Addu Atoll Weather

The Addu Atoll is the southernmost group of islands in the Maldives and lies just below the equator in the Indian Ocean. The region is located almost 500km south of Male, and is made up of 32 islands, only 7 of which are populated. Addu Atoll experiences a hot tropical climate with two distinct seasons, and is affected by both the northeast and southwest monsoons. 

 

The best time to visit Addu Atoll is during the northeast monsoon, which runs from November to April, and sees the least rain and most comfortable conditions. Peak season time from January to March experiences the driest weather, with as little as 138mm - 142mm of rain failing during the months of February and March. Temperatures in Addu Atoll do not vary dramatically throughout the year, with November to June seeing a constant 31C, rising to 32C during the hottest month of April. The group of islands sees plenty of cooling coastal breezes however, which help to temper the heat during the hottest time of the year, and they are also protected by long barrier reefs and therefore sheltered from the storms and high waves seen in the Indian Ocean. Water temperatures remain high throughout the year, reaching between 28C - 30C, and creating ideal conditions for water sports and diving, with the clearest waters seen during November and April.    

 

The southwest monsoon runs from May to October, bringing increased rainfall, as much as 223mm and 276mm during the beginning and end of the season. Addu Atoll experiences temperatures drop slightly to 30C during August to October.