manta rays, are most likely. The South Ari Atoll is a magnet for fans of marine life, and it’s also the location of the new NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which opened in September.
“The South Ari Atoll has exceptional underwater marine biodiversity, making it a prime destination for divers and snorkellers,” says Bouchier-Hobin.
Another popular spot for divers is the North Ari Atoll, which is surrounded by dozens of shipwrecks.
The odd rain shower is unlikely to impact a client’s holiday if they’re spending most of it underwater, and from early 2025 they can stay at the North Ari Atoll’s stunning W Maldives resort, which will emerge from an extensive renovation.
Unsurprisingly, resorts with dedicated wet weather programmes, such as the ones offered by Ozen Collection resorts, are especially popular during low and shoulder seasons. It’s also worth reminding clients that these periods are great times for visits to local island communities, because this is when many cultural events take place. One example is the celebrations around Eid al-Fitr, which will take place in late March 2025.
Parker at Carrier flags another reason why both shoulder season and low season are great periods to visit the Maldives. “Hotels tend to invite wellbeing practitioners to the islands during these times to attract more guests – one example is Soneva’s September Wellness programme.”
While many clients might focus on the savings to be found – which are substantial, adding up to hundreds, even thousands, of pounds per couple – there are plenty more reasons why getting on top of off-peak Indian Ocean escapes can pay dividends.
Book it: Premier Holidays offers a a week allinclusive at the Oblu Nature Helengeli by Sentido in a Deluxe Beach Villa, from £2,359 based on two sharing, with BA flights from Heathrow and speedboat transfers, departing June 10, 2025. The same trip would cost £2,899 in February.
premierholidays.co.uk
Carrier offers a seven-night half-board stay in a One Bedroom Beach Pool Pavilion at Niyama Private Islands, Maldives, from £8,395 based on two sharing, including flights from Heathrow and transfers, departing September 9, 2025. An April 17 departure would be £12,370 per person.
carrier.co.uk
PICTURES: Sakis Papadopoulos; Ibrahim Misthah
