Maldives Weather in December

December: warm, showery days

December stays warm, with highs around 28°C and little change overnight. Rain falls on many days, and thick cloud can make the islands feel less sunny than you might expect. November is wetter, but January is much drier, so December can feel like a month of changing skies.

You can still snorkel, dive and take boat trips between showers. Ask your resort about sheltered dive sites if the sea turns choppy. Long beach days are less reliable, and wet weather can interrupt seaplane transfers. Keep some flexibility in your plans.

Christmas and New Year

Resorts mark Christmas and New Year with special dinners and parties, though celebrations vary by island. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so these are mainly resort events rather than public holidays celebrated across local communities. You may also see festive decorations around resort islands.

If you hate crowds, avoid the Christmas and New Year stretch. It's one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit, with resorts often charging more than in quieter months. December is popular despite the rain, while January to March brings more dependable weather.

Make the transfer count

Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so a rainy or delayed arrival can affect your onward trip. Ask your resort whether your route from Malé uses a seaplane or a domestic flight, and what happens if your international flight lands late. This matters especially if you're heading to a far-flung atoll.

Travelling with kids? A resort with a house reef can make a short break in the clouds worthwhile. In Malé, try mas huni, a local breakfast of tuna, coconut and chilli, before you set off for the islands.