Month guide · Maldives
Maldives in December
What December is really like in Maldives: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Maldives. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. Drier, sunny weather returns; Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks of the year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Maldives: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:05
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:58
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Late monsoon (October–November). Showery but improving weather with calmer seas towards November; good value before the high season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas and New Year peak
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Nature · Baa Atoll
Hanifaru Bay manta rays
When monsoon currents trap plankton in this small, shallow bay, dozens and sometimes more than a hundred manta rays gather to feed, along with occasional whale sharks.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Nature
- Active
Nature · Ari Atoll
Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll
Go with an operator that follows the code of conduct: keep at least a few metres away, never touch the shark and limit swimmers in the water.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Nature
- Active
- Photo spot
Experience · Velana International Airport
Seaplane flight over the atolls
Twin Otter seaplanes fly low over lagoons, sandbanks and ring-shaped reefs on transfers from the seaplane terminal beside Velana airport to resorts across the central atolls.
- Time needed
- 20–60 minutes
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Views
- Photo spot
- Kids
Nature · North Malé Atoll
Banana Reef
Ask for a morning dive when currents are usually gentler and visibility better.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Nature
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Maldives.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 25°C and 12 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Maldives?
One of the best months to visit Maldives, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–April. Compare every month.
Maldives in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Maldives?
It is one of the best months to visit Maldives. Drier, sunny weather returns; Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks of the year.
+How warm is Maldives in December?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Maldives in December?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.