Maldives in February: Weather, Activities & Expert Travel Guide
February in the Maldives offers excellent weather conditions during the peak dry season
February continues the excellent dry season (Iruvai) conditions in the Maldives, offering minimal rainfall, low humidity, and consistent sunshine. With calm seas, excellent underwater visibility, and perfect beach conditions, February delivers a classic Maldives experience. While still considered peak season, February sees a gradual transition toward the end of the month, with slightly decreasing tourist numbers and the first hints of potential early shoulder season offers, though still predominantly at premium pricing.
February in the Maldives at a Glance
Weather: Excellent dry season conditions with minimal rainfall
Tourist Traffic: High (peak season continues, gradually decreasing toward month-end)
Pricing: Premium rates, with potential early shoulder season offers late month
Water Visibility: Excellent (25-30 meters)
Marine Life: Abundant with excellent visibility for spotting various species
Special Events: Valentine's Day celebrations at resorts
Advance Booking: Recommended, though slightly more availability than December/January
Video: Experience the Maldives during the excellent February weather
February Weather in the Maldives
February continues the excellent dry season weather in the Maldives, with the northeast monsoon (Iruvai) still firmly established. Rainfall remains minimal, though slightly higher than January's absolute minimum. Humidity levels begin to increase marginally toward the end of the month, but remain comfortable. Sunshine is abundant and consistent, with any occasional shower typically brief and quickly giving way to clear blue skies. With calm seas and gentle breezes, February offers reliable tropical weather that delivers the postcard-perfect Maldives experience.
Temperature & Humidity
Average Daytime: 29-31°C (84-88°F)
Average Nighttime: 25-26°C (77-79°F)
Humidity: 65-75% (increasing slightly late month)
Ocean Temperature: 28-29°C (82-84°F)
February temperatures remain consistently warm and pleasant, with a slight increase toward the end of the month. Humidity levels begin to rise marginally as the month progresses, but remain comfortable for most visitors. The warm ocean temperature ensures perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and water activities throughout the month. The gentle northeast winds continue to provide natural cooling, creating ideal conditions for beach relaxation.
Rainfall & Wind
Average Rainfall: 60-90mm (slightly higher than January)
Rainy Days: 4-7 days
Sunshine Hours: 8-9 hours daily
Wind: Light to moderate, northeast direction
February sees minimal rainfall, though slightly more than January. Any precipitation typically occurs as brief showers rather than prolonged downpours. The northeast monsoon continues to bring calm seas and consistent weather patterns, with abundant sunshine throughout the month. The northern and central atolls generally experience the driest conditions, while the southern atolls may occasionally see slightly more rainfall, though still minimal compared to wet season months.
Typical February Rain Pattern
February rainfall in the Maldives remains minimal, with most days completely dry and only occasional brief showers. Here's a visualization of how rain might distribute across a typical week in February:
Monday Sunny No Rain
Tuesday Sunny No Rain
Wednesday Partly Cloudy Brief Shower
Thursday Sunny No Rain
Friday Sunny No Rain
Saturday Partly Cloudy Brief Shower
Sunday Sunny No Rain
This pattern is representative of typical February conditions, with predominantly sunny days and only occasional brief showers.
Regional Weather Variations
While the Maldives has relatively consistent weather throughout its atolls, some regional variations can occur in February:
Northern Atolls: Continue to experience excellent conditions with minimal rainfall and consistent sunshine.
Central Atolls: Follow the typical February pattern with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine.
Southern Atolls: May experience slightly more rainfall than the northern regions, with a gradual increase toward the end of the month, though still minimal compared to wet season months.
These variations are relatively minor, and February generally brings excellent weather conditions throughout the Maldives. For more information about different regions, check our Maldives islands guide.
How February Compares to January and March
Understanding how February compares to the months immediately before and after can help you decide if it's the right time for your Maldives vacation:
January
Weather: Absolute peak dry season
Crowds: High (peak season)
Prices: Peak season rates
Water Visibility: Exceptional (30m+)
January offers the absolute best weather conditions of the year with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine. It represents the pinnacle of the dry season with the lowest humidity and rainfall of the year. For more details, check our guide on visiting the Maldives in January.
