Maldives in December: weather, prices, hotels and things to do

December opens the high tourist season in the Maldives. After several months of changeable weather, the islands settle into the dry north-east monsoon, which brings sunny days, a calm ocean and comfortable conditions for a holiday. That is why the start of winter is considered one of the best periods for a trip to the archipelago.

The beginning of winter is ideal for a beach holiday, snorkelling, diving and sea trips. In the second half of the month, resorts begin preparing for Christmas and New Year celebrations, so guests can expect themed dinners, entertainment programmes and a festive atmosphere. At the same time, demand for holidays grows, and prices gradually reach their maximum.

We will explain what the weather in the Maldives is like in December, how much a holiday costs, where it is better to choose a hotel in December, and what to do during your stay.

Depositphotos

Is it worth going to the Maldives in December

In December, the rainy season comes to an end in the Maldives, the ocean becomes calmer, and the number of sunny days increases noticeably. Thanks to the warm weather and clear water, you can plan a beach holiday, snorkelling, diving, sea excursions and yacht trips without limitations.

The second half of the month is especially popular. Many travellers come to celebrate New Year and Christmas in the Maldives in the atmosphere of a tropical island. Resorts decorate their grounds and organise festive dinners, concerts, beach parties and special programmes for adults and children.

The main drawback of December is high demand. From the middle of the month, accommodation prices rise noticeably, and the best villas and popular room categories are often booked several months before the trip. If you are planning a holiday at the end of December, it is worth taking care of the booking in advance.

Depositphotos

Weather in the Maldives in December

December is considered the start of the dry season in the Maldives. The north-east monsoon gradually pushes out the humid air masses, so the weather becomes more stable and the number of sunny days increases noticeably. Short rains are still possible, especially in the first half of the month, but they rarely interfere with a holiday and more often pass at night or early in the morning.

• Air temperature. During the day, the air warms up to +29-31 °C, and at night the temperature usually stays within +26-28 °C. Thanks to the light sea breeze, even hot days are comfortable enough.
• Water temperature. The Indian Ocean stays warm all year round, and December is no exception. The water temperature is +28-29 °C, so you can swim, snorkel and dive at any time of day.
• Rain. Compared with autumn, there is much less rainfall. On average, there are 7-10 rainy days in December, but most showers are short and quickly give way to sunny weather. In the second half of the month, the probability of rain decreases even more.
• Wind and humidity. With the arrival of the dry monsoon, air humidity gradually decreases, and the wind becomes weaker. Because of this, the sea is calmer more often, which is especially important for sea trips, snorkelling and transfers between islands.

Depositphotos

Prices in the Maldives in December

December is divided into two completely different periods. In the first half of the month, many resorts still offer early high-season rates, while after around the 20th, accommodation prices start rising sharply. The Christmas and New Year holidays are one of the most expensive periods of the year, so the best villas sell out long before winter begins. If the trip is planned for the second half of December, it is best to book at least 6-9 months in advance.

Local islands

Local islands of the Maldives remain the most affordable option even in winter. Accommodation in good guesthouses starts from 55-70 USD per night for a double room including taxes.

The most popular and tourist-friendly inhabited islands worth considering for December are Maafushi, Ukulhas, Thoddoo and Rasdhoo, where there is a wide choice of hotels, cafés, diving centres and sea excursions. Unlike resort islands, here you can significantly reduce the budget of the trip even in high season.

Depositphotos

4-star hotels

At the beginning of December, you can still find attractive offers in 4-star resorts in the Maldives, but closer to the holidays the cost of accommodation gradually increases. On average, prices start from 500 dollars per night for two.

In December, it is worth considering:

• Innahura Maldives Resort - from 520 dollars per night for two with breakfast.
• Fihalhohi Island Resort - from 560 dollars per night for two with half board.
• Adaaran Club Rannalhi - from 610 dollars per night on an All Inclusive basis.
• Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives - from 690 dollars per night for two with a Premium All Inclusive package.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

5-star hotels

In the second half of December, most 5-star resorts in the Maldives fully switch to festive rates. In addition to accommodation, guests can expect Christmas dinners, entertainment programmes, concerts and special events that already form part of the high-season atmosphere.

Approximate prices:

• InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort - from 1900 dollars per night for two.
• Anantara Kihavah Villas - from 2500 dollars per night for a beach villa.
• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi - from 4200 dollars per night for two.
• Cheval Blanc Randheli - from 5500 dollars per night depending on the villa category and meal plan.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Where it is better to stay in the Maldives in December

With the arrival of the dry season, comfortable weather settles across almost the whole archipelago, so in December you can choose a resort not only by climate but also by holiday style. Some atolls are ideal for discovering the underwater world, others for romance, a family holiday or privacy.

North and South Male Atolls

This is the most popular region for a holiday in December. Resorts are just a few minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, so they make it possible to reach the island quickly and save on transfer costs. There is a wide choice of beaches, house reefs, restaurants and water activities here.

Recommended hotels:

• Baros Maldives - a legendary boutique resort with a beautiful lagoon, a house reef and one of the best levels of service in the Maldives.
• Velassaru - a modern 5-star resort with a spacious beach, stylish villas and magnificent sunsets.
• Ozen Life Maadhoo - a luxury resort with the INDULGENCE Plan concept, several restaurants and a rich programme of water activities.
• Hard Rock Hotel Maldives - an excellent option for family holidays and trips with friends thanks to its developed infrastructure, music theme and convenient location near The Marina @ CROSSROADS.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Ari Atoll

December is one of the best months to discover the underwater world of Ari Atoll. Whale sharks can be seen here all year round, and water visibility at the beginning of the high season becomes especially good. This is one of the best regions in the Maldives for diving and snorkelling.

