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When to go · Maldives

Maldives in January

Great month. Dry, calm, excellent visibility; early January still peak-priced.

Key facts

Verdict
Great
Crowds
High
Maldives
Prices
High
Maldives

Verdict

GreatVoykit month rating for Maldives

Dry, calm, excellent visibility; early January still peak-priced.

Is another month better than January?

No other month rates higher than January for Maldives in this guide.

Weather in January

  • Northern atolls · Haa Alif, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyanibest weather

    Most pronounced monsoon swing; Hanifaru Bay mantas in Baa May–November.

  • Central atolls · Malé (Kaafu), Ari, Vaavu, Meemubest weather

    The north-east monsoon (Iruvai) brings dry, calm weather December–April; south-west (Hulhangu) squalls May–November, with sunny spells between.

  • Southern atolls · Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addufine

    Near the equator: rain spread through the year, fewer strong seasons; tiger sharks at Fuvahmulah all year.

  • Ari: Ari Atoll · North and South Ari, both sides of the atoll rimbest weather

    Dry season roughly December to April, southwest monsoon rain June to September; the atoll sits near the equator, so showers are short and temperatures stay around 28–31 °C (82–88 °F) all year.

  • Kaafu: North and South Malé Atoll · Kaafu, around Malé and Velana airportbest weather

    Dry northeast monsoon roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind, heaviest June–September. Temperatures stay around 27–31 °C (81–88 °F) all year.

  • Lhaviyani: Lhaviyani · northern atoll, 5.38 N 73.48 Ebest weather

    Dry season roughly December to April; southwest monsoon May to November brings more rain and wind.

  • Malé30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Addu30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Kuredu30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 2 rain days
  • Maafushi30 °C (86 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Maamigili30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 5 rain days
  • Mathiveri31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 2 rain days
  • Rasdhoo30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 5 rain days
  • Thoddoo30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ukulhas30 °C (86 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 4 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • National Day, Victory Day, Republic Day, Islam Day

    Varies (lunar)

    Public holidays; government offices closed.

  • Christmas and New Year peak big impact

    20 Dec – 10 Jan

    Resort rates at their highest, minimum stays, seaplanes full.

  • Dry season and peak tourism

    Dec to Apr · Malé

    Sunniest weather; hotels, seaplane seats and speedboats fill.

  • Peak tourist season

    Dec–Feb · Malé

    Resort transfers, seaplane seats and hotel rooms in Malé sell out; book months ahead.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Maldives
High
Prices · Maldives
High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Maldives, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Great

    Feb: Great

  • Crowds

    Jan: High

    Feb: High

  • Prices

    Jan: High

    Feb: High

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 4

    Feb: 5

January: Dry, calm, excellent visibility; early January still peak-priced.

February: The driest month; Chinese New Year peak.

Maldives: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in January

Rated best or good this month

  • Northern atolls

    Best weather of the year (Haa Alif, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyani)

  • Central atolls

    Best weather of the year (Malé (Kaafu), Ari, Vaavu, Meemu)

  • Malé

    Dry season, hot; book early.

  • Addu

    Best months: Jan–Apr

  • Kuredu

    Best months: Dec–Apr

  • Maafushi

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, calm seas)

  • Maamigili

    Best months: Dec–Apr

  • Mathiveri

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season, low seas)

  • Rasdhoo

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, calm, best visibility)

  • Thoddoo

    Best months: Dec–Apr

  • Ukulhas

    Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season, highest prices)