December in the Maldives marks the start of the dry season, also known as the “Iruvai” monsoon. Expect sunny skies, calm seas, and warm tropical weather—perfect for beach lounging, snorkeling, and overwater villas. It’s also one of the busiest and most luxurious times to visit, so you’ll want to pack for both beach days and elegant resort nights.
Think stylish swimwear, breathable fabrics, light dresses, and reef-safe essentials. While the Maldives is laid-back, many resorts have dress codes for dinner, and you’ll want to be camera-ready from sunrise to sunset.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for the Maldives in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Malé: 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F)
- Very warm, sunny days with occasional breezes ☀️🌴
- Dry season begins—ideal for water activities 🏝️
What to Pack for the Maldives in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Lightweight suitcase – boat and seaplane friendly 🧳
- Beach tote – essentials for sun and sand 🏖️
- Daypack – excursions or boat trips 🎒
- Packing cubes – organize swimwear, dresses, and loungewear 📦
- Wet bag – protect valuables from water 💦
- Toiletry bag – leakproof and heat-safe 🧴
- Waterproof pouch – for phone and documents 💼
- Laundry bag – for post-beach clothes 🧺
- Neck pillow – perfect for long-haul flights 🛌
- Sleep mask – for resort naps 😴
👗 Clothes
- Swimsuits (3–4) – variety for pool and beach 👙
- Cover-ups or kaftans (2–3) – quick resort transitions 🧣
- Sundresses or maxi dresses (2–3) – stylish and breathable 👗
- Lightweight tops & tanks (3–4) – easy to pair 👕
- Shorts or skirts (2–3) – warm days 🩳
- Evening outfit (2–3) – for resort dinners or cocktails 👠
- Light cardigan or wrap – cooler evenings 🧥
- Sleepwear – breathable and comfy 🛌
- Undergarments + sports bra (5–7) 👙
- Moisture-wicking socks (2–3) – light activities 🧦
💆 Skincare
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ – essential for water lovers 🌞
- Aloe vera or after-sun lotion – sun exposure soother 🌿
- Face mist – cool down in an instant 💧
- Lip balm with SPF – prevent sunburned lips 💋
- Facial moisturizer – hydrate after salty air 💧
💄 Makeup
- BB cream or tinted sunscreen – light and protective 💄
- Waterproof mascara – pool- and photo-proof 👁️
- Highlighter or shimmer stick – glow under island light ✨
- Lip gloss or balm – simple and beachy 💋
- Setting spray – heat and humidity fixer 🔒
💇 Hair Care
- Comb or wet brush – detangle post-swim 💇
- Hair ties & scrunchies – keep it easy 🌀
- Leave-in conditioner – saltwater recovery 💁
- Dry shampoo – between beach and dinner 🌬️
- Anti-frizz serum – tropical humidity control ✨
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Flip-flops – beach and pool go-to 🩴
- Slides or sandals – resort and spa-ready 👡
- Dressy flats – for evening wear 👠
- Water shoes – protect your feet on coral or excursions 🛶
- Sunhat – wide brim for sun protection 👒
- Sunglasses – always in style and needed 🕶️
- Beach-friendly jewelry – waterproof or minimal 💎
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid 6+ months) 🛂
- Return flight confirmation 🛫
- Travel insurance policy 📄
- Hotel/resort confirmation 📲
- Credit card + some USD or local currency 💳
🚑 First Aid
- Seasickness tablets – for boat transfers 🚤
- Bug spray – mosquitoes still around 🦟
- Antihistamines – sun or bite reaction aid 💊
- Electrolyte packets – beach dehydration cure 💧
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush & toothpaste 🪥
- Deodorant – heat demands it 🧼
- Feminine hygiene – preferred brands may be limited 🩸
- Sanitizer & wipes – resort or transit safe 🧴
- Razor & grooming tools 🪒
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone & charger 📱
- Waterproof phone case – pool, sea, boat-proof 💦
- Universal adapter (Type D, G) 🔌
- Power bank – beach charging backup 🔋
- Camera or GoPro – stunning reef and water shots 📸
🎧 Entertainment
- Kindle or e-reader – beach reading 📚
- Offline music or playlists 🎧
- Notebook – write your island reflections 📝
🎁 Extras
- Snorkel gear (optional) – some prefer personal sets 🤿
- Reusable water bottle – eco-resort friendly 💧
- Beach towel – resorts provide, but you might want your own 🏖️
- Reusable straw – eco-sips 🥤
🌍 Travel Tips
- Most resorts are cashless – charge to your room 💳
- Pack reef-safe products to protect marine life 🌊
- Transfers may involve seaplanes – pack light! ✈️
- Book excursions early during the holiday season 📅
🛂 Visa Tips
- Most nationalities get visa-free entry (up to 30 days) 🛂
- Passport must be valid for 6 months 📆
- Print booking confirmations just in case 📋
⭐ Must-Haves
- Swimsuits 👙
- Reef-safe sunscreen 🌞
- Sunhat 👒
- Sunglasses 🕶️
- Cover-ups 🧣
- Flip-flops 🩴
👍 Good-to-Have
- Dry shampoo 🌬️
- GoPro or waterproof cam 📸
- Reusable straw 🥤
- Notebook 📝
- Snorkel set 🤿