February
Weather: Excellent dry season continues
Crowds: High (gradually decreasing)
Prices: Peak season rates (potential late-month offers)
Water Visibility: Excellent (25-30m)
February continues the excellent weather conditions of January, with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine. While still firmly in the peak tourist season, it sees a gradual transition toward the end of the month, with slightly decreasing tourist numbers and the first hints of potential early shoulder season offers. The excellent visibility and calm seas create perfect conditions for water activities and beach enjoyment.
March
Weather: Dry season begins transitioning
Crowds: Moderate to high (decreasing)
Prices: Transitioning to shoulder season rates
Water Visibility: Very good (20-25m)
March marks the beginning of the transition from peak dry season to shoulder season. Weather remains generally excellent, though with gradually increasing humidity and occasional rainfall, particularly toward the end of the month. Tourist numbers begin to decrease more noticeably, and pricing starts to transition to more favorable shoulder season rates.
February Weather Compared to Other Months
Where February sits in the annual Maldives weather pattern:
February
Driest (January-February)Wettest (July-August)
February is among the driest months in the Maldives, second only to January in terms of minimal rainfall. The northeast monsoon remains firmly established, bringing consistent sunshine, calm seas, and excellent visibility. These conditions create perfect opportunities for beach activities, water sports, and underwater exploration. For more information about weather patterns throughout the year, see our guide on the cheapest time to visit the Maldives.
Special Events in February
February includes several special events and experiences in the Maldives:
Valentine's Day (February 14): Resorts throughout the Maldives offer special romantic packages, private dining experiences, couples spa treatments, and unique activities for Valentine's Day. Many properties create elaborate romantic setups on private beaches, sandbanks, or in overwater villas.
Chinese New Year (varies, sometimes in February): When Chinese New Year falls in February, many resorts organize special celebrations, decorations, and menus to cater to Chinese guests and others interested in the festivities.
Marine Life Events: February sometimes marks the beginning of increased plankton levels in certain atolls, which can attract larger marine species. Some resorts organize special marine biology presentations and excursions during this period.
Wellness Retreats: Many resorts continue their January wellness focus into February, with special retreats, visiting practitioners, and health-oriented programs.
For more information about events and celebrations in the Maldives, see our guide on Maldivian culture.
February Pricing Alert
February remains predominantly in the peak season pricing structure, though with some potential for early shoulder season offers toward the end of the month. Rates are typically similar to January for most of the month, remaining 30-40% higher than shoulder and low season months. Early February maintains higher rates, while late February may see the first hints of more favorable pricing, particularly for last-minute bookings. Advance booking is still recommended for February visits, with popular resorts often booking up 2-4 months in advance, particularly for water villas and premium accommodation categories.
Best Activities in the Maldives in February
February's excellent weather conditions make it an ideal time for virtually all activities in the Maldives. Here are the top experiences to enjoy during your February visit:
Snorkeling & Diving
February offers excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving in the Maldives. With water visibility reaching 25-30 meters, underwater enthusiasts can enjoy clear views of the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. The calm seas of the northeast monsoon make water entry and exit effortless, creating ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers.
The eastern sides of the atolls typically offer the best visibility during this period as the northeast monsoon continues. Virtually all dive sites are accessible due to the excellent sea conditions, and the variety of marine life visible is exceptional. For more information about diving and snorkeling spots, see our Maldives snorkeling and diving guide.
February is an excellent month for marine life encounters in the Maldives. With the northeast monsoon still established, visibility remains excellent, making spotting larger marine species easier. While plankton levels may begin to increase slightly toward the end of the month in some areas, this can actually attract more marine life. Whale sharks continue to be spotted in South Ari Atoll year-round, and the excellent visibility makes sightings more likely.
The clear waters bring a diverse range of marine life to the reefs, including reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and a variety of colorful reef fish. The excellent visibility makes February ideal for underwater photography of marine life. For more information about marine life, see our Maldives diving spots guide.
February's calm seas and consistent winds make it an excellent time for various water sports in the Maldives. Activities like jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and parasailing benefit from the ideal sea conditions. The northeast monsoon provides perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing on the eastern sides of the atolls.
