Maldives – Geography and Climate

Experience the Distinctive Climate and Geography of the Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning coral atolls, crystal-clear lagoons, and diverse landscapes. Discover the distinctive climate and geography that shape this beautiful island nation and contribute to its extraordinary biodiversity.

Join our Maldives Island Volunteer Project and make a difference by supporting local communities and preserving their environment.

A Chain of Coral Atolls: Geography of the Maldives

The Maldives, covering over 9000 square km, consists of around 1,200 islands spread across a narrow chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. These islands, formed by live coral reefs and sandbars, are devoid of rivers, lakes, and hills. However, some dunes on certain islands can reach up to 2.5 meters in height. Although the largest atolls span up to 50 km in length and 30 km in width, no individual island is longer than eight kilometers. Encircled by crystal-clear lagoons, the islands boast diverse landscapes and vegetation, which vary between inhabited and uninhabited islands. Inhabited islands feature groves of banana, papaya, drumstick, and citrus trees, along with patches of breadfruit trees and coconut palms. Uninhabited islands, on the other hand, are home to various bushes, mangroves, and coconut trees along their coastlines. Some islands are marshy, and the predominantly poor soil makes agriculture challenging. Our Maldives Island Volunteer Project is located on the beautiful tropical island of Naifaru, the capital of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

Tropical Climate: Warm and Sunny Year-Round

The Maldives experiences a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Influenced by monsoons, the south-west monsoon (from late April to September) brings winds, high humidity, and cloud cover, with the strongest impact in the northern atolls. The north-east monsoon (from October to December) is milder, causing afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the southern atolls. The driest period, from January to April, is more pronounced in the northern atolls. Temperatures remain stable throughout the year, with highs around 30℃ and lows around 25℃. However, temperatures may rise slightly between February and May, especially in the northern atolls. The Maldivian sea remains warm all year round, with temperatures ranging from 28℃ to 30℃.

The Threat to Coral Reefs: Climate Change and its Impact

The Maldives’ coral reefs, an essential part of the country’s biodiversity, are facing significant threats due to climate change. Warming waters resulting from climate change have led to coral bleaching, which weakens the reefs and makes them more susceptible to disease and other stressors. Additionally, rising sea levels and increasing ocean acidification pose further challenges to the long-term viability of the coral reefs. By participating in coral reef conservation efforts, volunteers can help protect and restore these vital ecosystems for future generations. Visit our Coral Reef Conservation page to learn more about how you can contribute to preserving precious coral reefs around the world.

Discover More About the Maldives

To learn more about this fascinating island nation, explore the following pages on our website:

Maldives Culture and History
Maldives Wildlife and Biodiversity

As you explore the Maldives’ distinctive climate and geography, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for this enchanting destination. We invite you to experience the Maldives firsthand and make a lasting impact through our volunteer project.