The Maldives is made up of over 1000 islands scattered near the equator, meaning it has delightful temperatures throughout the year ranging between 23°C to 31°C. The islands have two main seasons, the dry Winter monsoon (Iruvai) and the wet Summer monsoon (Halhangu). The former brings sunny skies and occasional rainfall, and lasts from November to April; while the latter lasts from May to October, bringing heavy rains, rough seas and strong winds. The southern atolls can receive slightly more rain in this period as well. The driest months are from January to April, which happens to be the ultimate time for snorkelling, swimming and diving in the crystal waters. On average, you have 12 hours of daylight to enjoy in the water, which sits at a balmy 24°C or higher. The best months for surfing are from March to October, while May is the prime time for spotting manta rays and whale sharks.