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The places to visit in Maldives in December reflect the best of island life. This is when coral reefs come alive with colour and visibility deepens for snorkellers and divers. Fishermen head out early, island markets stay open longer, and beach cafés serve fresh catches under warm breezes. Local festivals give a glimpse into life beyond the resorts. December brings the right balance of warmth without discomfort, perfect for walking barefoot on soft sands or exploring reef channels. From remote islands in the south to quick escapes near Malé, each place offers something special.
Places To Visit In Maldives In December
This is the list of places to visit in Maldives in December to experience the finest times in the majestic blue waters of the islands.
1. Dhigurah Island, South Ari Atoll
Photo: Syced / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most rewarding places to visit in Maldives in December, Dhigurah Island stands out for its long sandbanks, local hospitality, and exceptional marine life. The weather in December is dry and settled, ideal for snorkelling trips to nearby whale shark hotspots. The beach stretches for over 3 kilometres, so you can enjoy uninterrupted walks along a quiet shoreline lined with soft, white sand. Diving schools remain active throughout the month, offering sessions at Manta Point and Kuda Rah Thila. Most evenings, the western side sees dramatic sunsets, and bioluminescent plankton sometimes light up the shallows.
How To Reach: Take a domestic flight from Malé to Maamigili Airport, followed by a 20-minute speedboat.
Cost: Speedboat transfer approx. RF 750 / ₹4,000
Major Attractions: Whale shark snorkelling, pristine bikini beach, diving with manta rays, sandbanks, and local guesthouses with authentic Maldivian cuisine.
2. Fuvahmulah Island, Gnaviyani Atoll
Photo: Grampsandstuff / Wikimedia Commons
Fuvahmulah remains one of the most famous places to visit in Maldives in December. This island lies on its atoll in the deep south and is known for its freshwater lakes, unique topography, and dramatic coastal edges with crashing waves rather than calm lagoons. Fuvahmulah is famous for regular sightings of tiger sharks, and the dive sites here are untouched and raw. The inland areas offer green spaces for cycling, quiet trails, and banana plantations. Bandaara Kilhi and Dhadimagu Kilhi, two freshwater lakes hidden in the island’s interior, give it a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Maldives.
How To Reach: Direct domestic flights from Malé take around 1.15 hr.
Cost: Flight fare approx. Rf 1,400 / ₹7,500
Major Attractions: Shark diving (tiger sharks), freshwater lakes, white cliff coastline, and nature trails.
3. Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
Maafushi is one of the most popular places to visit in Maldives in December for those looking to balance budget-friendly stays with vibrant island energy. The island is lined with budget guesthouses, beach cafés, and souvenir shops, giving it a friendly, bustling atmosphere. Maafushi also has a designated bikini beach with clear turquoise water and soft sand, which is ideal for long afternoons in the sun. Evening barbecues and open-air dining add to the relaxed island charm, and live music events pick up as the holiday season approaches.
How To Reach: Public ferry or speedboat from Malé (30–90 minutes).
Cost: Ferry: Rf 30 / ₹160 | Speedboat: Rf 300 / ₹1,600
Major Attractions: Water sports, beach cafés, snorkelling tours, affordable guesthouses, and night fishing excursions.
4. Thulusdhoo Island, North Malé Atoll
Photo: Gzzz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thulusdhoo attracts surfers, snorkellers, and travellers looking for a quieter stay with close ties to Malé. It is one of the most well-connected places to visit in Maldives in December, with regular speedboats and ideal surfing conditions during the early part of the dry season. Even for non-surfers, the house reef near the shore is ideal for casual snorkelling. The village is small but welcoming, with pastel-painted homes, cafés serving coconut pancakes, and locally made souvenirs. December has calm days, perfect for kayaking around the island or taking short boat rides to nearby sandbanks.
How To Reach: Speedboat from Malé takes around 30 minutes.
Cost: Rf 250 / ₹1,300 per ride
Major Attractions: Surf breaks (Cokes & Chickens), coral snorkelling, local art shops, and cultural village life.
5. Hulhumalé Island, Kaafu Atoll
Photo: Shahee Ilyas / Wikimedia Commons
Hulhumalé is one of the most practical places to visit in Maldives in December. The island connects directly to Velana International Airport and offers clean, swimmable beaches, urban convenience, and a growing café culture. The light breezes and little rainfall are perfect for walking along the seaside promenade or relaxing by the artificial lagoon. It is popular with both locals and tourists and remains active with kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and sunset gatherings. .