With abundant sunshine and minimal rainfall, water sports activities are rarely interrupted by weather conditions. Resorts offer extensive water sports programs during this peak season period, with additional staff and equipment available to accommodate the high demand. For more information about water sports options, see our guide on things to do in the Maldives.
February's excellent weather conditions create ideal opportunities for beach activities in the Maldives. With abundant sunshine and minimal rainfall, beach days are virtually guaranteed. The soft white sands are perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, sandcastle building, and romantic beach walks.
Resorts organize extensive beach activities during this peak season period, including beach barbecues, movie nights under the stars, beach yoga sessions, and special Valentine's Day setups for couples. The comfortable temperatures make February ideal for extended periods on the beach, though the sun can be intense during midday hours. For more beach experiences, see our guide on best beaches in the Maldives.
February, with Valentine's Day at its heart, is an excellent month for romantic experiences in the Maldives. Resorts pull out all the stops with special romantic setups, including private beach dinners, sandbank picnics, couples spa treatments, and sunset cruises. The reliable weather creates perfect conditions for these special moments.
Many resorts offer special Valentine's packages throughout the month, not just on February 14th. These often include room decorations, champagne, special menus, and unique experiences like underwater dining or treetop dinners. For more information about romantic experiences, see our guide on romantic activities in the Maldives.
February's clear skies and calm seas create perfect conditions for sunset cruises in the Maldives. The consistent weather patterns virtually guarantee spectacular sunset views, with vibrant colors reflecting off the calm ocean surface. Dolphin sightings are common during these cruises, adding to the magical experience.
Many resorts offer special sunset cruise packages during February, including champagne, canapés, and romantic setups for couples celebrating Valentine's Day. The comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes make these cruises particularly enjoyable. For more information about sunset experiences, see our guide on romantic activities in the Maldives.
February offers excellent conditions throughout the Maldives, making it a great time to visit almost any resort. However, some properties stand out for their particular offerings during this month, especially for Valentine's Day celebrations. Here are our top recommendations for February visits:
Baros Maldives
February Special: From $1,900 per night
Located in North Male Atoll, Baros Maldives is renowned for its romantic atmosphere and exceptional Valentine's Day celebrations. The resort's intimate size and adults-only policy create a perfect setting for couples. Its proximity to Male makes it easily accessible, while its house reef is considered one of the best in the Maldives, offering exceptional snorkeling directly from the villa during February's excellent visibility conditions.
Romance: Exceptional Valentine's Day experiences
House Reef: Outstanding snorkeling in February conditions
Located in North Male Atoll, Huvafen Fushi offers an ultra-luxury boutique experience that's perfect for couples seeking a romantic February escape. The resort's underwater spa provides a unique setting for couples treatments, while its small size ensures personalized service. The excellent February weather showcases the resort's stunning overwater and beach villas at their best, and its proximity to Male makes it easily accessible.
Spa: World's first underwater spa for Valentine's treatments
Romance: Intimate atmosphere with just 44 villas
Wine: Underground wine cellar with sommelier experiences
Located in Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo Island offers a boutique luxury experience with a strong focus on romance and culinary excellence. The resort's "Story of a Small Island" concept creates unique romantic experiences, including dining on a deserted sandbank and sleeping under the stars. Its position in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve provides exceptional marine life encounters with February's excellent visibility.
Dining: Exceptional Ba'theli restaurant on a boat
Romance: Special Valentine's experiences throughout February
Located in South Male Atoll, Velassaru Maldives offers a contemporary luxury experience at a slightly more accessible price point than some ultra-luxury options. The resort's modern design and excellent dining options create a sophisticated atmosphere for couples, while its extensive facilities ensure plenty of activities to enjoy during February's perfect weather. Its proximity to Male makes it easily accessible for shorter stays.
