New Year in the Maldives
New Year in the Maldives is warm, busy and more expensive than most of the year. What it looks like depends on where you stay: resorts run their own gala programmes, and local islands such as Thoddoo have a village celebration. Here is how the weather, the transfers and the island party work around 31 December.
The weather in December
The Maldives has two monsoons. The drier northeast monsoon runs roughly from December to April, with calmer seas and more sun, and this is the high season, when prices are higher.
December itself is cloudier than the months that follow: according to the climate averages for Malé we used in our article on the sun, there are about 6–7 hours of sunshine a day in November and December, against 9–10 hours in January and February. Expect sun and some cloud, not a cloudless sky every day.
Resorts and local islands
Resorts decide their own New Year programmes. Many offer a gala dinner and a themed evening, and some make the dinner a mandatory supplement. Before you book, ask what is included, what costs extra and what the programme is.
On local islands the celebration is organised by the island itself. On 31 December 2025 the Thoddoo island administration held an official party from 20:00 with live music and a DJ, traditional dances and boduberu drumming, games and prizes, fireworks, lantern launching, a toast and cake, and dancing until about 02:00.
The 2026 programme has not been announced. We will know it closer to the date, so write to us and we will tell you what is planned.
Getting there around 31 December
- 31 December 2026 is a Thursday, and 1 January 2027 is a Friday.
- The speedboat between Malé airport and Thoddoo runs every day except Friday: it leaves Malé at 16:00 and Thoddoo at 07:00, and costs USD 35 per person each way.
- The seaplane flies on Thursdays and Saturdays, at USD 90 per person one way for foreigners.
- That means there is no scheduled speedboat or seaplane on Friday 1 January. Plan your arrival or departure around it, and arrive at least a day before the party. Confirm the timetable with us before you book.
Booking and preparation
- Book early: New Year is the high season and prices are higher.
- Ask the accommodation what the New Year programme includes and what is extra.
- Take out travel insurance that covers delays.
- Pack light clothes, a smart outfit for the evening, sun protection and a snorkel mask.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in the Maldives at New Year?
December is the start of the drier northeast monsoon. Malé averages about 6–7 hours of sunshine a day in November and December, against 9–10 in January and February.
Is New Year more expensive in the Maldives?
Yes, it falls in the high season, when prices are higher. Ask for the full price including what the New Year programme requires.
Is there a New Year party on Thoddoo?
The island administration held an official party on 31 December 2025. The 2026 programme has not been announced yet.
Can I travel on 1 January 2027?
It is a Friday, and there is no speedboat on Fridays. The seaplane flies on Thursdays and Saturdays. Check the timetable with us.
Is Relax Residence suitable for children?
No, Relax Residence is an adults-only guesthouse.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
