A year in the Maldives: Why to go, and when, in 2026

The Maldives is synonymous with turquoise blue lagoons, powder-soft sand and barefoot luxury. But beyond its postcard reputation lies a destination that subtly changes character throughout the year. From crystal-clear dive conditions to manta-filled waters and golden, festival-lit Decembers, each month offers something distinct to appear to differing tastes and travellers.

January

January showcases the Maldives at its most iconic: clear blue skies, low humidity and glass-calm seas guarantee crystal-clear visibility for diving and snorkelling, as well as providing perfect conditions for lazy days on the beach, swimming and sunset cruises. With daily snorkelling trips included for every guest at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, there are also in-house marine biologists in resort, who not only ensure guests spot the wonderful sea life surrounding the resort, but also spearhead a coral restoration project that has revived a 300-metre stretch of its house reef using 80 coral frames that nurture over 2,000 coral fragments. For just $100 guests sponsor and create a frame, which is then dropped to the sea floor, with the team emailing six monthly updates on its progress.

February

Aside from a family focussed week at half term, with consistently sunny weather and fewer crowds after the January peak, February is tailor-made for couples. Overwater villas feel more secluded, barefoot candlelit beach dinners go uninterrupted and the tranquil pace makes it one of the most romantic months to visit, perhaps to propose or to simply celebrate Valentine’s month? The Indulgence Package at  OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is one of the most luxurious and comprehensive all-inclusive packages anywhere in the world, and gives access to a fabulous range of destination dining options including M6m under the sea and the intimate 12-table ‘Lonu’ serving Maldivian-inspired plates.  Traditional sunset fishing experiences and star gazing (there is very little light pollution here) are perfect evening activities.

March

Underwater visibility reaches its peak in March, revealing coral gardens in extraordinary clarity. Reef sharks glide effortlessly through the water, shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish dart back and forth, and turtles linger in the shallow waters, meaning snorkellers and SCUBA divers experience the Maldives at its most lucid and alive. So, if your passion is photography – particularly underwater photography – this is the time to visit. It is also a great month to experience some local culture within the resorts, as THE OZEN COLLECTION properties celebrate Eid (around the 20th of March).

April

April is a month for sweet-toothed visitors. Not only does Easter fall on 5 April 2026, but celebrity chef Janice Wong also returns to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI on 25 & 26 April 2026 for a Chocolate Art & Serenity pop up. Renowned for her avant-garde edible artistry, Chef Wong will transform the island into a canvas of culinary innovation, offering guests a week of bespoke dessert experiences, interactive workshops for children and breath-taking chocolate installations inspired by the island setting. Yet another incredible food experience offered as part of the hotel’s extremely generous all-inclusive package.

May

As the first light monsoon rains arrive, the Maldivian islands become noticeably greener and lusher. The atmosphere feels refreshed and, while showers are usually brief, the ocean remains warm and inviting, so it is perfect for travellers who prefer less people and lots of quiet downtime. Languid afternoons are best spent in the resorts’ ELE|NA spas, with their wellness rituals and activities, such as Tibetan bowl singing, sunrise yoga and guided meditation, savouring a remarkable range of all-inclusive “hushpitality”. Another attraction this year will be OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s “Garden-to-Sea Immersion: An Edible Journey Beneath the Waves” with Italian Chef Giorgio Servetto (holder of One Michelin Star and One Green Michelin Star) at Only BLU (7 to 9 May) and M6m (12 to 14 May) - a gourmet experience not to be missed!

June

June at THE OZEN COLLECTION is a great month for more active holiday-makers to visit and enjoy the wide range of watersports on offer.  Complimentary use of non-motorised watersports for all guests includes the opportunity to take kayaks, stand up paddleboards and catamarans out into the uncrowded lagoons, to enjoy against a scenic tropical backdrop.  The monsoon winds may also bring dramatic skies, creating excellent opportunities for keen amateur photographers looking to snap moody cloud- and sea-scapes. With World Ocean Day falling on 8 June, the ELE|NA spas will be highlighting Ocean Flow, a stress reducing, in water experience, and detoxing seaweed baths by VOYA.

July

The start of the summer school holidays coincides with the monsoon creating nutrient-rich waters that draw manta rays and whale sharks closer to shore. This is one of the best times of the year for unforgettable wildlife encounters, whether you’re snorkelling or diving alongside these gentle giants or dolphin spotting from a catamaran, it offers a chance to educate kids in the marine eco-system IRL while generating moments of magic that will last a lifetime. Book into OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, which has one of the largest kids’ clubs, Kuda Koli, in the Maldives and look out for family packages, offering for kids under the age of 12 years to stay for free.

August

August has seen one of the strongest sales increases to the Maldives of any month over recent years.  Previously seen as low season, climate change has had such an impact on now unpredictable weather patterns that the month now draws many family visitors, taking advantage of lower rates combined with beautiful Maldives weather.  Book early for THE OZEN COLLECTION via UK tour operators including Best at Travel, Destinology and Inspiring Travel, with villas available to accommodate all sizes of families.

September

With the kids back to school, September offers a sense of calm across the atolls and a chance to recharge the batteries in peace and quiet.  Rates remain favourable and the Maldives feels wonderfully unhurried, making it perfect for long stays and total relaxation. To elevate your experience, book one of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s new Wind Villas introduced for 2026 with their own private Jacuzzi and a slide that takes you straight into the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, adding a playful twist to your holiday!

October

October offers calm seas and sunny days, making it another great month for snorkelling and SCUBA diving, but it’s not just the bubbles from your mouthpiece that will be effervescing. This October, both OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO are set to welcome Guy Charbaut for a Champagne Masterclass, with the producers in resort to host tasting dinners, with each course matched with a delicious vintage from the French family vineyard.  Included in the stay of all guests, seats just need to be pre-booked, to guarantee a luxurious, fine dining evening under the stars, from one of the luxury branded Champagne houses that are served as part of the resorts’ all-inclusive offering, alongside premium wine lists, delicious cocktails and a dedicated gin bar.

November

November is the sweet spot for travellers seeking sunshine without December’s peak season pricing, with the added bonus at THE OZEN COLLECTION of the opportunity to experience a wine masterclass with Bodegas Viñátigo.  The esteemed Tenerife winery is renowned for its extraordinary revival of nearly-lost Canary Islands grape varieties and will host exclusive in-resort masterclasses. Bodegas Viñátigo's distinctive vintages are also available throughout the year as part of The RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and The INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, allowing guests to discover these remarkable Spanish island wines at every moment of their stay. 

December

December transforms the Maldives into a tropical holiday haven, with bright sunny days and screen-saver sunsets - in stark contrast to winter back home! Resorts host festive activities during the days and the beaches glow under twinkling strings of lights in the evenings, like one giant Christmas installation. This is barefoot island living at its most magical, making the THE OZEN COLLECTION the perfect place to celebrate the end of one year and welcome the next.

Overnight rates at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI start from USD 1,650, two sharing an Earth Pool Villa Sunrise on the RESERVE™ Plan, including complimentary luxury catamaran transfers to and from Velana International Airport, Male.  www.theozencollection.com/bolifushi

Overnight rates at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO start from USD 1255, two sharing an Earth Villa on the INDULGENCE™ Plan, including complimentary speedboat transfers to and from Velana International Airport, Male.  www.theozencollection.com/maadhoo

UK tour operators featuring THE OZEN COLLECTION include Best at Travel, Inspiring Travel, Elegant Resorts, Virgin Holidays, Carrier and Destinology.