Season guide · Maldives
Maldives in the north-east monsoon
December–March: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Dry, sunny and calm with excellent visibility; peak season with the highest prices, especially at Christmas, New Year and February. Expect highs up to 31°C (88°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F), with about 26 rainy days across December–March. December–March are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- December–March
- Temperatures
- 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (88°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 26
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F) to 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in the north-east monsoon
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C (86°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 6 | 11.9 h | 5/5 |
| February | 30°C (86°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 3 | 12 h | 5/5 |
| March | 31°C (88°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 5 | 12.1 h | 4/5 |
| December | 30°C (86°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 12 | 11.9 h | 5/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 30°C (86°F) against a yearly 30°C (86°F), and 26 of the year's roughly 132 rainy days fall in these 4 months. Crowds rate 5/5 and hotel prices 5/5 on average.
What's on in the north-east monsoon
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: New Year holiday peak
- March: Surf season begins (usually from March)
- December: Christmas and New Year peak
Make the most of the weather
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
Nature · North Malé Atoll
Banana Reef
Named for its curved shape, Banana Reef was among the first dive sites opened in the Maldives and still offers caves, overhangs, coral walls and schools of snappers and jacks.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Nature
Nature · Ari Atoll
Maaya Thila and Fish Head
Book the Maaya Thila night dive only once you are comfortable with currents and torches; it is busy but memorable.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Nature
- After dark
Nature · North Malé Atoll
Lankan Manta Point
A cleaning station where manta rays come to be groomed by small cleaner fish, best known during the north-east monsoon months.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Nature
- Active
Day trips in the north-east monsoon
- Maafushi (About 30–45 minutes by shared speedboat) — The busiest guesthouse island in South Malé Atoll makes an easy introduction to local-island life, with a bikini beach, cafés and excursion desks offering snorkelling, sandbank and resort day trips.
- Thulusdhoo (About 30–40 minutes by speedboat) — A local island in North Malé Atoll known for the Cokes and Chickens surf breaks, a bikini beach and a laid-back surf-camp atmosphere.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the north-east monsoon a good time to visit Maldives?
Yes: December–March are among the best months. Dry, sunny and calm with excellent visibility; peak season with the highest prices, especially at Christmas, New Year and February.
+What is the weather like in Maldives in the north-east monsoon?
Highs of up to 31°C (88°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F), with about 26 rainy days over the season.