Maldives travel guide
The Maldives in December has highs near 30°C, lows near 25°C and about 170 mm of rain. Dry season returns; Christmas and New Year create the highest demand. Book early for the strongest demand. Check forecasts and keep a flexible day.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
Dry season returns; Christmas and New Year create the highest demand.
This guide explains what the Maldives is like in December: the weather, how busy it is, what to plan and who the month suits. Figures are typical values from our destination research, not forecasts, so check a forecast before you travel. Use it with our Maldives travel guide and the best time to visit the Maldives page.
December marks the return of the dry season. Rain falls to about 170 mm, down from November, and conditions keep improving through the month. Highs are about 30°C and humidity is about 80 percent. Christmas and New Year create the highest demand of the year. Daytime highs reach about 30°C and lows about 25°C, so the sea and air stay warm. Travellers say December is lively and well worth planning early. Some wish they had chosen a quieter week before Christmas. Resorts are full, so quiet corners are harder to find, and a private villa matters more. Weather improves later in the month.
December suits families on holiday, couples who want festive celebrations and anyone planning a milestone trip. It is less suited to budget travellers, because prices peak around the holidays. Early December is calmer and often easier on the budget.
November has about 200 mm of rain (30 mm wetter than December), with highs near 30°C. January has about 80 mm of rain (90 mm drier than December), with highs near 30°C. Read the neighbouring guides for November and January before you fix your dates. For the full season view, see the best time to visit the Maldives.
Resorts near Malé keep transfers short, which helps when conditions change. A water villa suits couples, and a family villa suits children. Our Maldives Water Villa Honeymoon 4N and Maldives Family Resort 4N show how a resort stay is built, and the Maldives Budget Island Stay 3N shows the local-island option. Check the cost drivers in Maldives trip cost and choose your base in places to visit in the Maldives.
Ready-made trips
Maafushi 3N
Malé Atoll resort 4N
Malé Atoll resort 4N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Maldives.
Yes, especially later in the month, as the dry season returns with about 170 mm of rain. Christmas and New Year have the highest demand, so book early.
Early December usually has lower demand and prices, though rain can still occur. Christmas week has stronger odds of dry weather but the highest crowds and costs.
Daytime highs are about 30°C and night-time lows about 25°C in our research figures. These are typical values, not forecasts, so check the weather before you travel.
About 170 mm for the month in our figures. Dry season returns; Christmas and New Year create the highest demand. Rain often comes in showers, so plan flexible days for excursions.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection and a light rain layer. Bring extra rain cover and a waterproof pouch. Dress modestly on local islands and in Malé.
Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming. A trip expert builds a day-by-day plan with prices that you can change.
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