Recommended resorts:

• Constance Moofushi Maldives - a resort with an All Inclusive concept, a house reef and an excellent diving centre.
• Nova Maldives - a modern resort with a cosy atmosphere, a rich house reef and regular sea excursions.
• Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa - a 4-star hotel and one of the best in terms of price and quality for diving lovers.
• LUX South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas - a large resort with varied infrastructure, spacious beaches and sea excursions with sharks.

Constance Moofushi Maldives

Baa Atoll

Baa is the only atoll in the Maldives fully included in the UNESCO biosphere reserve network. In December, sunny weather settles here, the ocean becomes calmer, and house reefs delight with excellent visibility. This region is especially appealing to lovers of beautiful lagoons, snorkelling and a relaxed holiday.

For a holiday we recommend:

• Milaidhoo Maldives - an intimate boutique resort with luxury villas and a romantic atmosphere.
• Anantara Kihavah Villas - a famous resort with an underwater restaurant, a house reef and its own observatory.
• Dusit Thani Maldives - a 5-star resort with a beautiful lagoon, a large infinity pool and a magnificent house reef.
• Royal Island Resort & Spa - a 5-star resort on a green island, with spacious beaches and good conditions for a family holiday.

Milaidhoo Maldives

Noonu Atoll

Noonu Atoll is chosen by travellers who value privacy, a high level of service and luxury resorts. Some of the most famous 5-star resorts in the Maldives are located here, offering spacious villas, flawless service and exclusive experiences.

Best resorts:

• Soneva Jani - one of the most famous and luxurious resorts in the world with huge overwater villas and its famous slides directly into the lagoon.
• Cheval Blanc Randheli - an elegant luxury resort with designer style, spacious villas and a high level of privacy.
• Sun Siyam Iru Fushi - a large 5-star resort with varied infrastructure, several restaurants and one of the largest spa centres in the Maldives.
• Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection by IHG - a calm boutique resort, ideal for a romantic holiday in the idyllic atmosphere of luxury Maldives.

Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection by IHG

Things to do in the Maldives in December

December is considered one of the best months for active holidays in the Maldives. A calm ocean, sunny weather and excellent underwater visibility create great conditions for almost all sea activities. At the start of the high season, many tourists come here for diving, snorkelling and exciting cruises.

Diving and snorkelling

With the arrival of the dry season, the water becomes much clearer, and underwater visibility often reaches 25-30 metres. This is a great time to discover coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and hundreds of species of tropical fish.

Some of the best places for diving remain Ari, Baa, North Male and Lhaviyani atolls, where famous dive sites and house reefs are located. Many resorts offer daily snorkelling tours, introductory dives and full diving safaris.

Everything you need to know about diving is in the article Diving in the Maldives: season, prices, best places and features.

Whale sharks and sea turtles

December remains a good time for sea trips to whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. These largest fish on the planet can be found here all year round, and the calm ocean makes the trips especially comfortable.

During snorkelling and diving, you can also meet green sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks and many other inhabitants of the coral reefs of the Maldives.

Sea trips and cruises

In December, conditions are almost ideal for sea trips. Among the most popular excursions are cruises on a traditional dhoni boat, trips to uninhabited islands, picnics on sandbanks and evening dolphin-watching trips. Fishing lovers can head into the open ocean, and the catch can be cooked in the resort restaurant if desired.

Christmas programmes in hotels

In the second half of December, most resorts start their festive programme. Guests can expect themed beach dinners, concerts, open-air parties, cooking classes, children's activities and meetings with Santa Claus, who in the Maldives often arrives by boat or jet ski.

Each resort prepares its own festive programme, so when choosing a hotel it is worth checking the event schedule in advance.

Spa and wellness

A holiday in the Maldives is hard to imagine without visiting a spa. Many spa resorts in the Maldives have luxurious wellness centres with massages, treatments based on coconut oil, aromatherapy and recovery programmes. After a busy day, you can go to yoga classes by the ocean, visit a sauna or steam room, or relax in a panoramic infinity pool overlooking the lagoon.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Pros and cons of a holiday in the Maldives in December

December is rightly considered one of the best months for a holiday in the Maldives. At this time, the dry season begins, the weather becomes sunny, and the ocean becomes calm and clear. At the same time, it is at the end of the month that the archipelago receives the largest number of tourists, which affects the cost of a holiday.

Pros:

• Start of the dry season. The number of sunny days increases noticeably, and the chance of rain becomes much lower.
• Comfortable air and water temperatures. During the day the air warms up to +29-31 °C, and the ocean temperature stays at +28-29 °C, creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday.
• Excellent underwater visibility. The calm ocean makes December one of the best months for snorkelling and diving.
• A wide choice of activities. Sea trips, fishing, excursions, diving, festive programmes and Christmas events are available at almost every resort.
• Festive atmosphere. In the second half of the month, most resorts decorate the grounds and organise gala dinners, concerts and special programmes for adults and children.

Cons:

• Start of the high season. From the middle of December, accommodation costs rise noticeably.
• High demand for popular resorts. The best villas and family rooms are often booked several months before the trip.
• High prices during the festive period. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, the cost of a holiday reaches one of the highest levels of the year.
• Additional expenses. Many resorts hold compulsory festive gala dinners, which may be charged separately from accommodation.

Sunny weather, a warm ocean, excellent diving conditions and a festive atmosphere all make December one of the best months for a holiday in the Maldives.

Depositphotos