Addu City
Maldives
Addu Link RoadPhoto: Afrah ahmedafrah · CC0
Gan island and its RAF-era buildingsPhoto: NASA · Public domain- Addu Atoll lagoonPhoto: NASA · Public domain
British Loyalty wreck (diving)Photo: Jun V Lao · CC BY-SA 4.0
Gan International AirportPhoto: Unilandofma · CC BY-SA 4.0
About Addu City
Addu City lies on Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, and is the country's second-largest urban area after Malé. It is made up of districts including Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo.
Gan island, a British naval base in the Second World War and later the Royal Air Force station RAF Gan, still bears traces of that past. A causeway road linking the islands makes cycling easy, and the atoll is known for its dive sites.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Monsoon rains (May–October) — May–October is monsoon season: short but heavy downpours, high humidity and occasional flooding. Keep your plans flexible for transport delays.
How many days do you need?
Two or three days is enough to get to know the atoll; divers and snorkellers may want to stay longer.
From the airport to the city
Gan International Airport (GAN) is on Gan island. Maldivian operates domestic flights from Malé, and SriLankan Airlines flies direct from Colombo. Taxis or hotel transfers take you to your accommodation.
Good to know
- The Addu Link Road, about 10 miles long, joins Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo.
- Hulhumeedhoo is reached by ferry from Feydhoo.
- Dress modestly on local islands; alcohol is served only at tourist resorts.
Useful links
- Visit Maldives (Maldives tourism authority) visitmaldives.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: January–December. The warmest month is April (average high 84 °F); the wettest is October (7.5 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82.0 | 4.54 | Good |
| February | 82.6 | 3.03 | Good |
| March | 83.3 | 2.91 | Good |
| April | 84.0 | 4.26 | Good |
| May | 84.0 | 7.08 | Good |
| June | 83.5 | 4.69 | Good |
| July | 83.1 | 6.87 | Good |
| August | 82.8 | 6.76 | Good |
| September | 82.6 | 5.94 | Good |
| October | 82.6 | 7.47 | Good |
| November | 82.2 | 6.97 | Good |
| December | 82.0 | 6.17 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- First Day of Ramadan *February 8
- Eid al-Fitr *March 9
- Eid al-Fitr Holiday *March 10 (2 days)
- International Worker's DayMay 1
- Day of Arafah *May 15
- Eid al-Adha *May 16
- Eid al-Adha Holiday *May 17 (3 days)
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Independence DayJuly 26
- National Day *August 3
- Prophet's Birthday *August 14
- The Day Maldives Embraced Islam *September 2
- Victory DayNovember 3
- Republic DayNovember 11
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyMaldivian Rufiyaa (.ރ)
- Dialling code+960
- Plugs & voltageType C, D, G, J, K, L · 230 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 118
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.