There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Malé each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national) February 26: National Holiday (national)Malé commemorates the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his followers against Portuguese troops in 1573.
Ninth month of the Islamic calendar: Ramadan (national)As half of the population in Malé is Muslim, the Maldives celebrate the holy month of Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar – date changes every year), during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and ends at sunset.
First day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar: Kuda Eid - Eid al-Fitr - (national)In Islamic tradition, this day marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan (date changes every year). Kuda Eid is celebrated everywhere in the Maldives, with a large number of activities taking place in Malé. In the city centre, children are not forgotten, with fairs, street shows and music. Stalls and peddlers offer toys, crackers, balloons and sweets.
Early July: Huravee Day (national)Huravee Day commemorates the victory of Sultan Hassan Izzudin who freed the Maldives from South Indian invaders overthrowing the monarchy. Each year, this holiday is celebrated in early July everywhere on the island with various festivities: music, food fair, traditional dance shows and singing contests...
July 26: Independence Day (national)Great Britain granted the Maldives independence on July 26th, 1965. Islanders celebrate the end of the British protectorate on this date. In Malé, parades and fanfares take place on the streets, as well as numerous school plays.
Tenth day of the last month of the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Kebir -national)It is considered the most important of the yearly Muslim holidays and honours Ibrahim as a model for all believers. This is also an occasion for sumptuous family gatherings, for which it is recommended to multiply offerings and gifts.
November 11: Republic Day (national)The capital of Maldives celebrates the proclamation of the Republic on November 11th, 1968. Parades, street shows and concerts are organised on the main streets.
December 10: Fisherman's Day (national)As second main's industry in the Maldives after tourism, fishing is given proud of place in Malé. Tradition has it all islanders cook fish or seafood on that day, to boast local fishing. Restaurants also participate and offer special menus.
Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 24/75 | 30/86 | 45 | Good period to go
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February | 25/77 | 30/86 | 17 | Good period to go
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March | 26/79 | 31/89 | 22 | Good period to go
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April | 28/82 | 32/90 | 57 | Good period to go
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May | 27/80 | 32/90 | 177 | Good period to go
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June | 26/79 | 31/89 | 294 | Not the best period to go |
July | 25/77 | 30/86 | 225 | Not the best period to go |
August | 26/79 | 30/86 | 197 | Not the best period to go |
September | 26/79 | 30/86 | 159 | Not the best period to go |
October | 25/77 | 30/86 | 184 | Not the best period to go |
November | 24/75 | 30/86 | 139 | Good period to go
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December | 24/75 | 30/86 | 85 | Good period to go
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The Malé-Velana International Airport is located on the island of Hulhulé, 2.5 kilometres (1.5 mile) northeast of Malé's capital island.
Malé and the Addu atoll are the only two places where you may possibly need a road vehicle. Many taxis are therefore available on the capital island. To reach other islands, planes, seaplanes and ferries are the main means of transport. On site, riding a bike or walking are ideal, as most islands are 1 to 2 miles long maximum.
Taxis are plentiful in Malé and they are favoured by tourists. Very affordable, they are also comfortable and accessible. The fare is MVR 25 (add MVR 5 for luggage). Make sure the driver confirms the fare before getting in though.
Seaplanes make it easy to reach any part of the country through the air. Travellers use Trans Maldivian Airways (www.transmaldivian.com) or Maldivian Air Taxi (info@maldivianairtaxi.com). You should directly get in touch with either company to learn about pricing and availabilities. Please note that your luggage will be limited (to approx. 44 lbs in most cases) in seaplanes.
In Malé, dhonis (typical boats found in Maldives and Sri Lanka) moor at the harbour, further east to Boduthakurufaanu Magu near the airport ferry docks. Most can be rented to travel to neighbouring islands. Price depends on destination and duration, but you should generally expect MVR 1,000 to 2,000 each way.
Powerful motor boats, much faster than dhonis but also more expensive. Some of the atolls (other than North and South Malé) are more than one hour away by speed boat. Boat captains in Malé are pretty sporty and the sea can be restless. We would recommend the use of seaplanes to reach faraway islands.
On certain hotel-islands, you will be able to rent a bike to visit. Land being fairly flat and distances short, riding is a pleasant way of getting around.
On certain hotel-islands, you will be able to rent a bike to visit. Land being fairly flat and distances short, riding is a pleasant way of getting around.
Upon your arrival in Malé, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
Maldives Tourism Promotion BoardOffers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Malé counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsNo vaccine is mandatory to stay in the Maldives. However, it is recommended you protect yourself against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies (depending on the duration of your stay).
For more information, contact your Air France International Vaccination Centre:
There are no food safety risks in Malé.
WaterTap water is safe to drink in Malé and the whole archipelago.
A free 30-day visa is delivered to entering visitors. You must hold an optical passport which must be valid for at least 6 months after your stay. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, we recommend you to contact Malé's immigration services.
For more information, please visit the Maldives immigration service website: www.immigration.gov.mv/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Malé, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Tipping
In Maldives islands, there is no tipping rule. Almost every bill will come with a 10% service charge. At the end of your stay, and depending on your level of satisfaction, you may tip the hotel staff (between MVR 15 to 50 for a week). Tipping is not expected in Malé's high-end restaurants or taxis.