Male in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Male

30°C (86°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - December has the lowest rainfall of the year with only 5 rainy days and brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers that cool the air
Peak visibility for diving and snorkeling - underwater visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) compared to 10-15m (33-49 ft) during monsoon months
Strong northeast monsoon winds create ideal conditions for surfing on eastern atolls and excellent sailing weather
Tourist season in full swing means all resorts, restaurants, and water sports operators are fully operational with extended hours

Considerations

Peak season pricing - accommodation costs 40-60% more than low season, with seaplane transfers reaching $600-800 per person
Crowds at popular dive sites and sandbanks - expect 3-4 boats at major spots like Banana Reef and sharing space with 20-30 other divers
Booking challenges - popular resorts and liveaboards fill up 6-8 months in advance, leaving mainly premium options available for last-minute bookers

Best Activities in December

Male City Walking Tours and Local Island Day Trips

December's dry weather makes walking Male's compact 2km² (0.8 sq mi) area comfortable, with cooling sea breezes offsetting the 30°C (86°F) heat. The brief afternoon showers provide natural air conditioning. Local islands like Villingili and Hulhumale are easily accessible and less crowded than resort areas.

Booking Tip: Book half-day city tours for $25-40 per person or arrange local island visits for $15-30 including ferry transport. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid the strongest sun. No advance booking needed - arrange through guesthouses or see current tour options in the booking widget below.

Diving and Snorkeling Expeditions

December offers the year's best diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility, calm seas, and water temperatures of 28°C (82°F). Manta ray season peaks in December at Hanifaru Bay, while whale shark encounters are frequent at Ari Atoll. The northeast monsoon creates nutrient-rich conditions attracting large pelagics.

Booking Tip: Liveaboard trips cost $180-300 per day, day trips $80-150 per person. Book certified dive operators 4-6 weeks ahead. Check current availability in booking section below. PADI courses available but book training dives early morning before afternoon boat traffic.

Surfing and Water Sports

December's northeast monsoon creates consistent 1-2m (3-6 ft) waves on eastern atolls, perfect for intermediate surfers. Wind speeds of 15-20 knots provide excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The dry season means no equipment damage from rain and reliable daily wind patterns.

Booking Tip: Surf packages including boat transfers cost $120-200 per day. Equipment rental $30-50 daily. Book through resort water sports centers or see current surf trip options below. Morning sessions (6-9am) offer cleanest waves before wind picks up.

Sunset Fishing and Dolphin Cruises

December's calm evening seas and clear skies create perfect conditions for traditional dhoni fishing trips and dolphin watching. Visibility extends 15-20km (9-12 miles) on clear days. The dry weather means consistent departure times and comfortable boat conditions without rain gear needed.

Booking Tip: Half-day fishing trips cost $60-100 per person, sunset dolphin cruises $40-80. Book Easttimor-day through guesthouses or hotels. Evening departures (4-7pm) offer best wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures. Check current cruise options in booking widget below.

Seaplane Scenic Flights and Island Hopping

December's clear skies and minimal cloud cover provide optimal aerial photography conditions. Visibility reaches 30+ km (18+ miles) on clear days, showcasing the full atoll formations. The dry season means fewer flight cancellations and smooth flying conditions with minimal turbulence.

Booking Tip: Scenic flights cost $200-400 per person for 30-60 minute tours. Island hopping packages $300-600 depending on destinations. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. Morning flights offer best lighting and calmest conditions. See current flight tour options below.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

December's lower humidity (78% vs 85% in monsoon season) makes outdoor spa treatments more comfortable. Many resorts offer beachfront massage pavilions that are unusable during rainy season. The consistent weather allows for reliable scheduling of multi-day wellness programs without rain interruptions.

Booking Tip: Resort spa packages range $150-400 per day. Guesthouse spa services $30-80 per treatment. Book spa appointments 24-48 hours ahead during peak season. Afternoon treatments (2-5pm) offer post-shower cooling and gentle sea breezes. Check current wellness packages below.

December Events & Festivals

December 11

National Day Celebrations

December 11th marks Maldives Independence Day with cultural performances, traditional food festivals, and dhoni races in Male harbor. The celebrations showcase authentic Maldivian culture rarely seen by tourists, including bodu beru drumming and traditional dance.

Late December

Year-End Beach Parties and Gala Dinners

Resort properties host elaborate New Year celebrations with international DJs, beachfront dining, and fireworks over the lagoons. Many include traditional Maldivian cultural shows alongside modern entertainment. December 31st events often sell out months in advance.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and water reflection intensifies exposure during boat trips and snorkeling

Lightweight long-sleeve rashguard - protects from sun during water activities and dries quickly in 78% humidity

Compact quick-dry towel - hotel/resort towels often not allowed on excursions and regular towels won't dry in humid conditions

Waterproof phone case - essential for underwater photos and protecting electronics during brief afternoon showers

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental equipment often poor quality and bringing your own ensures proper fit for better diving experience

Light cotton or linen clothing - breathable fabrics essential in 78% humidity, avoid polyester which traps moisture

Flip-flops and water shoes - coral protection essential, many beaches have sharp coral fragments in sand

Lightweight packable rain jacket - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but can be heavy, useful for air-conditioned spaces too

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity and sun exposure increase dehydration risk during water activities

Anti-chafing cream - saltwater and sand combination can cause irritation during multi-hour boat excursions

Insider Knowledge

December seaplane flights often get delayed 30-60 minutes due to high traffic volume - book morning departures and build buffer time before international flights departing from Male

Local guesthouses in Hulhumale offer identical diving and excursion access as $1000+/night resorts but cost $80-150/night - book the Hulhumale ferry ($1) instead of seaplane transfers ($400-600)

Friday prayers (11:30am-1pm) close most local businesses in Male - plan Friday morning activities for before 11am or after 2pm to avoid closures

ATMs in Male frequently run out of cash during peak December season - withdraw money immediately upon arrival and keep cash reserves for tips and local purchases

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation only 2-4 weeks before December travel - peak season properties fill up 6-8 months ahead, leaving only premium options available

Planning outdoor activities from 11am-3pm - despite December being 'cooler,' midday UV index of 9 and temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) make early morning or late afternoon timing essential

Assuming all-inclusive resort bookings include seaplane transfers - transfers cost $400-800 per person and are typically separate charges that double your transport budget