At a glance
| At a glance | In January |
|---|---|
| Weather | Dry and sunny, with low humidity and highs of around 30°C |
| Sea | Calm and very clear, about 28°C |
| Marine life | Mantas on the western sides of the atolls; whale sharks in South Ari |
| Surf | Outside the surf season; smaller waves suit beginners |
| Visitors | Peak season; book early |
| Holidays | Christmas and New Year prices into the first week |
| Suits | First visits, honeymoons, families, divers and snorkellers |
Weather
January is the dry season at its most settled. Skies are clear, humidity is low and rain is rare, with about nine hours of sunshine a day and daytime highs of around 30°C. Gentle sea breezes keep the heat comfortable on the beach.
In the far south, rain is spread more evenly through the year, so a shower is a little more likely there.
In the water
The sea is calm and some of the clearest of the year, which makes January one of the best months for snorkelling and diving. The water is about 28°C.
In this season, mantas are seen more on the western sides of the atolls. Whale sharks are found around South Ari Atoll all year, and calm seas make the boat trips to find them easier.
Surf
January falls outside the main surf season. The northeast monsoon brings smaller swells, which suit beginners, and the southern atolls catch more of what swell there is.
Visitors and prices
January is one of the most popular months of the year, and resorts are busy. Christmas and New Year prices often run through the first week, and over the holiday resorts may ask for a minimum stay of five to seven nights. Book well ahead, especially for an overwater villa.
Who it suits
Almost any holiday that depends on sunshine and calm water: a first visit, a honeymoon, a family holiday or a diving trip. January to March are also the best months for a wedding ceremony outdoors. It suits a tight budget less well; the low season, from May, is the time for value.