When you imagine winter in Male, Maldives, maybe you expect chilly days or a big shift in the weather. But honestly, that just doesn’t happen here.
Winter in Male stays warm, with daytime highs around 30°C (86°F) and lows near 25°C (77°F). This is one of the most consistent tropical climates out there.
You’ll notice drier weather compared to the rainier monsoon months. Rainfall drops to some of the lowest levels of the year.
Sunshine sticks around, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming or water sports every single day. These patterns make winter one of the most comfortable times to enjoy the islands, and you won’t have to worry much about rain getting in the way.
If you dig a little deeper into temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and daylight, you’ll see how Male’s winter weather stacks up against the rest of the year. That gives you a good sense of what to expect before you plan your days, whether you’re hitting the beach or wandering around the city.
Overview of Winter Weather in Male, Maldives
Winter in Male brings warm temperatures, high humidity, and steady daylight. Rainfall falls off quickly as the months go by.
Skies clear up, and breezes from the east blow at a moderate pace.
Typical Winter Climate Conditions
You’ll see daily high temperatures around 86°F (30°C), with lows near 80°F (27°C). The difference is small, so mornings, afternoons, and evenings all feel pretty much the same—warm.
Nights don’t cool down much, and humidity stays high, so the air feels muggy all the time.
Rain still happens, but your odds of a wet day drop from nearly 46% in December to about 11% by late February. Rainfall totals slide from around 6 inches early in the season to about 1 inch by the end.
Daylight barely changes. You get almost 12 hours of sun each day, with sunrise around 6:00 AM and sunset close to 6:15 PM.
Sea surface temperatures hold steady near 82–83°F. The water stays perfect for swimming and diving all season.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Cloud cover fades as winter moves on. At the start, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 70% of the time, but by February that drops to about 57%.
You’ll notice more clear or partly sunny days as the season goes.
Winds come mostly from the east at an average of 10 mph. They don’t change much in speed, and the steady breeze keeps the air moving without messing up your outdoor plans.
Solar energy rises as winter goes on. Early December averages about 4.8 kWh of sunlight daily, while late February gets up to 6.4 kWh.
That means brighter days and a bit more intense sun later in the season.
Humidity doesn’t really budge, with nearly 100% of days feeling muggy. Even with less rain, the air stays moist, so you’ll want to prepare for warm, damp conditions if you’re outside.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Malé stays warm and steady, with barely any difference between day and night. You might spot small changes as the weeks pass, but the tropical setting keeps things comfortable.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During winter, daytime highs in Malé usually sit around 86°F (30°C). They almost never dip below 84°F (29°C) or climb above 89°F (32°C).
You can count on consistent warmth without any wild swings.
At night, lows stick close to 80°F (27°C). It’s rare for temperatures to fall below 77°F (25°C), even in December, which is the coolest month.
The mild nights make evenings outdoors easy—no need for extra layers.
The warm sea around the islands helps keep things stable. Unlike lots of other places, you won’t see big jumps between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
This balance makes winter weather in Malé really reliable for planning outdoor fun.
Temperature Variability During Winter
Winter temperatures in Malé barely change compared to other tropical spots. The coldest period is early December, when daily ranges sit between 80°F and 86°F (27°C to 30°C).
By February, it bumps up a bit, running from 82°F to 88°F (28°C to 31°C).
These shifts are slow and subtle. Honestly, you probably won’t even notice week to week.
The Indian Ocean acts like a giant thermostat, keeping the air temperature steady.
Because of this, you can plan your days without worrying about sudden cold snaps. Whether you’re swimming, exploring the city, or heading out by boat, the air will feel reliably warm.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
During winter in Male, you’ll get drier weather than the rest of the year, but humidity doesn’t really let up. Rainfall drops sharply from the wet season, so outdoor activities get a lot more dependable.
The air still feels warm and moist though, thanks to the tropical climate.
Monthly Precipitation Trends
Rainfall in Male during winter is much lower than in the monsoon months. December averages about 75 mm (2.95 in) of rain.
January drops further to around 60 mm (2.36 in), and by February, precipitation bottoms out at roughly 50 mm (1.97 in).
You’ll see fewer rainy days too. On average, you might get 3–6 days of rain per month, way less than the 15+ days during peak monsoon.
Showers usually come and go quickly, so most plans can go ahead without much fuss.
The lower rainfall makes winter the best season for beach days, boat trips, and sightseeing around Male. Even when rain shows up, it tends to clear fast, leaving behind bright skies and warm water.
Humidity Patterns in Winter
Humidity in Male stays high all year, but winter brings a small dip compared to the rainier months. In December, relative humidity averages about 78%.
January and February hover between 76–77%. It’s still humid, but the drier air and steady breezes make things feel a bit more comfortable.
The mix of lower rainfall and slightly less humidity gives a nicer vibe for walking tours, market visits, and waterfront dinners.
Evenings feel a little less sticky than in summer, though you’ll always get that tropical feel.
Since the UV index stays high, the air might not seem as heavy, but sun protection is still a must. While it never gets truly dry, winter offers the best blend of warmth, sun, and manageable humidity.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
During winter in Malé, the sky bounces between cloudy and partly clear. You’ll get a mix of overcast days and stretches of sunshine, with sunlight hours shifting a bit month to month.
