Maldives or Bali in July?

[TheBear]

Hi all

am looking at the above places for a holiday this coming year. Our preference is the Maldives but we've heard mixed reviews over the weather at that time of the year. I've done some research with differing results. Will it really be a bit of pot luck as to whether it will chuck it down or be sunny or is it likely to be short and sharp and mostly sunny?

Anyone with experience of that time of the year weather wise?

Bali is our second option with the weather looking fine at that time.

[Puggit]

My experience of the Maldives in July was better than December...

[TheBear]

Puggit said:

My experience of the Maldives in July was better than December...

and how was it in July?

[Puggit]

TheBear said:

and how was it in July?

Out of 10 days, 9 were wall to wall sunshine and one was a complete washout.

In December we arrived during a tropical storm (seaplanes were cancelled) and then got at least one short, sharp shower per day.

I'd risk it for a biscuit (but don't blame me if it's horrible)

[Bitzer]

It's my 40th in July, so we're looking to go somewhere decent for a couple of weeks. We went to the Maldives in April 2002 and loved it, but now have two children (will be 9 and 3 in July).

We've narrowed it down to:

Maldives
Cyprus (spent 3 years there in the RAF, and my 8 year old is keen to have a nose around)
Disneyworld

I'm keenest on the Maldives, but the unpredictable weather in July does concern me
Disneyworld may be too hot, and Cyprus can also be very hot in July/August although the easiest with the shortest flight.

Edited by Bitzer on Sunday 27th November 21:12

[andrew311]

Been to the Maldives several times and the worst weather we’ve had was when it was supposed to be the driest and warmest time to go. Rained for about 5 days! Been in our summer and it’s been glorious.

For escapism and diving it’s hard to beat the Maldives. I wouldn’t go all the way to Bali from the UK just to go to Bali. Some parts are nice but if you think it’s a tropical paradise like the Maldives think again. There’s certainly more to do and see culturally than the Maldives, and of course it’s a proper resort and everything that goes with that rather than individual small islands. Bali is to the Aussies what Spain is to us really.

[XJSJohn]

you are close to the equator so always risk of rain, however middle of the year is furthest from any monsoon changes for both locations so less chance of rain.

[The_Doc]

andrew311 said:

Been to the Maldives several times and the worst weather we’ve had was when it was supposed to be the driest and warmest time to go. Rained for about 5 days! Been in our summer and it’s been glorious.

For escapism and diving it’s hard to beat the Maldives. I wouldn’t go all the way to Bali from the UK just to go to Bali. Some parts are nice but if you think it’s a tropical paradise like the Maldives think again. There’s certainly more to do and see culturally than the Maldives, and of course it’s a proper resort and everything that goes with that rather than individual small islands. Bali is to the Aussies what Spain is to us really.

Been twice to Maldives in June and July.

1st time: two weeks, three rainy days, but it is glorious in between showers
2nd time: two weeks, eight rainy days, not so pleasing to be in paradise with limitless beer when IT JUST WON'T STOP RAINING.

My advice, steer clear of the Maldives until their dry season (Nov-Feb)