At a glance
| At a glance | In December |
|---|---|
| Weather | Drier and sunnier, with lower humidity |
| Sea | Calmer and clearer, about 28°C |
| Marine life | Eagle rays and reef sharks; whale sharks around Fuvahmulah |
| Surf | Outside the surf season |
| Visitors | Good value early; the busiest time from mid-December |
| Holidays | Christmas and New Year at resorts |
| Suits | Winter sun, families, festive stays, divers |
Weather
In December the weather turns drier, with clear skies, lower humidity and highs of around 28°C to 30°C.
In the water
The sea settles as the winds ease, and the water clears. Eagle rays, reef sharks and the occasional manta are seen in very good visibility, and the sea is about 28°C. Around Fuvahmulah, in the far south, whale sharks are often seen from about December.
In some years, plankton makes the shoreline glow over the festive season.
Surf
December is the surf off season. Waves are smaller, and the southern atolls catch more of the swell.
Visitors and prices
December is a month of two halves. Early in the month, resorts are quieter and still run offers. From the middle of the month, Christmas and New Year bring the highest prices of the year, top resorts are booked out, and resorts often ask for a minimum stay of five to seven nights. December is one of the busiest months for visitors, so book as early as you can.
The festive season
Christmas is not a public holiday in the Maldives, but resorts mark it with decorations, Christmas dinners and festive programmes, and many host parties on New Year’s Eve.
Who it suits
December suits winter sun, family holidays and festive celebrations, and divers and snorkellers. Travel early in the month for better value.