Maldives in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Maldives in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malé | 30° | 26° | 222 mm | very high | Hot |
| Fuvahmulah | 30° | 25° | 265 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Hithadhoo | extreme | ||||
| Kulhudhuffushi | 30° | 24° | 129 mm | very high | Hot |
| Thinadhoo City | 31° | 26° | 272 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Naifaru | very high | ||||
| Hulhumalé | 31° | 26° | 220 mm | very high | Hot |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
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.