15 Things to do in the Maldives when it rains

When it rains in the Maldives, you can still enjoy using the resort's facilities, such as treatments at the spa, dining at the resort’s restaurants, or even enjoying some relaxing downtime in your comfortable villa. You can get excellent deals for resort holidays in the Maldives if you book between mid-May and late October, when the chance of a rainy day is higher.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get when guests are looking to book their holiday during the summer months here in the Maldives is whether it will rain.

There is a public perception that travelling to the Maldives between May and the end of July should be avoided because it results in a wet and windy tropical island holiday. Here are 15 things to do when it rains in the Maldives, one of the best times to visit the Maldives.

1. You can go to the Spa even if it rains

Visiting a spa is an excellent way to spend a rainy day in the Maldives. Every resort island has a spa that provides plenty of soothing treatments and therapies to choose from, including massages, scrubs, and facials.

You could also book a multi-day spa package for more personalised wellness therapies. As a destination with world-class wellness facilities, the Maldives is ideal for a relaxing spa holiday, either for a couple or even for solo travellers looking for somewhere to disconnect and relax.

You can obtain excellent deals for resort holidays in the Maldives if you look to visit between mid-May and late October, when the chance of a rainy day is higher.

2. Rain won't stop you from enjoying your Honeymoon

The low season in the Maldives coincides with the southwest monsoons, which offer a greater chance of rain. Conversely, it's usually sunnier across Europe and East Asia.

This means that hotels and resorts in the Maldives are less busy from May until late October. As a honeymooner, this is great news because you can obtain better deals to come for your honeymoon during this time.

The benefits go further because you can stay at a more expensive resort for less, book a longer stay with your partner, and spend it at a nicer villa.

Even if there is a chance of rain, the summertime is still the best time to visit the Maldives if you prefer a more relaxed holiday spent in your room, at the spa, or dining instead of engaging in more active pursuits.

3. Even if it rains, you can still dine at the restaurant

The Maldives has some of the world's most talented and creative chefs working at its resorts and hotels.

You can always have a wonderful meal here, whether at the restaurant or in the comfort of your villa, where in-villa dining is available.

Most resorts usually have more than one restaurant, and some of them offer a dine-around meal plan, allowing you to try different cuisines from around the world. Whether you have allergies, food intolerances, or dietary preferences, you can always inform the food and beverage team; they will do their best to help accommodate your needs.

4. Participate in a Studio Fitness Class

Most of us probably don't consider joining a gym while on vacation. For the virtuous few who pack gym clothes but never unfold them during the trip, I salute you.

Finally, to you noble and dedicated people who wake up for a light and early breakfast, most resorts offer fitness classes such as yoga, aerobics, and the occasional Zumba class. At some resorts, you can even take private Pilates or reformer classes.

5. Experience a Rain Shower in the Pool

Floating in your pool while it rains is like a transcendental experience, especially when it rains heavily.

Some resorts have shallow and wide lagoons, so if you are in a water villa, please enquire with the water sports team whether it's safe to get into the ocean when it rains. Sometimes the water may not look rough, but there still might be underwater currents if you go a small distance from your villa.

6. Enjoy a Natural Rainfall Shower

If you prefer high-pressure rainfall showerheads in your bathroom, you'll love showering in the Maldives under natural rainfall. The sensation of heavy water droplets hitting your face and scalp is very soothing.

As you may well know, you must be outdoors to experience natural rainfall. If you are in a public area, please remember to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. The experience of showering in the rain is a cherished memory for many Maldivians, and we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy it as well—don’t forget to bring your shampoo!

Most resorts have beach or garden villas that feature bathrooms, which often have a private open-air courtyard with a high wall and tall plants but with no ceiling but the heavens above you, leaving you open to the elements.

7. Read a Book

We live in a world now where we often work and read more using a laptop or a mobile phone. We are so used to reading from our screens that we forget the simple pleasure of reading a paper book. With that in mind, we hope you pack a book or an e-ink reader for your holiday in the Maldives as a backup in case the personal screen in front of your flight seat is not working, for flight delays, or for rainstorms. Reading can also improve your critical thinking, inspire creativity, and further enhance your brain’s cognitive function (more than how brilliant you already are). If I could offer any unsolicited advice, it would be to always carry a book with you, regardless of the weather conditions, and prioritise spending quality time with your loved ones. If I could offer one piece of unsolicited advice, it would be to always carry a book with you, regardless of the weather conditions.

8. Spend More Time with Your Loved Ones

The Maldives is a fantastic holiday destination for families and couples alike. Regardless of the weather, the accommodations in the Maldives offer comfort and privacy, a feature that few other destinations in the world can match.

You will also find one-, two-, or even multi-bedroom villas that you can book. Some of these villas are so spacious and comfortable that you might spend most of your time there. There are also curated experiences for both couples and families that allow you to make many happy memories while on holiday.

9. Visit the Resort Recreational Centre

There are plenty of activities on most islands that you can enjoy without getting wet in the rain; some resorts have indoor badminton, tennis, or multi-use courts. You could, of course, also play football or beach volleyball in the rain if it's not too windy!

10. Play Board Games

When it rains in the Maldives, you can check whether your resort has a library; most do, and they often feature books and board games as well. Passing time playing chess, Monopoly, or giant Jenga is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Some resorts also offer a gaming area. You can always ask us to check what facilities a particular resort has; we can always have a look and let you know.

11. Join Art Classes

When the skies look overcast during your resort holiday, you can choose to do something creative instead of something active, such as participating in an art class. Most resorts have an art studio; a few also offer additional activities, such as a coffee bean roasting experience, glass-making classes, or clay studios.

12. Have a Great Time at the Bar

Most resorts have a bar with a live entertainment area, often accompanied by performers such as live bands or DJs, each evening. If you are on an all-inclusive meal plan, you can enjoy unlimited beverages during the day, and when it rains, you might find yourself making better use of the package.

Your all-inclusive package may also include your minibar. If you are unsure, please review the details of your all-inclusive meal plan to confirm the inclusions of your package.

14. Sail paper boats in a puddle with your children

When there is heavy rain, you will often find big puddles, which are a great way to keep young children entertained. While there are no real winners in a paper boat, you could say the last boat to sink is a winner.

Please remember to dispose of shipwrecked boats after playing with them rather than leaving them derelict in the abyss of a puddle. Below is a guide on how to make a paper boat.

If you don’t have any paper available in your room, you could ask the reception for a few sheets of blank paper; hopefully, they will provide it for you.

15. Rain Photography/Videography

A rainy day might be perfect for practicing photography in the rain. Rain adds another layer of depth to a scene and can evoke a range of emotions, not just sadness, but also joy and life.

It really depends on the subject you are focusing on; it could even be the rain itself. If you are taking photos on a day with heavy rain and strong winds, you can capture the fronds of palm trees dancing as they are pelted by the rain.

Taking photos of storm clouds as they approach the island also shows us the might of nature. Even after the rain stops, the droplets on a window or macro shots of rain droplets on a leaf evoke different sentiments. You can also capture slow-motion rain,or even make reels about the rain, creating a story, following a trend, or meme.

Bonus: Chat with the Locals

The Maldives is known as a very luxurious destination, but it's also a land with many fascinating stories and life journeys often undocumented. You can always have a long conversation with locals to pass the time; below are 8 questions you could ask:

• Which island and which atoll are you from?
• What is your island known for?
• How many people live on your island?
• What is this atoll famous for?
• What is island life like?
• Are there any tourist sites or islands nearby that you recommend I check out?
• What's your favourite meal or food?
• What Maldivian food do you recommend I try?
• Why did you choose to work in the tourism industry?