Romance: Special Valentine's packages and experiences
Dining: Five restaurants including overwater options
Slightly Reduced Visibility: Not quite as exceptional as January
Limited Manta Ray Sightings: Not the prime season for manta aggregations
Busy Period: Still relatively high occupancy at most properties
Higher Demand for Activities: Need to book popular excursions in advance
Valentine's Bookings: Popular romantic experiences book up quickly
Increasing Plankton: Slight decrease in visibility in some areas late month
What to Pack for the Maldives in February
February's excellent weather conditions make packing relatively straightforward, focusing on lightweight clothing and sun protection. Here's a comprehensive packing list specifically tailored for a February visit:
Clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing (natural fabrics like cotton and linen work well)
Multiple swimwear options for daily water activities
Rash guard or UV protection shirt for snorkeling and water activities
Light sweater or wrap for air-conditioned spaces
Comfortable sandals and water shoes
Elegant outfit for Valentine's Day dinner or special occasions
Resort wear for dinners (check your resort's dress code)
Hat with wide brim for sun protection
Sunglasses with UV protection
Health & Protection
High SPF sunscreen (reef-safe/mineral-based recommended)
After-sun cooling gel or aloe vera
Insect repellent (though mosquitoes are less prevalent in February)
Basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and pain relievers
Motion sickness medication (for boat transfers)
Personal medications with prescriptions
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Lip balm with SPF protection
Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets (for hot days)
Equipment & Electronics
Underwater camera or GoPro for excellent February visibility
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Dry bag for boat trips and excursions
Power bank for charging devices during excursions
Universal power adapter
E-reader or books for beach reading
Portable Bluetooth speaker for your villa
Snorkeling equipment (though most resorts provide this)
Binoculars for marine life spotting from your villa
February Packing Tip
For February visits, especially if you're planning to celebrate Valentine's Day in the Maldives, be sure to pack at least one elegant outfit for special romantic dinners or experiences. Many resorts have dress codes for their fine dining restaurants, and you'll want to look your best for these special occasions. The sun remains strong in February, so continue to prioritize sun protection including high SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing. For more general packing advice, see our comprehensive Maldives travel guide.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting the Maldives in February
Timing Your Visit
If you're specifically interested in Valentine's Day celebrations, book well in advance (3-4 months) as romantic experiences and dining setups are in high demand around February 14th. Consider extending your stay beyond Valentine's Day to experience the resort without the Valentine's premium pricing.
If you're not specifically interested in Valentine's celebrations, consider visiting in late February when tourist numbers begin to decrease slightly and some resorts may offer early shoulder season rates. The weather remains excellent throughout the month, but pricing and availability can vary.
Resort Selection
For Valentine's celebrations, consider smaller, adults-only or couples-focused resorts that specialize in romantic experiences. These properties often create more intimate and special Valentine's setups than larger family-friendly resorts.
Research the specific Valentine's offerings at different resorts, as they vary significantly in style and price. Some resorts include Valentine's experiences in their packages, while others charge substantial premiums for special dinners and setups. For families, ensure the resort has activities for children during this couples-focused period.
Valentine's Planning
If you're planning a Valentine's celebration, book special experiences like private dinners, spa treatments, and excursions well in advance. These book up quickly, especially at smaller resorts with limited capacity for special setups.
Consider bringing small personal touches to enhance your Valentine's experience, such as a special gift, card, or meaningful item. Many resorts also offer special decoration packages that can be arranged in advance to surprise your partner.
Managing Costs
Budget carefully for February visits, especially around Valentine's Day when special dinners and experiences often carry premium pricing. Consider booking meal plans in advance, as individual dining can be expensive during this period.
Look for packages that include Valentine's experiences if visiting during mid-February, as these can offer better value than booking accommodation and special experiences separately. For late February visits, watch for early shoulder season offers that may provide better value. For more tips on managing costs, see our guide on the cheapest time to visit the Maldives.
Activity Planning
Take advantage of February's excellent visibility by prioritizing snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography. Book specialized marine excursions well in advance, as these are particularly popular during this period.
Consider early morning activities to enjoy the cooler temperatures and avoid the strongest midday sun. Sunrise yoga, early morning snorkeling sessions, or breakfast cruises offer beautiful experiences with more comfortable conditions. Plan some activities away from the main resort areas during peak times of day to find more secluded experiences.
Sun Protection
February's clear skies mean strong sun exposure. Be diligent about sun protection, including regular application of high SPF sunscreen, wearing hats and UV-protective clothing, and seeking shade during the peak hours of 10am-3pm.
