If you want to enjoy plenty of sunshine on your holiday, you should visit the Maldives in January. The weather conditions are very pleasant, since it's not too cold and not too hot. It's also an excellent time for snorkelling, diving, and other water activities.
Since January is one of the peak seasons, you can expect the islands to be somewhat crowded at the start of the year. This shouldn't deter you from visiting however, as the excellent weather more than makes up for it.
If you're thinking about taking a trip to this stunning part of the world on a winter break, here's everything you need to know if you plan on visiting the Maldives in January.
Weather in the Maldives in January
The weather in the Maldives is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C. At night, the temperature could go down to about 24°C, while the sea temperature remains warm at 28°C.
On average, the Maldives in January only has five rainy days. Because of the wind's eastern direction in January, the ocean currents are primarily eastern. Given the beautiful climate in the Maldives in January, the island often receives plenty of tourists during this time of the year.
What to do in the Maldives in January
Experience Scuba Diving at Maafushi
If you want to go scuba diving in the Maldives, January is one of the best times, since the ocean is clear and warm and offers clear ocean visibility. There are many excellent places to go scuba diving in the Maldives, but the most popular of these is Maafushi.
Located in the South Male atoll, this island attracts scuba divers throughout the year. There are fantastic diving opportunities for beginners and expert divers, with frequent manta ray sightings and access to a range of beautiful marine habitats.
Since January is one of the peak seasons for scuba diving in the Maldives, you should book your scuba diving package in advance. Get in touch with local travel companies to arrange your scuba diving excursion in Maafushi or the other islands in the Maldives. If you plan on taking up scuba diving lessons, they can arrange that for you as well.
Underwater Snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay
Given the clear visibility of the ocean in the Maldives in January, underwater snorkelling is another popular activity. Hanifaru Bay is one of the most popular sites for snorkelling in the Maldives as it attracts exceptionally high numbers of gentle whale sharks and manta rays.
As a UNESCO biosphere reserve, this place is a Marine Protected Area. Therefore, tourists must follow strict guidelines and regulations when snorkelling here. When booking your snorkelling tour, make sure you deal only with licensed tour guides who are familiar with the strict rules imposed to keep the area protected and preserved.
Check out the Glowing Beach on Vaadhoo Island
The Maldives is famous for its stunning beaches, but one in particular stands out due to its mesmerizing sight at night. This beach glows beautifully under the dark due to a natural phenomenon known as "Bioluminescence", where a living organism emits light. The water in this area also has several marine animals capable of performing the light-producing action, making it even more interesting to watch.
Witnessing this incredible phenomenon is a must when you visit the Maldives in January. Getting to Vaadhoo Island should be easy since it's connected to the various areas of the Maldives, and the capital city of Malé is only 8 km away.
Visit the Artificial Beach
Another interesting beach you should visit on your trip to the Maldives is Artificial Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is completely man made. You will find it at the North Male atoll, also referred to as the "Carnival Beach" since it hosts many festivals, events, and carnivals throughout the year.
Aside from witnessing these spectacular events, tourists heading to Carnival Beach can also enjoy various water sports activities such as surfing, paragliding, scuba diving, and more!
The Maldives in January FAQs
What to wear in the Maldives in January?
Thanks to the excellent weather in the Maldives in January, tourists visiting this island paradise can wear any outfit they want. But take note that the islands can get colder at night, so you may need to pack some jackets, wraps, or cover-ups to keep you warm when going out at night. During the day, feel free to wear light clothing since the islands enjoy many hours of sunshine and high temperatures during the daytime.
Is it cold in the Maldives in January?
You can expect a colder climate in the Maldives in January, with an average temperature staying at 27°C. The nights can get colder since the temperature will drop to about 24°C. Meanwhile, the sea temperature in January in the Maldives is warm, at about 28°C.
Summary
The Maldives is an excellent destination for a beach holiday at any time of the year. But if you want to enjoy outstanding weather, visit in January.
Aside from the beautiful weather, the Maldives in January offers plenty of opportunities for fun activities, from snorkelling to scuba diving. Whether you are going to the Maldives with your family, friends, or significant other, you are sure to have a great time in January.
If you're thinking about booking a holiday to the Maldives and are looking for an outstanding travel provider to help you plan your trip, get in touch with us at Destinology and take a look at the experiences we have on offer.