In the Maldives, locals really only talk about two seasons, wet (June to November) and dry (December to May). With bright, sunny days, December marks the beginning of the dry season, making the Maldives an irresistible destination for a winter break.

With the holidays in full swing, winter getaways require a little more advance planning. Keep in mind that most resorts require you book a minimum stay of five nights during this period.

Calmer waters mean excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Beginners can head to Baa Atoll, where the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve provides an enclosed area for new divers to test the waters.

Take advantage of the greater visibility and try kayaking off the beaches of Haa Alif or the North Ari Atoll, where the water is clear enough to reveal the colorful coral below.

Summer marks the transition into the wet season, with frequent and heavy downpours making an unwelcome appearance. Not all is lost, though, because the congregation of manta rays and other creatures allows you to trade in chasing that perfect tan to spotting some fantastic marine life.

The capital city of Malé is one of the best places to experience Independence Day on July 26. The colorful festivities include parades, processions, and performances by schoolchildren.

For the aquatic equivalent of an aurora borealis, head to Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll for the magical “sea of stars.” Bioluminescent plankton gives the entire coastline a bluish glow.

More experienced surfers say the wet season is the perfect time to face off against bigger waves. Try your best not to wipe out on swells that can soar as high as 10 feet tall.

Fall is one of the wettest periods of the year. Don’t write it off entirely, as reasonably priced tours and hotel stays make a trip worthwhile. You might just snag a great deal at the resort of your dreams. With the higher levels of plankton in the water, experienced scuba divers head here to swim with manta rays and whale sharks.

Stroll along the coastline and look for hammerhead and reef sharks, as cooler waters and frequent rainfall bring these majestic creatures to the shallower shores.

Want to sample some traditional Maldivian delicacies? Republic Day offers a rare chance to indulge in masroshi (a pancake with fish filling) and huni hakuru folhi (a sweet coconut cake).

Take in two days of festivities during Mawlid, when vibrant carnival-style processions and stunning mosque decorations add to the celebratory feel.