Maldives in January: prices, weather, tips, entertainment

In January, real summer reigns in the Maldives: it is time to go on vacation and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Features of the January holiday: weather, entertainment and prices.

Weather in Maldives in January

The Maldives is located near the equator, so the temperature is almost the same all year round. However, the Paradise Islands have two seasons:

• From November to April, the wet Iruvai monsoon comes with the least precipitation.
• From May to October comes the hulhangu summer monsoon, which brings rains.

Therefore, the high season for holidays in the Maldives is from January to April. This is the time when the winds and rains subside, the sun is shining and the water in the Indian Ocean becomes crystal clear.

• January is the perfect time to travel to the Maldives as warm monsoons bring sunny days. Rains, if they come, last no more than an hour and a half. After that, everything dries up quickly and excellent weather reigns again.
• Average daytime temperature in January in the Maldives: +30 degrees. The weather is beautiful without sudden temperature changes. Even on the hottest days, the thermometer does not show above +32 degrees. It gets a little cooler in the evening, but it's still warm: up to +26 degrees.
• The air humidity is quite comfortable: 80%.
• Precipitation is possible only in early January, it is no more than 5 rainy days.

Weather fluctuations are possible from 1 to 5 January, the so-called "furajala" period, when southeastern winds can blow, disturbing the calmness of the islands.

From 5 to 18 January a powerful wind "uturahala" may come. However, the weather is sunny, not a single cloud. After that, the winds subside and the sea is calm.

Swimming in the Maldives in January

In January, the water is especially clear, the weather is sunny. The water off the coast is perfectly warmed up, it is just perfect for swimming. Fans of snorkeling and scuba diving at a depth of 40 m will find a comfortable water temperature of + 27 degrees. Visibility reaches 30 m. Of the minuses, strong currents can be noted that exist outside the reefs.

Maldives resorts in January: features

Where is the most comfortable place in January? The Maldives is a scattering of thousands of islands and they have their own climatic characteristics:

• In North and South Male the temperature is about +30 degrees, at night up to +25, and the water warms up to +28 degrees. A bit windy, there is a chance of light rainfall within half an hour.
• The southern Atoll of Xiinu has less windy weather and is somewhat warmer: on average, the temperature is half a degree higher than in Male. At the same time, the probability of precipitation is higher.
• The North Haa Alif Atoll is the least rainy in January.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

The cost of living in the Maldives in January

January is high season. This is due not only to weather conditions, but also to the onset of holidays. Many go to the Maldives to celebrate the New Year and Christmas, which will certainly affect the cost of living.

• Budget vacation in the Maldives. In January, you can book a double room for two with breakfast included from $ 30 dollars + taxes and fees about $ 12 per night for two. Such a cost (about $ 40) can be found on the popular Maafushi island with early booking. Closer to the New Year holidays, the room rates increase.
• Four-star hotel in January with early booking starts at $ 450 for a double room plus $ 115 taxes and fees. By the way, on WIOTTO the cost of the villas is already indicated with all existing taxes and fees.
• Five-star hotel in January with early bookings starts at $ 650 plus $ 160 taxes and fees.

Advice. January is a pretty quiet time of the year and you might think about settling in a bungalow on the water. The first month of winter is great because it is calm. And during storms, houses on stilts are not comfortable to live in due to the surge of waves. But in warm January, such houses provide an opportunity to plunge into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean immediately after waking up.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

What to do in January in the Maldives

January favors outdoor activities in the Maldives. Among the most popular options, it is worth noting:

• Snorkeling. Grab your mask and snorkel and explore the beauty of the Maldives' underwater world. This is a completely budgetary activity: you won't have to pay a dime from above. If you're lucky, you can swim with the giant mantas.
• Surfing. A calm January cannot boast of significant waves, but if you are not coming here to compete, there will be plenty of waves for surfing in North Male. Lohifushi Island has high stable waves, where the international prestigious O'Neill Deep Blue Open tournament is held. Also popular is the so-called "police island" where surfers can enjoy the waves. Male has a sandy bottom without corals, which is an indisputable plus for a surfer.
• Diving. In January, it is worth going to the island atolls of Baa and Ari. Dive cost: $ 50-70.
• Fishing. No fisherman can look indifferently at the entire biodiversity of the Indian Ocean. To go fishing, it is enough to order a tour on a specialized boat. You can even become a part teams and see how fish schools are detected using radar. The cost of an 8-hour boat trip is about $ 1600.
• Also in January you can go windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, catamaran, scooter and banana boat rides.
• Cycling. There are bridges between some of the islands that make it possible to move freely around the atoll on bicycles.

Diving in the Maldives | Milaidhoo Island Maldives Resort

Nightlife

• In addition to luxury resorts, where they provide any service for tourists, the Maldives at night are completely lifeless. You will be disappointed by the lack of traditional entertainment. After sunset, you can stroll along the beach or dine on seafood at local restaurants.
• Pubs, bars and clubs are not about paradise islands, because the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited here. Consider if you are going to fly to the Maldives to celebrate New Year and Christmas. As mentioned above, this does not apply to resort islands.
• Do not try to bring champagne and strong drinks with you. The import of alcohol into the Maldives is prohibited. It can only be consumed in tourist resorts.
• Weekends in the Maldives are on Fridays and Saturdays. Prepare for the fact that these days are not easy to find a working restaurant.

Evening cinema at Kanuhura Maldives

Holidays in the Maldives in January

Locals celebrate New Year in the Maldives differently from the rest of the world. Their New Year comes in April, according to the lunar calendar. Therefore, all events taking place from December 31 to January 1 are designed exclusively for tourists. But don't worry about fireworks and New Year's celebrations. The Maldives hosts chic celebrations, New Years parties and masquerades in hotels. It is there that you can enjoy the atmosphere of the New Year under the palm trees.

Christmas atmosphere at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

What to take to the Maldives in January

• In January, you don't have to take warm clothes with you to the Maldives, because it will be warm in the evening too. As an exception, it is worth taking light sweaters for children.
• Standard clothing in the Maldives is shorts, T-shirts, flip flops and sandals. On the islands, locals should not wear open outfits. Take a T-shirt and shorts that cover your hips.
• Men should take light trousers. It is advisable for ladies to grab a few elegant dresses for going out.
• Bring suits and sundresses, because many restaurants have a dress code during dinner and you cannot wear beach clothes.
• If you are going to be active, bring athletic shoes.
• Bring cotton clothes: it's hot in the Maldives in January and synthetics will ruin you.
• Look for clothes with UV protection from the sun. This is especially true for children so as not to constantly use sunscreen.
• Bring sunscreen and bathing essentials with you.
• Be sure to bring coral shoes as there are plenty of them near the shore.
• Do not take with you stiletto heels: even on expensive resorts, there are sandy paths and walking in heels is extremely uncomfortable.
• Take an umbrella in case the weather turns bad and it rains for a short time. In January this is a rare occurrence, but it does happen.

Holidays in January in the Maldives are a great idea, because it can be combined with the New Year and Christmas holidays, making the beginning of the year especially bright. The warm climate and clear waters of the Indian Ocean contribute to this. But do not forget that such a trip should be planned in advance, because January is the high season.