How To Reach: Taxi or bus from Velana International Airport, just 15 minutes away.
Cost: Taxi: Rf 75 / ₹400
Major Attractions: Urban beaches, beachfront mosque, cafés, cycling paths, kite flying, and affordable watersports.
6. Gan Island, Addu Atoll
Photo: Gan harbour / Wikimedia Commons
At the southern tip of the country, with paved roads connecting to several neighbouring islands by causeways, Gan Island offers a unique way to explore by bicycle. The weather in December is dry and stable, making it ideal for long outdoor rides, snorkelling trips, and heritage walks. Gan was once a British airbase, and some of the wartime buildings. The beaches here are wide and quiet, perfect for swimming or watching the sunset in peace. Nearby, there are diving sites such as Manta Point and Muduka Reef and boat rides to them are smooth during this season.
How To Reach: Domestic flight from Malé to Gan International Airport (approx. 1.5 hours).
Cost: Flight approx. Rf 1,600 / ₹8,500
Major Attractions: WWII British airbase ruins, diving with hammerhead sharks, lush forests, and biking trails across linked islands.
7. Veligandu Island Resort, North Ari Atoll
Photo: john mchugh / Wikimedia Commons
Veligandu Island is among the most sought-after places to visit in Maldives in December. The island sits in the North Ari Atoll and is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and a long natural sandbank. December marks the beginning of the dry season, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxed days by the sea. The island’s reef lies close to the shore and is home to reef sharks, rays, and schools of brightly coloured fish. The spa uses local oils and herbs, and the island’s smaller size allows everything to remain within walking distance.
How To Reach: 20-minute scenic seaplane ride from Malé
Cost: Seaplane transfer approx. Rf 2,400 / ₹12,800
Major Attractions: Lagoon villas, honeymoon specials, sandbanks, house reef snorkelling, and dolphin cruises.
8. Ukulhas Island, North Ari Atoll
Photo: Ukulhas / Wikimedia Commons
Ukulhas Island is one of the most peaceful and locally grounded places to visit in Maldives in December. In December, the sea stays gentle, the air is dry, and the light remains soft from morning till evening. The island’s reef runs close to the shore, and most visitors need nothing more than fins and a mask to see turtles, reef sharks, and shoals of reef fish within minutes. The beach stretches wide, with palm trees at the edge, and you’ll often find long sections empty. The island paths are sandy, the pace is unhurried, and the air smells of sea and mango trees.
How To Reach: 90-minute speedboat from Malé
Cost: Speedboat approx. Rf 350 / ₹1,800
Major Attractions: Eco-friendly beach, stingray sighting from shore, house reef and turtle snorkelling.
9. Baros Maldives, North Malé Atoll
Photo: Anderson Wei / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Baros is known for its small scale, lush setting, and exceptional house reef. The island lies close to Malé, making it easy to reach even during the busy holiday season. In December, the air stays dry, the sea calms, and the underwater clarity is ideal for diving and snorkelling. Baros has no over-the-top entertainment or large resort crowds. The reef surrounds the island on nearly all sides, so you can step into the water and immediately see coral shelves and tropical fish. Dining here is slow and elegant, with options like torchlit meals on the deck or seafood under the stars.
How To Reach: 25-minute speedboat from Velana International Airport
Cost: Speedboat approx. Rf 1,800 / ₹9,600
Major Attractions: Private villa experiences, coral gardens, romantic fine dining on the water, and spa retreats.
10. Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Ahmed Abdul Rahman / Wikimedia Commons
Hanifaru Bay remains one of the most remarkable places to visit in Maldives in December, especially for travellers who are drawn to marine life and protected environments. Situated within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this bay is known for seasonal gatherings of manta rays and the occasional presence of whale sharks. While the peak manta season winds down by early December, the sea conditions remain calm, making the bay a good stop for reef snorkelling, guided marine biology tours, and conservation-focused experiences. The water stays clear, and smaller marine species are still active around the coral reefs.
How To Reach: Flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo, then a short boat transfer
Cost: Rf 1,200 / ₹6,400
Major Attractions: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, manta rays, marine biology tours, and conservation learning.
The most memorable places to visit in Maldives in December are the ones that stay close to the rhythm of the islands. Clear mornings, gentle sea crossings, and dry breezes allow you to move easily between reef and shore, village and open beach. From the coral gardens of Baros to the open stretches of Dhigurah, has something that fits the season. Check out more such packages offered by TripXL for unforgettable adventures.
Cover Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels
