Gulhi Island
Small Maldivian island with sandy beaches and surf
A local island in South Malé Atoll, Gulhi offers guesthouses, sandy beaches and easy snorkelling; visitors come for short stays close to Malé and local cafés rather than resort resorts.
Gulhi at a Glance#
Address: Gulhi (Gulhi Island), Kaafu Atoll, Maldives (approx. coordinates 3.98872, 73.50905)
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: Free
About Gulhi#
Gulhi is a inhabited island in the Maldives located in the Kaafu Atoll (also known as Malé Atoll). It is one of the local islands that lie relatively close to the capital Malé and is part of the country’s dense atoll settlement pattern.
The island contains local housing, services and small-scale tourism facilities such as guesthouses; it is used by both residents and visitors. Short ferry and speedboat services connect Gulhi to Malé and nearby islands.
Gulhi is part of the populated ring of islands around Malé and functions as a local community within Kaafu Atoll rather than as a large resort island.
Geographically the island lies within the central Maldives archipelago in Kaafu Atoll, close to the Malé urban area.
- Transport links: Regular local ferries and speedboats connect the island with Malé and nearby resorts, making day trips feasible from the capital area.
How to Get to Gulhi#
Gulhi is accessible by public ferry or speedboat from Malé (Velana International Airport); transfer times vary by service (around 20-60 minutes depending on the boat). Confirm schedules in advance as services vary seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Gulhi#
- If visiting by local boat, confirm departure times with island operators; schedules may be informal and seasonal.
- Respect local customs - Muslim practice is central to island life; dress modestly in public areas outside resort beaches.
- Support local businesses by buying crafts or food from island shops rather than bringing everything from the mainland.
Best Time to Visit Gulhi#
November-April is the most reliable for calm seas and diving; monsoon months are quieter but wetter.
Weather & Climate near Gulhi#
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 26°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1962 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 27° - 31° | 33° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| February | Excellent | 27° - 31° | 34° | 47 mm | some cloud | 79% | 2.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| March | Very Good | 27° - 32° | 35° | 66 mm | some cloud | 77% | 2.8 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 28° - 32° | 37° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 28° - 32° | 37° | 231 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 27° - 31° | 36° | 165 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| July | Good | 27° - 31° | 34° | 163 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| August | Good | 27° - 31° | 34° | 177 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| September | Good | 26° - 31° | 33° | 229 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 26° - 31° | 33° | 223 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Good | 26° - 31° | 34° | 205 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| December | Good | 26° - 31° | 33° | 227 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |