Weather & Nature in the Maldives

Weather And Nature in the Maldives

Weather And Nature in the Maldives  : The Maldives Archipelago is characterized by a pleasant climate with plenty of days with no rain thus presenting tourists with the opportunity to explore the countless wonders of the islands.

Through various publications and knowledge-gaining expeditions bursting with colorful and exotic plant and animal spices, most travelers to the Maldives islands are opening up to discovering the incredible flora and fauna of the archipelago.

As a result, the Maldives islands are slowly turning from being a wedding and honeymoon destination to a nation which guarantees unforgettable holidays full of leisure and exciting land-based and underwater experiences.

Before booking your holiday to the Maldives, it is important to be informed about the climate and nature of the Maldives for a memorable holiday.

The Climate and Weather of the Maldives

The Maldives Archipelago is blessed with year-round tropical weather which makes it a more – desired all season destination, the islands are situated close to the Equator which results into warm temperatures with an average 7-8 hours of a sunshine daily. The islands occasionally receive bursts of rain with the downpours being typically short – lived.

Best Time to Visit The Maldives (Seasons and Temperatures)

There are two main seasons in the Maldives which are significantly influenced by the Northeast and Southwest monsoons.

Dry Season

In the Maldives, the dry season begins in November and goes till mid-April. During this time of the year, visitors can expect maximum sun and minimal rainfall which is caused by the northeast monsoon.

The islands receive gentle showers which typically arrive in the evening and very prominent in the Southern Atolls.

Wet Season

The Maldives’ wet season is from May to October, the southwest monsoon is relatively windier resulting in rough waters especially in the Northern Atolls.

Plants and Wildlife of the Maldives

The Maldives is endowed with thrilling excursions from hikes and diving excursions to scenic nature trails through which you get to appreciate the rich vegetation and wildlife of the Maldives. This beautiful island nation boasts of a distinct ecosystem consisting of indigenous and endemic plants that have been a source of nutrition, raw materials and health supplements for the locals for decades.

 Presently, there is presently an ongoing conscious effort in the Maldives to promote wetland tourism. Maldives Archipelago has close to 40 islands with wetlands that help with environmental conservation and provide visitors with exploration options besides the beautiful coral reefs and beaches.

The Maldives has excellent sports for birding, tourists can go hiking, have a boat cruise or walk the boardwalk to discover the natural curiosities of these spectacular islands.

Plants and Flowers

The Maldives national flower is the pink rose, this flower is much-loved by the locals and it plays a significant role in several festivities on the islands. Due to highly saline soil near the seashore, you will only find shrubs and creepers in these areas.

For nature enthusiasts, you can find flowers such as frangipani, beach hibiscus and the unusual fan flower growing slightly in-land.

Trees you are likely to find on most islands of the archipelago include Coconut, Fiscus and Casuarina. Coconut is the national tree and its product is a traditional ingredient commonly used in Maldivian cooking.

Mangrove trees are a familiar sight near lagoons and sheltered coasts and are extremely important for preserving the island’s biota.

Vegetation

Fruit and vegetable cultivation is widespread throughout the 200 inhabited islands. However, depending on the climate and size of the island. There is a visible distinction in what is grown.

Popular crops groups in the Maldives islands such as taros, almonds, corn, mango, papaya, banana, chilly and sweet potatoes. Although, not all are native to the Maldives.

Birds

The Archipelago’s Atolls are a treasure chest full of surprises for bird enthusiasts visiting, there are over 150 species of sea and shore birds that pass through the islands throughout the year.

The crow and the mynah are prevalent and the white breasted water hen is the national bird of the Maldives.

Keen bird waters can also spot the white – tailed tropic bird, grey heron, Asian koel and the Audubon’s shearwater which commonly breeds on the islands. The white tern is exclusively spotted on Seenu Atoll which is the southernmost chain of islands in the Maldives.

Animals and Reptiles

Due to the small size of the Maldives Islands, only a few numbers of animals and reptiles are found on the islands. There are two species of fruit bats, geckos and lizards as well as non-poisonous snakes, the Indian flying fox, cats, rats and the Maldivian garden shrew.

Also, expect to see several sea turtle species including the green turtle, the Olive Ridley turtle, the loggerhead and the hawksbill turtle.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on any Maldivian Island and it is typically a tedious process to get permission if you are planning to travel with one. Since the Maldives is a predominantly Muslim Country, there are no pigs on the islands.

Marine life

What lacks in Maldives on its land- wildlife, is more than what makes up with over 2000 captivating species of fish. The highlight species of marine life in the Maldives are Guitarfish, yellowfin tuna, eagle rays, batfish, grouper, and moray eels.

The Manta rays in the Maldives waters are frequently sighted in the waters same as the spinner dinners, seen in the morning and evening as they arrive and leave the atolls daily.

Maldives is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, pygmy killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, blue and sperm whales.

Shark enthusiasts will have a wonderful experience as there are 14 shark species commonly found in the region, the biggest attraction of all being the Whale Shark, the tiger shark and the hammerheads.

Precautions

There have been no significant fatalities in the Maldives, however one must be extra careful especially when diving or snorkeling in the reef waters. Most fish and sharks in the region do not attack humans, that is unless touched or disturbed. There it is vital to follow standard guidelines for water-based activities strictly

 Among the more dangerous of the fishes in the Maldives are the giant tigerfish known for their sharp teeth and the lionfish whose fin spines have a venom that can cause excruciating pain.

Also, there are a few varieties of stonefish in the area.

One should not step on or touch the fish which can release a venom requiring immediate medical attention.

The Maldives is visited by many divers primarily to see the abundance of rays and sharks in the area.

Snorkelers are advised not to wear any shiny jewelry as they attract the great barracuda which normally follow swimmers in shallow waters, among the three more marine animals that divers should avoid approaching as they may attack under provocation are the moray eel, blue ring octopus and the blue-spotted ray.