Dreaming of turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and endless sunshine? December is one of the best months to visit Maldives. The islands welcome the start of the dry season, bringing warm sunshine, calmer seas and pleasant tropical weather. From romantic honeymoon getaways to family holidays and relaxing beach holidays, December always promises great weather for all the wonders this tropical paradise has to offer.
If you’re wondering what the weather is like in the Maldives in December, this guide covers everything you need to know. Whether it’s about the weather, rainfall, swimming, snorkelling, diving or travelling tips, you will find out why December is one of the hottest months to visit the Maldives. It’s easy to see why so many travellers choose to visit the Maldives in December.
If you’re still deciding when to visit, our guide to the Best Time to Visit Maldives compares every season.
Maldives Weather in December at a Glance
| Weather | Details |
| Average daytime temperature | 29°C–30°C |
| Average night temperature | 25°C–26°C |
| Sea temperature | Around 28°C |
| Rainfall | Around 170–220 mm |
| Rainy days | 10–12 days |
| Sunshine | 7–9 hours daily |
| Humidity | Moderate to high |
| Season | Beginning of the dry season (Northeast Monsoon) |
December marks the start of the Maldives’ dry season, locally known as the Iruvai monsoon. Rain becomes less frequent, skies are brighter and the sea is usually calm, making it an excellent month for beach holidays and water sports.
What Is the Weather Like in the Maldives in December?
The Maldives weather December is warm, sunny and tropical. During the end of this wet season, a few brief tropical showers are possible in early December, but conditions quickly dry up as the month wears on. For anyone asking what is the weather like in the maldives in december, the transition brings beautifully clear skies.
The majority of the days are sunny and cloudless. When the rain comes, it’s usually short-lived with a return to sunshine. Visitors can spend long days relaxing on the beach or exploring the islands. It’s the perfect time to enjoy everything the Maldives has to offer.
December is one of the busiest months as well, as a lot of travellers are travelling during the Christmas or New Year holidays to experience the ideal maldives weather December conditions.
Average Temperature in December
Weather is warm and comfortable all month. The temperature is typically around 30°C during the day. Evenings are relatively warm around 25°C.
The temperature of the sea is around 28°C, which means you can swim all day without problems.
The Maldives does not usually get extremely hot as compared to other tropical places. Sea breezes keep things cool even on the hottest of afternoons, keeping the maldives weather December highly enjoyable for everyone.
Does It Rain in December?
The amount of rainfall is drastically reduced as compared to the previous months.
Tropical showers can still occur but do not tend to persist for long. A lot of tourists experience a few days in a row of sunny weather while on holiday.
The first half of December is wetter with more rain, and the second half is drier and sunnier. If you track the dynamic december in maldives weather, you will notice this shift clearly.
The rain showers are a common occurrence, enhancing the foliage’s colours and hues, which rarely lasts for long enough to throw off anyone’s plans for their holiday.
Sunshine Hours
Travellers enjoy the increased amount of sunshine in Maldives December weather, for one reason.
Visitors can expect:
- Around 7 to 9 hours of sunshine daily
- Bright blue skies
- Beautiful sunrises over the Indian Ocean
- Stunning sunsets with colourful evening skies
These conditions are ideal for photography, walking on the beach and being able to relax by the water, showcasing exactly what is the weather like in the maldives in december during peak hours.
Sea Conditions in December
The ocean is one of the main attractions in the Maldives with December being one of the calmest times of the year.
The water temperature remains fairly warm around 28°C and you can safely swim without getting cold.
The milder currents also provide some of the best underwater visibility allowing colourful coral reefs and tropical fish to be seen more easily, these calm conditions make December one of the best months for snorkelling and diving.
Is December a Good Time to Visit the Maldives?
Yes. December is one of the best months to visit Maldives, as many travellers believe.
Reasons include:
- Plenty of sunshine
- Comfortable temperatures
- Lower chance of heavy rain
- Calm seas
- Excellent diving conditions
- Fantastic snorkelling opportunities
- Beautiful beach weather
The only bad thing is that December is one of the busiest months of the year to travel. Resorts fill up long before the holidays, particularly during the Christmas/New Year season. For people who want to experience december in maldives weather, early planning is vital.
For people who are planning to go on holiday in December, it is better to make the arrangements a few months in advance.
To compare to other months of the year, check out our comprehensive guide to the best time to visit Maldives.
Best Things to Do in the Maldives in December
Relax on Stunning Beaches.
The weather is perfect for the beach in December.
Relax beneath swaying palm trees with a good book and a fresh coconut or simply listening to the gentle waves.
The soft white sand is still cool enough for the morning and evening stroll.
Go Snorkelling
In December snorkelling is one of the best experiences, thanks to the clear waters.
