Located in the South Asia in amid of Indian Ocean, Maldives has a humid subtropical climate with average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius. There are only two seasons in Maldives, dry and wet. However, Maldives is generally warm and humid most time of the year due to its locations on the equator and that sun shines all year round.

Dry season, starts from December till April, is the most popular time to visit attributable to longer daylight and less chance of rain. November and April, particularly, are good months for divers when the seasonal change can bring increased water clarity and better visibility. This is also the time when resorts become most crowded and frequently fully booked even though the prices during this season are higher. Christmas and New Year holidays, moreover, are the busiest and the most expensive of this season. Wet season (from May to November), on the other hand, is when rain, cloudy skies and higher humidity are likely to be experienced, particularly, June and July when the weather is extremely stormy with torrential rainfall. There are fewer tourists and lower prices in most resorts during this period.

Preparations for a trip to Maldives are quite similar for both seasons excepting that you will need a raincoat or an umbrella if you are planning to stay in wet season. Besides, light cotton clothing such as shorts and T-shirts or beachwear are only what you need for a vacation, except for visiting to inhabited islands that requires modest dress. Bathing suits and snorkeling gear (to be used personally) should be prepared and what not to be forgotten is all of your sun protections such as sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, hat or cap for shade from the sun. Additionally, anything considered essentials to you should be brought along as although they may be provided in a resort or sold in a shop nearby but their prices may be twice as expensive.

Money exchange is a little concern for tourist at resorts since shops, hotels and restaurants in resorts accept US dollars, traveler's cheques and major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Diners Club. British pounds, German marks, Italian lira and Euro card are sometimes also accepted. In addition, while you are at the resort you do not need to carry money around as everything will be billed to your room and the tab will be settled on the checkout. The only time you need a Rufiya, Maldivian currency, is when you are on Male' or dining at small restaurants or shopping at places other than tourist shops. In that case, you have to exchange money for Rufiya (rf) which is about 11.77 for one US dollar and you can do so at resorts or any major banks located on Male', they are opened from 8am to 1:30pm Sunday to Thursday.

Male' is the best place for shopping, given the choices and variety goods available in this center of commercial activity are local and imported handicrafts and souvenirs. Most of the shops are in the main business area, which is only a five-minute walk from the jetty where tourists usually arrive. It is always better to browse through a few shops before choosing what to buy. Dominant local crafts include the famous fine woven mats known as Kunaa, made in elegant, abstract, geometry patterns and subdued coloring. They are only made in Gaaf Dhaal (South Huvadhoo Atoll). Another attractive and distinctive Maldivian craft product is the lacquer work. They are beautifully finished, mostly lacquered in black with colorful floral patterns. Be careful when you buy this product as most of them are from neighboring country such as Sri Lanka. Also, black coral jewelry and items made from fish or turtle shells are available in some stores, though, these products are not recommended as these marine lives are particularly endangered.