Best time to visit

The Maldives in December

The dry season begins: more sun in the north, mantas back on the west side of the atolls, and one of the busiest months.

December at a glance^*

212 mmof rain this month, in a normal year

12days with rain

215hours of sunshine, about 7 a day

26–30°Cfrom night low to day high

Hulhulé, by Malé: WMO climate normals 1991–2020

Winds turn north-east to east, about 11 mph in the central atolls, while the far south keeps its westerlies.

Rain eases in the north first, and the central and southern atolls stay wetter for a while.

The sea is warm all year, around 28°C on average.

The northeast monsoon, Iruvai, usually begins this month: the dry season runs from December to April.

High season: by visitor spending, one of the six busiest months of the year.

$595 millionvisitors spent in December 2025Rank 2 of 12 months by spending

Manta raysIn the northeast monsoon they feed on the west side of the atolls, for example Rangali Madivaru in South Ari Atoll and the west of Raa Atoll.
Whale sharksSouth Ari Atoll's marine protected area has whale sharks all year, mostly young males. Researchers found no season in how many visit.
SurfingOutside the main surf season, which runs from mid-February to November.
Snorkelling and divingCalmer seas and sunny days make boat trips easy.

Busy months: book early, especially local-island guesthouses, which may not have rooms on arrival.
Haze sometimes reduces visibility over the northern atolls.
Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so a late arrival can mean a night near the airport.
With mantas and whale sharks, keep at least 3 m away, don't touch and don't chase.

Is December a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes. December brings the start of the northeast monsoon and drier weather, especially in the north. It is one of the busiest months, so book early.

Does it rain in the Maldives in December?

In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 212 mm of rain on 12 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.

Can I see manta rays in December?

In the northeast monsoon they feed on the west side of the atolls, for example Rangali Madivaru in South Ari Atoll and the west of Raa Atoll.

How warm is the sea in December?

Warm all year: around 28°C on average, according to Visit Maldives.

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* Sources: Maldives Meteorological Service (seasons and climate), WMO climate normals 1991–2020 (rain, sun and temperature at Hulhulé), Visit Maldives (surf season, sea temperature), Visit Maldives (manta sites), Manta Trust (Hanifaru Bay), Manta Trust (manta seasons), Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (whale sharks), MMA (visitor spending).