You’ll have the chance to see:
- Colourful coral reefs
- Butterflyfish
- Angelfish
- Parrotfish
- Sea turtles
- Reef sharks
- Rays
Several house reefs offer great snorkelling opportunities, right from your villa.
Experience World-Class Diving
December is one of the best diving months of the year.
Divers often enjoy:
- Excellent underwater visibility
- Calm currents
- Healthy coral reefs
- Whale sharks
- Manta rays
- Eagle rays
- Reef sharks
December is a great time for diving at many atolls, whether you are a beginner or experienced diver.
Enjoy Water Sports
When the ocean is calm, almost everything is fun in the water.
Popular options include:
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Jet skiing
- Windsurfing
- Parasailing
- Catamaran sailing
- Glass-bottom boat tours
It’s a mild time of year so you can enjoy hours out on the water.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Very beautiful sunsets can be seen in December when the sun is setting in the evening.
Sunset cruises are available at many resorts; and visitors can also see dolphins playing near the boat.
When the sky turns blue to orange, the pink and purple hues in the sky is one of the most memorable moments of any Maldives holiday.
Enjoy Luxury Resort Experiences
It’s the ideal time to experience all the Maldives has to offer at the start of the year in December.
Many resorts offer:
- Overwater villas
- Private pools
- Floating breakfasts
- Spa treatments
- Beach dinners
- Outdoor cinemas
- Romantic sunset dining
The pleasant weather makes these luxury experiences even more enjoyable.
What to Pack
Carry light clothing appropriate for tropical climate.
Recommended items include:
- Light cotton clothes
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Light evening clothing
- Waterproof phone case
- Snorkelling equipment (optional)
Small umbrella for use in short showers.
There’s no need for heavy clothing as temperatures remain warm throughout the day and night.
Is December a good time for honeymoon?
Absolutely. Many couples choose December because of the romantic weather and beautiful scenery.
Imagine waking up in an overwater villa, enjoying breakfast above a crystal-clear lagoon, snorkelling together during the day and ending the evening with a candlelit dinner beneath the stars. December offers nearly all the things couples would desire for a tropical honeymoon, especially when the maldives weather in december remains so pleasant.
December offers nearly all the things couples would desire for a tropical honeymoon.
Visiting During Christmas and New Year
December is one of the most celebratory months of the year.
A number of top resorts arrange:
- Christmas dinners
- New Year celebrations
- Beach parties
- Fireworks
- Live music
- Traditional Maldivian performances
- Family entertainment
The festivities are vibrant but in keeping with Maldives’ laid back ambiance.
Travel Tips for December
To have the most enjoyable holiday possible:
- Resort booking is recommended.
- Reserve flights several months in advance.
- Select an island according to your travel style.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Plan outdoor activities during the morning or late afternoon.
Make a booking for diving and spa treatments ahead of arrival at the holiday time.
It is very busy in December, and you’ll have more options for your lodging, and better rates, if you plan ahead.
How December Compares with Other Months
The dry season in Maldives starts in December.
December, in comparison with Maldives Weather in January may have a little more rain in the early part of the month, however with excellent sunshine.
For those looking for a further winter getaway, you might want to take a look at Maldives Weather during the month of February, when the weather is even drier and sunnier.
You can compare each month for a complete month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Maldives as well as our full Maldives Weather Throughout the Year guide.
Final Thoughts
December in the Maldives is everything that travellers want from a holiday in the tropics. Warm sunshine, crystal-clear lagoons, still seas, and lovely beaches provide the ideal conditions to relax and enjoy outdoor adventures. December offers great snorkeling and diving opportunities to enjoy the colourful coral reefs, swim with marine wildlife, experience luxury resorts or just relax on white sandy beaches with those unforgettable world holiday vibes.
It’s a very busy month of the year and it is advisable to book early, especially during Christmas or New Year’s. If you are still considering when to visit Maldives, then our guides to when to go to Maldives, Maldives Weather in January, Maldives Weather in February and Maldives Weather All Year will help you decide when to travel to the Maldives.
Thanks to its reliable sunshine, warm ocean and stunning scenery, December is one of the best times to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Understanding the unique parameters of maldives weather December ensures a perfect trip.
FAQ
Yes. One of the most popular months is December thanks to warm temperatures and reduced rainfall and sea conditions.
Temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C and the weather is generally sunny and warm with occasional short tropical showers, but these are short-lived, especially early December.
Yes. The water is still an ideal temperature for swimming all month, at around 28°C.
Yes. December is really the peak tourist season, particularly towards Christmas and New Year. Generally, the resorts and flights are higher during the busy season.
No. Rainfall is short in duration, but many days with some rain, and typically not continuous throughout the day.
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