December is a prime travel month with consistent dry weather, calm ocean conditions and excellent diving visibility in many atolls. Resorts are at high occupancy and rates are at their annual peak.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 25-29°C (77-84°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in December
CityLow / highRain
Malé
Hot
26°30° 222 mm
Fuvahmulah
Hot
25°30° 265 mm
Hithadhoo
Hot
25°30° 272 mm
Kulhudhuffushi
Hot
24°30° 129 mm
Thinadhoo City
Hot
26°31° 272 mm
Naifaru
Hot
26°31° 173 mm
Hulhumalé
Hot
26°31° 220 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Maldives in December.
Where to Go in Maldives in December
Malé & Kaafu Atoll
capital, nearby resort and local islands
December is a high-season favorite around Malé with sustained sun, steady northeasterly breezes and warm lagoon swimming conditions; it’s a peak time for international visitors so expect high prices and busy flights. Festive holiday travel means ferries and seaplanes fill quickly, so confirm transfers and plan shore excursions well in advance. Bring sun protection, a hat and light evening layers for air-conditioned restaurants or breezy jetty dinners.
Northern Atolls
Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu
December is comfortably warm with steady northeast winds and stable sea conditions-an excellent month to visit the northern atolls for quiet beaches without the heavy crowds of Malé. The clear, calm waters are great for photography and snorkeling excursions and local festivals can fill island calendars as residents celebrate the reliable dry season. Expect higher prices than the low season but far fewer tourists than central atolls, and bring sunscreen and a light evening layer for windier boat decks.
Central Atolls & Baa
Baa Atoll including Hanifaru Bay; Lhaviyani
December is reliably sunny with steady northeasterlies, making it one of the best months for diving, snorkeling and island-hopping in Baa and Lhaviyani. Liveaboards and resorts run full schedules and inter-atoll transfers are dependable; it’s a busy time so expect higher prices and limited last-minute availability. Bring sun protection, a dry bag for electronics on boats and reserve popular dive sites ahead of travel.
Ari Atoll & South-Central Atolls
Alifu and South Ari
December is a very pleasant month with calm seas and consistent northeasterly breezes-perfect for diving, long boat days and beach relaxation in both North and South Ari. Expect higher occupancy as international visitors arrive for the dry season; book transfers and popular excursions early. Pack sun protection and a light wrap for evening breezes; the consistent conditions make December one of the safest bets for planning multiple dives and excursions.
Southern Atolls
Vaavu, Laamu, Gaafu, Addu and Fuvahmulah
December brings warm, sunny days and steady northeast breezes to the southern reaches-excellent for diving, sightseeing and longer boat passages to remote islands. Tourist arrivals increase, but the south still feels less crowded than the central atolls; book domestic flights and seaplane legs early in the high season. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry layers and printed confirmations for domestic transfers, which fill fast during the holiday period.
Events & Festivals in December
Holiday season (Christmas & New Year)
Resorts and hotels are busy with international visitors and special holiday programming.
Planning a trip to Maldives?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