Cloudiness and Clear Days
Winter months in Malé bring a lot of cloud cover. In December, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 70% of the time.
By February, that drops to around 55–60%. The change is gradual, so you’ll see more clear skies as winter goes on.
Completely clear days aren’t super common, but you’ll get them. On average, you might see 7–10 clear days per month in winter.
Clearer spells usually line up with drier weather, making outdoor plans easier.
Clouds affect how bright the days feel. Even when it’s partly cloudy, the sun is strong, so bring sun protection. The mix of clouds and humidity can also make the air feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Average Daily Sunshine
Even with plenty of clouds, winter still gives steady sunshine hours. December and January usually bring about 7 hours of sunshine per day.
By February, that jumps closer to 8 hours daily. More daylight means extra time for the beach or exploring.
Compared to wetter months, winter sunlight is more reliable. For example:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine |
|---|---|
| December | ~7 hours |
| January | ~7 hours |
| February | ~8 hours |
February often ends up the sunniest winter month. Even on cloudier days, the sun breaks through for several hours.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
During winter in Male, you’ll feel steady breezes and pretty stable atmospheric pressure. These factors shape how comfortable it is outside and how reliable your outdoor plans will be.
Prevailing Winds in Winter
In winter, you’ll notice winds shifting with the seasonal monsoon cycle. From December to February, the northeast monsoon takes over, bringing drier air and consistent breezes across the islands.
Wind speeds usually sit between 7–15 mph (11–24 km/h). These breezes feel steady, not gusty, which makes them ideal for sailing, diving, and water activities.
Unlike the wet season, winter winds rarely bring long storms, so seas stay calm and skies clearer.
Sometimes, you’ll get stronger bursts, especially when seasons are changing. These can bring choppier waters, but it’s not all that often.
For most visitors, winter wind patterns mean comfort and steady conditions.
Air Pressure and General Atmosphere
Winter brings slightly higher and more stable air pressure than the wet season. This steadiness cuts down on heavy rain and keeps big storm clouds from forming.
Humidity stays high year-round, usually 77–80%, but the drier northeast monsoon makes the air feel less heavy than in mid-year.
The atmosphere feels warm and moist, but you won’t get the thick, stormy skies that show up in summer.
Visibility gets better too. Clearer air and fewer clouds make conditions great for sightseeing and marine adventures.
With steady pressure, you get a more predictable and comfortable environment for being outdoors or on the water.
Daylight Duration and Sunrise/Sunset Times
In Malé, daylight hours barely shift through winter. You’ll see only small changes in sunrise and sunset, and day length stays close to 12 hours.
Length of Winter Days
During winter, you get about 11 hours and 55 minutes to 12 hours and 10 minutes of daylight each day. That’s thanks to the Maldives’ spot near the equator—seasonal differences just aren’t that dramatic here.
In early December, daylight lasts around 12 hours and 10 minutes. By late January, it’s a bit shorter at about 11 hours and 55 minutes.
The changes are slow, so you won’t notice big swings in brightness from week to week.
Compared to places farther north, where winter days can get really short, Malé keeps things steady. Planning outdoor activities is easy—you’ll always have nearly equal daylight and darkness.
Seasonal Changes in Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise in Malé during winter usually happens between 5:58 AM and 6:21 AM. Sunset falls between 5:51 PM and 6:19 PM, depending on the month.
The difference from the earliest to the latest times is less than 30 minutes.
For example, in early December, the sun rises around 5:58 AM and sets near 5:51 PM. By early February, sunrise moves later to about 6:21 AM, while sunset stretches to around 6:19 PM.
This small shift keeps mornings and evenings pretty predictable. You won’t need to tweak your plans much as the season goes, since daylight stays balanced and reliable all winter.
How Winter Weather in Male Compares to Other Seasons
Winter in Male brings steady warmth, moderate humidity, and fewer rainy days than most of the year. While temperatures barely change month to month, rainfall and sunshine hours can shift enough to change how you experience the islands.
Temperature Differences Across the Year
In Male, the temperature barely changes all year. Most days, highs sit between 86°F and 88°F. At night, lows usually stay near 80°F to 82°F.
During winter, you’ll see highs around 86°F. Nights dip just to about 80°F, which honestly feels almost the same as summer.
Male doesn’t really get a cool season, which is kind of wild. The gap between winter and summer? It’s just 1–2°F. So, you can plan outdoor activities without stressing about big temperature changes.
Humidity sticks around, staying high all year—usually close to 100% on the comfort index. Still, winter tends to feel a touch nicer, thanks to clearer skies and less rain.
Sure, the air feels muggy, but the steady temps make it surprisingly easy to get used to.
Rainfall and Sunshine Comparison
Rainfall really shows the biggest seasonal contrast here. Winter, especially January to March, sits in the drier part of the year.
In February, you might only get rain on about 3 days, totaling around 0.8 inches of precipitation.
But if you look at May through November, Male gets hammered with heavy rainfall. During these months, you could see 5 to 6 inches of rain and as many as 15 rainy days in a single month.
September and November stand out as some of the wettest times.
Sunshine hours pick up in winter. Skies usually clear out, and February often brings the highest percentage of sunny or at least partly sunny days.
On the flip side, June tends to bring overcast skies nearly 90% of the time, which really limits beach and water activities.