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When to go · Maldives

Maldives in December

Good month. Dry season begins; 20 December onward is the most expensive time of year.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Crowds
High
Maldives
Prices
High
Maldives

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Maldives

Dry season begins; 20 December onward is the most expensive time of year.

Is another month better than December?

December is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in December

  • Northern atolls · Haa Alif, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyanifine

    Most pronounced monsoon swing; Hanifaru Bay mantas in Baa May–November.

  • Central atolls · Malé (Kaafu), Ari, Vaavu, Meemufine

    The north-east monsoon (Iruvai) brings dry, calm weather December–April; south-west (Hulhangu) squalls May–November, with sunny spells between.

  • Southern atolls · Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addurainy

    Near the equator: rain spread through the year, fewer strong seasons; tiger sharks at Fuvahmulah all year.

  • Ari: Ari Atoll · North and South Ari, both sides of the atoll rimbest weather

    Dry season roughly December to April, southwest monsoon rain June to September; the atoll sits near the equator, so showers are short and temperatures stay around 28–31 °C (82–88 °F) all year.

  • Kaafu: North and South Malé Atoll · Kaafu, around Malé and Velana airportbest weather

    Dry northeast monsoon roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind, heaviest June–September. Temperatures stay around 27–31 °C (81–88 °F) all year.

  • Lhaviyani: Lhaviyani · northern atoll, 5.38 N 73.48 Ebest weather

    Dry season roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind.

  • Malé30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 10 rain days
  • Addu30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Kuredu30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 2 rain days
  • Maafushi30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days
  • Maamigili30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Mathiveri31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 2 rain days
  • Rasdhoo30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Thoddoo30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ukulhas30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • National Day, Victory Day, Republic Day, Islam Day

    Varies (lunar)

    Public holidays; government offices closed.

  • Christmas and New Year peak big impact

    20 Dec – 10 Jan

    Resort rates at their highest, minimum stays, seaplanes full.

  • Peak tourist season

    Dec–Feb · Malé

    Resort transfers, seaplane seats and hotel rooms in Malé sell out; book months ahead.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Maldives
High
Prices · Maldives
High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Maldives, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Dec: Good

    Jan: Great (better)

  • Crowds

    Dec: High

    Jan: High

  • Prices

    Dec: High

    Jan: High

  • Festivals listed

    Dec: 3

    Jan: 4

December: Dry season begins; 20 December onward is the most expensive time of year.

January: Dry, calm, excellent visibility; early January still peak-priced.

Maldives: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in December

Rated best or good this month

  • Malé

    Peak season; book seaplane seats months ahead.

  • Kuredu

    Best months: Dec–Apr

  • Maafushi

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, calm seas)

  • Maamigili

    Best months: Dec–Apr

  • Mathiveri

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season, low seas)

  • Rasdhoo

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, calm, best visibility)

  • Thoddoo

    Best months: Dec–Apr

  • Ukulhas

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season, highest prices)