The Maldives in January are an excellent destination for those seeking a warm and sunny holiday to break free from the cold temperatures and city stress. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, warm temperatures, and plenty of sunshine, these islands are ideal for relaxing and unwinding.
Located in the Indian Ocean, this country is nothing short of a tropical paradise. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, the Maldives are the perfect destination for a January escape.
What to Expect from the Weather in the Maldives in January 2024
The weather in the Maldives in January is generally sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging between 24-31°C. The month is an excellent time for beach days and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Rain is usually rare during this time of the year, though occasional showers may occur. The Maldives in January weather typically boasts 8-10 hours of sunshine each day, calm seas, and no storms, so this is an ideal time to visit the Maldives and enjoy its beauty.
- Temperature: The Maldives’ temperature in January is around 28°C during the day and 23°C at night. The Maldives temperature average in January is generally around 27°C. The humidity is usually about 76%.
Because of the high temperatures and humidity, January is a great time of the year to visit the Maldives. You will experience warm, clear waters and a pleasant breeze from the sea. The sea temperature is around 27°C — a perfect temperature for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
- Average Rainfall: The Maldives in January weather typically offers an average of 173 mm of rainfall in the whole month, with 5 total days with some rain or drizzle. However, the average rainfall can be lower or higher depending on the year due to tropical cyclones and anticyclones. If you don’t mind a little rain, this is a great time to enjoy the Maldives.
What to Wear for the Weather in the Maldives in January 2024
While visiting the Maldives in January, you’ll want to wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton, linen, and other natural fibres are best for staying comfortable in this tropical climate.
Sundresses, shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are great for the days, and a light cardigan or cover-up is ideal for cooler evenings. A sun hat and sunglasses can help protect your skin and eyes from the intense equatorial sun. Of course, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!
Visitor Arrivals: Are the Maldives Crowded During January?
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination year-round. January is no exception – the islands usually attract visitors from all around the world. Having that said, there is a wide variety of accommodation options in the Maldives, so it is possible to find a quiet location if you’re looking to avoid the busy tourist hotspots.
There are two types of islands to visit in the Maldives — resort islands and local islands.
The resort islands are well-equipped to deal with visitors and tend to be more private, while the local islands can be busier. Often, you will need to get a boat or seaplane transfer to the resort island of your choice. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, aim for the outer islands where the crowds tend to be thin.
Average Costs of a Trip to the Maldives in January
The average cost of a trip to the Maldives in January can vary greatly, depending on the type of accommodation and activities. Generally, a weeklong holiday package to the Maldives will cost between £1700 to £3000 per person, including lodging, meals, and transfers. Additional activities like diving and water sports may add to the cost.
Airfare
A return flight to the Maldives, starting from the UK, can range from £700 to £1500, depending on the ticket class. You can expect to pay a higher price for business class and first-class tickets. Flying to the Maldives will likely be one of your biggest travel expenses, but flying in January usually offers significant discounts.
A good idea is to speak to a travel agent about a package deal. A holiday package to the Maldives typically includes flights, accommodation, transfers, a number of activities, and a board basis depending on the resort. These can offer significant discounts, helping you get more value for less money.
Hotels and Resorts Prices
Hotel and resort prices in the Maldives can be quite high if purchased separately. The average cost of staying at a 5-star resort in the Maldives is around £300 per night. The prices can go above £700 per night for more luxurious resorts. However, there are also some cheaper options with average prices ranging from £150-£250 per night. Finding some budget-friendly alternatives for as low as £100 per night may also be possible.
Transfers
The Maldives offers a range of convenient transfers for travellers. From ferry transfers to speedboat transfers, the transfer cost depends on the distance of the journey and the type of transfer chosen. Generally, transfers cost an average of £20- £150 per person, depending on the island and the transfer service provider. Popular transfer services include ferry, speedboat, and seaplane transfers. All transfers are reliable and offer comfortable and safe journeys.
Plenty of Fun Things to Do in the Maldives in January
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Maldives! Start your vacation with a snorkelling or diving trip to explore the colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Enjoy a leisurely cruise in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Spend a day soaking up the sun on the white sand beaches or participate in various water sports like kayaking, surfing, and windsurfing. No matter what you choose, tropical adventures await!
Top 8 things to do in Maldives in January 2024 | |
1- Explore the local islands | 2- Take a dinner cruise |
3- Relax on the beach | 4- Participate in a dolphin-watching tour |
5- Go snorkelling or diving | 6- Join a fishing trip |
7- Try the local cuisine | 8- Attend a festival |
Maldives Islands to Visit in January
This country covers over a thousand islands spread across the Indian Ocean, so deciding which Maldivian islands to include on your itinerary can be challenging. For a memorable experience, consider heading to Baa Atoll, the Vaavu Atoll, or the UNESCO-protected Laamu Atoll. All three offer crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches.
Other popular spots include the capital island Malé, the tourist hotspot of Maafushi, and the exotic island of Thoddoo. Whichever you choose to visit, you’re sure to experience unforgettable beauty.
Best Islands in Maldives to visit in January | |
1- Malé | 2- Thoddoo |
3- Maafushi | 4- Biyadhoo |
5- Hulhumale | 6- Baros |
7- Vaadhoo | 8- Thulusdhoo |
What to Eat in Maldives in January
Traditional Maldivian cuisine includes vibrant flavours influenced by neighbouring countries, like Sri Lanka and India. Fresh seafood is a staple in this part of the world, so you’ll definitely want to try seafood dishes like garudhiya, mas huni, or fihuna mas.
Bajiya is another Maldivian staple – this teatime snack is very similar to a samosa. Don’t forget to try their typical variety of fresh fruit while you’re here — papaya, mango, and pineapple are particularly sweet on these islands.
Best Things to Eat in the Maldives in January | |
1- Garudhiya | 2- Mas Huni |
3- Bajiya | 4- Fihuna Mas |
5- Papayas | 6- Coconut |
7- Mango | 8- Pineapple |
Maldives in January Travel Tips to Remember
- Bring a light jacket – the weather can get cooler in the evenings.
- Don’t forget to pack your reef-safe sunscreen, as the sun is powerful at this time of year.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Don’t forget to take out travel insurance to ensure you are covered in an emergency.
- Avoid walking around in your swimsuit outside of the beach areas. A summer dress or long shirt will keep you cool, while helping you fit in with the local culture.
- Keep USD on hand: Although the local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, the dollar is widely accepted almost everywhere in the Maldives.
Read Also: Best time to visit Maldives | Maldives in December | Thailand in January | Dubai in January
Maldives in November | Maldives in October | Things to do in Maldives | Vietnam in January
Bali in January | Maldives in February
The Maldives in January FAQs
Yes, January is a good time to visit the Maldives, as it experiences its dry season during this time, making it perfect for a beach holiday.
The Maldives can be an expensive destination in January since this month is the high season in the area. January is still one of the best times to travel to the Maldives.
The Maldives typically gets about nine hours of sunshine per day in January.