Best time to visit

The Maldives in January

Dry season and one of the busiest months: sunny days, light rain and calm seas.

January at a glance^*

87 mmof rain this month, in a normal year

6days with rain

258hours of sunshine, about 8 a day

26–31°Cfrom night low to day high

Hulhulé, by Malé: WMO climate normals 1991–2020

The northeast monsoon brings steady winds from the north-east, and the seas are usually calmer than in the wet season.

Rain is light and the days are long and sunny.

The sea is warm all year, around 28°C on average.

This is the northeast monsoon, Iruvai: the dry season, from December to April.

High season: by visitor spending, one of the six busiest months of the year.

$467 millionvisitors spent in January 2025Rank 6 of 12 months by spending

Manta raysIn the northeast monsoon they feed on the west side of the atolls, for example Rangali Madivaru in South Ari Atoll and the west of Raa Atoll.
Whale sharksSouth Ari Atoll's marine protected area has whale sharks all year, mostly young males. Researchers found no season in how many visit.
SurfingOutside the main surf season, which runs from mid-February to November.
Snorkelling and divingCalmer seas and sunny days make boat trips easy.

Busy months: book early, especially local-island guesthouses, which may not have rooms on arrival.
Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so a late arrival can mean a night near the airport.
With mantas and whale sharks, keep at least 3 m away, don't touch and don't chase.

Is January a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes. January is in the dry northeast monsoon, with little rain and plenty of sun. It is also high season, so book early.

Does it rain in the Maldives in January?

In a normal year Hulhulé, near Malé, gets about 87 mm of rain on 6 days this month. Rain usually comes as showers, with sunny spells in between.

Can I see manta rays in January?

In the northeast monsoon they feed on the west side of the atolls, for example Rangali Madivaru in South Ari Atoll and the west of Raa Atoll.

How warm is the sea in January?

Warm all year: around 28°C on average, according to Visit Maldives.

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* Sources: Maldives Meteorological Service (seasons and climate), WMO climate normals 1991–2020 (rain, sun and temperature at Hulhulé), Visit Maldives (surf season, sea temperature), Visit Maldives (manta sites), Manta Trust (Hanifaru Bay), Manta Trust (manta seasons), Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (whale sharks), MMA (visitor spending).