Everything you need to plan the perfect Maldives trip in 2026. We compare overwater bungalows vs beach villas, reveal true costs, best months to visit, and the resorts worth every cent — from budget guesthouses to ultra-luxury private islands.
Plan Your Trip
Book maldives
Best prices across our trusted partners — no markup, no hidden fees.
Free cancellation
Hotels
via Booking.com
Search now
Best bundles
Flights
via Expedia
Search now
300k+ experiences
Activities
via Viator
Search now
500+ companies
Car Rental
via DiscoverCars
Search now
150+ activities
Insurance
via WorldNomads
Search now
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you · Prices shown by partners are live and independent of TheTripsites
- ·**January**: Ideal conditions for sunbathing and water activities. Prices are at their peak, with luxury resorts charging €400 and up per night.
- ·**February**: Slightly less crowded than January, but still perfect weather. Expect to pay €350–500 for resorts.
- ·**March**: Great visibility for divers; prices remain high. Average resort costs are €400–600.
- ·**April**: The end of the dry season, but humidity starts to rise. Prices begin to taper off; expect €300–500.
- ·**May**: The wet season begins, bringing lower prices (30–50% off). Expect rainfall but also fewer tourists. Resorts range from €200–400.
- ·**June**: The wettest month; however, it’s still a great time for diving. Prices drop even further, averaging €150–300.
- ·**July**: Wet season continues with sporadic rain. Prices remain low, with resorts charging €150–250.
- ·**August**: Similar to July; prices remain low. Great for budget travelers. Expect €150–300.
- ·**September**: Rainy season peaks, but diving conditions can still be good. Prices are at their lowest; resorts may charge €100–200.
- ·**October**: Transitioning back to the dry season; perfect for a budget visit. Costs range from €150–350.
- ·**Resort islands**: Private islands with one resort each. The classic Maldives experience — overwater bungalows, house reefs, all-inclusive dining. Prices start at €300/night and go up to €5,000+/night for ultra-luxury.
- ·**Local islands**: Inhabited islands with guesthouses, local restaurants, and a genuine Maldivian community. Prices from €60–150/night. You get the same turquoise water and coral reefs at a fraction of the cost.
- ·**Liveaboard diving**: A boat-based holiday that moves between dive sites. Excellent value for divers — you see far more of the Maldives than a resort stay.
- ·**Maafushi**: The most popular local island, with excellent guesthouses, water sports, and easy day trips to sandbanks and snorkelling spots. Expect to pay around €80–150 for quality guesthouses.
- ·**Dhigurah**: A long, beautiful island with a famous whale shark snorkelling site just offshore. Guesthouses charge €60–120 per night.
- ·**Fulidhoo**: A quieter, more authentic local island with a beautiful beach and excellent snorkelling. Prices range from €50–100 per night.
- ·**Thoddoo**: Known for its fruit farms and excellent house reef — one of the best budget options in the Maldives. Guesthouses typically charge €60–90.
Free PDF: Top 10 Hidden Gems of the World
10 breathtaking destinations most travellers never discover. Yours free.
- ·**From Amsterdam**: Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Malé usually take around 12 hours with a layover. Prices range from €550–850.
- ·**From London**: Direct flights are available, taking around 10 hours. Prices range from €500–700.
- ·**From New York City**: Expect a journey of around 18 hours with at least one layover. Costs generally range from €700–1,200.
- ·**Speedboat transfers**: €30–100 depending on the distance.
- ·**Seaplane transfers**: €200–400 for longer distances.
Plan Your Trip
Book maldives
Best prices across our trusted partners — no markup, no hidden fees.
Free cancellation
Hotels
via Booking.com
Search now
Best bundles
Flights
via Expedia
Search now
300k+ experiences
Activities
via Viator
Search now
500+ companies
Car Rental
via DiscoverCars
Search now
150+ activities
Insurance
via WorldNomads
Search now
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you · Prices shown by partners are live and independent of TheTripsites
- ·**Snorkelling**: The house reefs around most islands are extraordinary — turtles, reef sharks, rays, and thousands of tropical fish.
- ·**Diving**: The Maldives is one of the world's top dive destinations — hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and pristine coral.
- ·**Whale shark snorkelling**: South Ari Atoll has one of the world's most reliable whale shark sites — a bucket-list experience.
- ·**Sandbank picnics**: Most resorts and guesthouses offer trips to uninhabited sandbanks — a quintessential Maldives experience.
- ·**Sunset dolphin cruises**: Spinner dolphins are abundant in the Maldives and frequently accompany boats at sunset.
- ·**Bioluminescent beach**: Some beaches glow at night due to bioluminescent plankton, creating a magical experience.
Maldives travel guideMaldives travelMaldives budgetoverwater bungalowbest time Maldives
from €1,899 · 32% offCurated package
Maldives Luxury Package
Curated package · Best price guaranteed
Related reading
Ready to book? Explore deals on TheTripsites
Editorial TeamTRAVEL EXPERT
Founder & Lead Travel Editor · TheTripsites
This guide was researched and written by the TheTripsites editorial team. Every article on this platform is based on genuine destination research, cross-referenced travel data, and an editorial commitment to honest, independent advice — no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
✓ 84 destinations covered✓ 220+ guides published✓ Editorially independent
Read the full editorial profileEditorial note: This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you book through our links — at no extra cost to you. Our editorial opinions are always independent and are never influenced by affiliate relationships. Learn more