The reflection of the sun off the water and white sand beaches intensifies UV exposure, so take extra precautions even on days when it doesn't feel extremely hot. Sunburn can quickly ruin a vacation, and the Maldivian sun in February remains strong. For more health tips, see our Maldives health guide.
February continues the excellent dry season conditions in the Maldives, offering minimal rainfall, low humidity, and consistent sunshine. The northeast monsoon (Iruvai) remains established, creating perfect conditions for beach activities, water sports, and underwater exploration. While still predominantly in the peak tourist season, February sees a gradual transition toward the end of the month, with slightly decreasing tourist numbers and the first hints of potential early shoulder season offers.
February is an excellent time to visit the Maldives if:
You're seeking excellent weather conditions with minimal rainfall
You value great underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving experiences
You're planning a romantic Valentine's Day getaway or honeymoon
You prefer calm seas for comfortable boat transfers and water activities
You want to experience the Maldives at its best with slightly fewer crowds than December/January
You're looking for potential value with early shoulder season offers late month
You want all resort facilities and services operating at full capacity
You're planning a special occasion like an anniversary or proposal
You're seeking perfect beach conditions for sunbathing and relaxation
February may not be ideal if:
You're seeking the absolute lowest prices (May-October offers deeper discounts)
You want to avoid Valentine's Day premiums in mid-February
You prefer a completely quiet, secluded experience with minimal other guests
You're specifically interested in manta ray aggregations (more common during southwest monsoon)
You're seeking the absolute lowest humidity (January offers this)
You're looking for cultural festivals (few occur in February)
You're seeking the absolute best visibility (January slightly edges out February)
You prefer a family-focused atmosphere (February has a couples focus)
For most travelers who prioritize excellent weather and can accommodate peak season pricing, February represents an excellent time to experience the Maldives. The combination of ideal weather conditions, excellent visibility, and the romantic atmosphere around Valentine's Day creates a memorable experience. For those with budget constraints or preferences for specific marine life encounters, shoulder season months like April or November offer good alternatives with very good weather at more moderate prices.
Planning Your Visit
If you're considering a February visit to the Maldives, it's worth comparing with other months to find the perfect timing for your preferences. Check our guides on visiting in January and visiting in March to compare conditions across different periods of the year.
For comprehensive information about the best times to visit throughout the year, see our complete guide on the cheapest time to visit the Maldives, which provides a month-by-month breakdown of weather, prices, and crowd levels.
Readers Comments
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Thomas H.
★★★★★
February 20, 2023
We spent Valentine's Day at Baros Maldives and it was absolutely magical. The resort created a private beach dinner with a heart-shaped setup in the sand that was breathtaking. The weather was perfect throughout our 10-day stay - we had just one brief shower that lasted about 20 minutes before the sun came back out. The water visibility was excellent for snorkeling, and we saw sharks, rays, and countless colorful fish right from our water villa. February seems to be the perfect balance - the weather is just as good as January but the resort was noticeably less crowded, especially after Valentine's Day.
Rebecca M.
★★★★☆
February 28, 2023
We visited Velassaru in late February and got an unexpected upgrade and a slightly discounted rate - I think they were starting to transition to shoulder season pricing. The weather was still excellent with just one brief rain shower during our entire week. The water visibility was very good, though our dive instructor mentioned it was slightly less clear than January due to increasing plankton levels. The resort was busy but not overcrowded, and we never had trouble getting restaurant reservations or booking activities. If you're not specifically interested in Valentine's celebrations, I'd recommend late February as you get essentially the same weather with better value and fewer crowds.
James & Sophia L.
★★★★★
March 3, 2023
We spent Valentine's Day at Huvafen Fushi and it was worth every penny. Their underwater spa is an experience unlike anything else - we had a couples massage while watching fish swim by the windows! The weather in February was perfect - consistent sunshine and barely any rain. We did notice the humidity increasing slightly toward the end of our stay (Feb 10-20), but it was still very comfortable. One tip: if you're visiting for Valentine's Day, book your special experiences well in advance. We tried to book a private sandbank dinner just two weeks before arrival and it was already fully booked. February is definitely a romantic time to visit the Maldives, but plan ahead for those special experiences!
