Is the Maldives Worth Visiting in Low Season?

When people think of the Maldives, they often picture perfect skies, turquoise waters, and endless sunshine. But what about the low season, typically from May to October, when prices drop and the skies can be a little less predictable? Well, I recently experienced it for myself, and here‘s what happened on my trip…

Why Consider the Low Season?

The biggest draw? Incredible value. Resorts that would normally stretch your budget become far more accessible and perfect if you‘ve been dreaming of that overwater villa or luxury beach escape. Yes, you may get a bit of rain, but it likely won’t ruin your trip. During our visit, we enjoyed five beautiful days, one overcast day, and one dramatic storm, which didn’t stop the fun (well, maybe avoid the sunset cruise if clouds are looming… we got soaked, but it’s now one of our funniest travel stories!).

Hosted by the Experts

Our trip was hosted by the lovely Charlotte from luxury tour operator If Only and Emma from Bespoke Earth. Both are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about this dreamy destination. We visited a stunning mix of resorts, each with its personality and charm. Here’s where we stayed:

OBLU Xperience Ailafushi & OBLU Select Lobigili

Just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé Airport, Ailafushi and Lobigili are two connected islands with very different vibes. We stayed in a beach villa at Ailafushi, which is a fantastic family-friendly resort. There’s a brilliant kids’ club, a large pool, and plenty of activities for all ages, from beach games to kayaking and water slides. The villas are bright, modern, and spacious, which makes them perfect for families. The vibe is laid-back and casual, ideal for those who want to kick off their shoes and relax.

One of the highlights was dinner at Only BLU, the Maldives‘ largest underwater restaurant, located just across the walkway. Hosted by Kim, the manager, we enjoyed incredible seafood while watching sharks and vibrant reef fish glide past the restaurant’s panoramic windows. A truly surreal and magical experience. The next morning, we hopped on a buggy to Lobigili, Ailafushi‘s adult-only sister resort, for a peaceful à la carte breakfast. Served beachside with a view of the turquoise lagoon, it was a lovely, quiet start to the day and a great way to experience the calm, luxury of the island.

OBLU Nature Helengeli – A Snorkeler‘s Paradise

Helengeli is ideal for those looking for a more nature-focused and active escape. Known for its house reef, it offers some of the best snorkelling directly from the beach. We spotted everything from clownfish and parrotfish to a graceful sea turtle. Even though we experienced a storm during our time here, the next morning brought clear blue skies and calm seas, perfect for getting back in the water. Dinner with Alan, the resort’s manager, was another standout moment — he’s worked in the Maldives for over 18 years and had so many fascinating stories to share about island life and marine conservation.

Atmosphere Kanifushi – My Favourite Stop

Kanifushi completely stole my heart. Set in the Lhaviyani Atoll, this resort is the perfect mix of luxury, space, and laid-back elegance. We stayed in a sunset beach villa with hammocks and our bikes, a fun way to explore the resort. There’s also a buggy service if cycling isn’t your thing, and despite this being one of the larger resorts, Kanifushi never felt crowded, and everything was easy to navigate. The villas have a natural, rustic-luxury charm, and returning from dinner to a petal-filled bath was a lovely extra touch. We enjoyed overwater dining with TJ, snorkelling by boat, and even got to witness a shark feeding session. There’s an adults-only pool, excellent dining options, and unforgettable sunsets — plus that iconic seaplane arrival, which is a must-do Maldives moment.

VARU by Atmosphere – Overwater Luxury

Our final stop was the luxurious VARU by Atmosphere, where we stayed in a stunning overwater villa with a private pool.... a total WOW moment. We had the chance to take part in a Maldivian cooking class, which was such a fun, hands-on way to dive deeper into the local culture. The calm seas made it perfect for watersports, and I was treated to a relaxing spa treatment in the overwater spa. There’s nothing quite like hearing the ocean and watching fish through the glass peephole floor as you unwind. VARU felt very serene and refined, with excellent food, gentle service, and plenty of space to relax in peace.

Final Thoughts

So.... should you visit the Maldives in low season?

If you‘re looking for fantastic value, fewer crowds, and don‘t mind a bit of humidity or the odd tropical downpour, absolutely yes. You’ll enjoy most of the sunshine, all of the beauty, and the same world-class service, just at a better price point. Pack your swimsuit, a sense of humour (especially for the odd rain-soaked excursion!), and a desire to truly relax. You’ll leave with incredible memories, refreshed spirits, and possibly even plans to return.

The Maldives in the low season?

Yes 100% worth it.