Malé, Maldives: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Malé, Maldives? If you're planning to go to Malé, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Malé
- Important essentials for Malé
- Activities for Malé
- Malé in January: weather and what to pack
- Malé in February: weather and what to pack
- Malé in March: weather and what to pack
- Malé in April: weather and what to pack
- Malé in May: weather and what to pack
- Malé in June: weather and what to pack
- Malé in July: weather and what to pack
- Malé in August: weather and what to pack
- Malé in September: weather and what to pack
- Malé in October: weather and what to pack
- Malé in November: weather and what to pack
- Malé in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Malé, Maldives
Based on the climate and weather in Malé, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Malé, Maldives
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Malé, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Malé. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D, G, J, K and L. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Malé, Maldives by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Malé is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
February
Traveling to Malé in February, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
March
March in Malé is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
April
Traveling to Malé in April, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
May
May in Malé can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
June
If you visit Malé during June, you might see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you visit Malé during July, you might notice that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
August
August in Malé is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Malé in September, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
October
If you go to Malé in October, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
November
November in Malé is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
December
In December, Malé is hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Malé, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
Activities for Malé, Maldives
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Malé.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to visit the majestic Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Malé tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Sultan Park and National Museum, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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