Visiting Dhiffushi during Ramadan: a Maldives guide

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During it, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset: no food, no water, no smoking. Evenings are for breaking the fast with family, extra prayers at the mosque and visiting friends. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, one of the happiest holidays of the year.

The Maldives is a fully Muslim country, and Dhiffushi is a living local island, not a resort. So for anyone visiting the Maldives during Ramadan and staying on a local island, the month shapes daily life in a way you will notice.

The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. Final dates are only confirmed when the new crescent moon is sighted, which can shift things by a day.

Our Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr event page gives the period as about 8 February to 10 March 2027, which includes Eid. If your dates are fixed, check the official announcement nearer the time.

Ramadan 2027 falls in Dhiffushi’s dry season, when February is usually the driest and busiest month. See the best time to visit Dhiffushi for the full month-by-month picture.

Cafés and restaurants

Many cafés and restaurants close during daylight hours, or open only for takeaway, then open from around sunset for iftar and stay open late. Sunset in February and March is a little after 6pm Expect the first hour after iftar to be busy and service to be slower than usual. Opening hours vary from place to place, so ask on arrival. Browse food and drink on Dhiffushi for options.

Eating and drinking in public

During daylight hours, please do not eat, drink or smoke on the street, the harbour or other public areas. This is the single most important courtesy. On the bikini beaches, keep it discreet and out of sight. If you need water in the heat, drink it discreetly.

Quiet days, lively evenings

Days are slow as people rest and work shorter hours. After sunset the mood changes: families gather, the streets fill, snacks and sweet tea appear, and the island stays up late.

Prayers and the mosque

Every night there are special prayers called taraaveeh at the Dhiffushi mosque, and the last ten nights are especially important. Expect the call to prayer and more people walking to and from the mosque. Keep noise down nearby, and dress modestly when passing.

Offices, shops and the bank

In recent years, the government has set office hours of about 9am to 1pm during Ramadan and the first week of the following month, Shawwal. Some years have also closed government offices for the last ten days of Ramadan or longer around Eid. This affects the island council and other public offices. Small shops usually open, but hours may be shorter, with some closing in the afternoon and reopening in the evening The Bank of Maldives ATM centre is useful if a counter is closed.

Ferries and speedboats

During recent Ramadans, MTCC has changed its schedules so that each ferry’s last trip finishes before sunset. In some years it has also said its Raajje Transport Link ferries would not run on Fridays (the ferry already does not run on Fridays here). Check the route 308 public ferry timetable close to your trip Shared speedboats may also change times around iftar Confirm your transfer a day ahead. Full options are in how to get to Dhiffushi.

• Meals at your guesthouse. Guesthouses keep serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests, usually in their own dining area. Ask when you book.
• Excursions. Snorkelling, sandbank trips, dolphin cruises and diving generally run as normal, though times may shift a little for fasting crews. See excursions from Dhiffushi.
• The beaches and sea. The bikini beaches stay open.
• Island rules. Alcohol is not sold on Dhiffushi at any time of year, and modest dress applies in the village all year.

• Do not eat, drink or smoke in public before sunset.
• Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear belongs on the bikini beaches.
• Keep music low, especially near the mosque and during evening prayers.
• Be patient if service is slow; staff may have been fasting since before dawn.
• If someone invites you to share iftar, it is a warm gesture. Accept if you can, and try a little of everything.

Our local island etiquette guide covers the rest.

Eid starts the day after the new moon is seen. Mornings begin with special prayers, then visiting, family feasts, new clothes, games and celebrations that often run for several days.

It is also a busy travel time. Eid brings public holidays, and many people travel from Malé to local islands to see family or take a break. Speedboats and ferries can fill up, guesthouses may be busier, and some businesses close for a day or two. Book transfers and rooms early, and keep your plans flexible around the exact Eid date.

• Evenings with real character. You see island life as locals live it, not a version put on for tourists.
• Great weather. In 2027 Ramadan falls in the dry season.
• Eid festivities, if your trip overlaps the end of the month.
• A slower pace. Quiet days suit reading, snorkelling and doing very little.

The trade-off is fewer daytime café options and a little more planning. Find somewhere to stay on Dhiffushi and ask your host how they run Ramadan.