Month guide · Maldives
Maldives in January
What January is really like in Maldives: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Maldives. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and calm in the north-east monsoon; peak season with the highest resort prices, especially in the first week.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 5th-warmest month in Maldives: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with December (30°C (86°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:18
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:12
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Late monsoon (October–November). Showery but improving weather with calmer seas towards November; good value before the high season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- New Year holiday peak
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Velana International Airport
Seaplane flight over the atolls
Ask for a window seat on the right or left depending on the route, and pack a small day bag, as luggage limits on seaplanes are strict.
- Time needed
- 20–60 minutes
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Views
- Photo spot
- Kids
Beach · All atolls
Sandbank picnic and snorkel
Boats drop visitors on tiny bare sandbanks in the middle of a lagoon for swimming, snorkelling and a picnic lunch, then collect them hours later.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Beach · North Malé Atoll
Thulusdhoo surf breaks
Visit between about March and October for the most consistent swell, and bring reef booties for the shallow reef.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Active
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
Island · Ari Atoll
Thoddoo farms and beach
Thoddoo, a single-island local community at the northern end of Alif Alif (North Ari) administrative atoll, is known for its farms growing watermelons, papayas and bananas, unusual in a country that imports most of its food.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Off the beaten path
- Food
- Outdoors
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Maldives.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 25°C and 6 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Maldives?
One of the best months to visit Maldives, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–April and December. Compare every month.
Maldives in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Maldives?
It is one of the best months to visit Maldives. Dry, sunny and calm in the north-east monsoon; peak season with the highest resort prices, especially in the first week.
+How warm is Maldives in January?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Maldives in January?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.