If you are planning a trip to the Maldives in January 2024, then it is the right time to explore the Maldives. Many travellers or couples visit the Maldives to enjoy their private moments with a luxurious stay.
In January 2024, the weather in the Maldives is generally sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging between 24-31°C. The average daytime maximum temperature reaches 30°C, and the average nighttime minimum temperature is 25°C. The month typically experiences 8–10 hours of sunshine each day, calm seas, and no storms, making it an ideal and best time to visit the Maldives. There are usually 5 days with some rainfall in Male, Maldives, in January, with an average monthly rainfall of 90mm.
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Maldives weather in January 2024
Generally, the weather which is seen In January, the Maldives experiences warm and pleasant temperatures compared to another month. The average daily temperature ranges from around 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The evenings and nights there are slightly cooler compared to the daytime, but it’s still comfortable enough to enjoy outdoor activities and various other activities on the Maldives island.
The temperature of ocean water remains warm at about 28°C, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or other water activities. The Maldives typically gets to see about nine hours of sunshine per day in January, with a 43% chance of a perfect sunny day and a 57% chance of seeing a mixture of sunshine and cloudy weather with an average of 0mm of rainfall this month.
Things to do in Maldives in January 2024
Here are some of the top activities and attractions to enjoy in the Maldives in January, including:
- Exploring local islands
- Taking a dinner cruise
- Relaxing on the beach
- Participating in a dolphin-watching tour
- Going snorkeling or diving
- Joining a fishing trip
- Trying local cuisine
The Maldives in January offer a warm and sunny holiday experience with crystal-clear oceanic waters, white sandy beaches, and plenty of sunshine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Maldives in January is a superb destination for beach days, swimming, and various water sports activities that make your Maldives trip more memorable.
In January 2024, the Maldives will offer a greater variety of activities for visitors to enjoy and explore their nation’s beauty. There are many ways that you can also explore the beauty of the Maldives at night, with its glowing beaches.
1. Exploring local islands
Exploring local islands in the Maldives is a unique and budget-friendly way to experience the country’s natural beauty and rich culture deeply. Here are some recommended local islands that you can visit in January 2024:
- Maafushi: Known for its water sports offerings and scuba diving, Maafushi is a popular choice for travelers. The island has a variety of activities, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants to choose from, and it’s easily accessible by speedboats operating frequently.
- Fulidhoo: This smaller island, famous for its quieter island, is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Ukulhas: Known as the first eco-friendly local island, Ukulhas is committed to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. The island gives a unique experience to travelers interested in eco-friendly tourism.
- Maafushi: It is one of the most popular local islands among many visitors because it has its own pristine beaches and abundant marine life. The island is perfect for exploring the coral reefs and observing equatorial fish species.
- Dhigurah: This island is located in the Alif Dhaal Atoll. Dhigurah is known for its long beaches and whale shark tours. The island has multiple diving spots and dive centres, making it the best destination for divers.
- Mathiveri: Located in Alif Alif Atoll, Mathiveri is popular for its three beaches and water sports opportunities like wakeboarding, diving, snorkeling, and dolphin and manta ray watching.
- Huraa: Just 35 minutes away from Male, Huraa Island is located on the Kaafu Atoll of the Maldives. The island offers a mix of local and tourist experiences, with friendly locals and authentic Maldivian cuisine.
- Fulhidoo: Located in Vaavu Atoll, Fulhidoo is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. The island is perfect for those looking to explore the local culture with their lifestyle and enjoy water sports activities.
When exploring local islands, it’s essential to pack light, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s radiation. Additionally, consider taking out travel insurance to ensure you are covered in case of any emergencies while travelling.
2. Taking a dinner cruise
Taking a dinner cruise is a popular activity in the Maldives, offering a unique dining experience while cruising through the beautiful Maldivian waters. Here are some options for dinner cruises in the Maldives in January 2024:
- Astronomical Dinner Cruise: Soneva Fushi offers an Astronomical Dinner Cruise that includes a four-course meal with wine pairings while an astronomer guides you through the secrets of the cosmos.
- Sunset Cruise: Baros offers a Sunset Cruise that includes reef snorkeling adventures, sunset sailing, or romantic dinner cruises for two. Their little Nooma vessel is perfect for an authentic local experience.
- Romantic Beach Dinner: Viator offers a romantic beach dinner in Maafushi, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach.
- Maldives Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Samudra Maldives offers a Maldives Sunset Dolphin Cruise that takes you on a speedboat with no more than six participants to watch the sunset over the Maldivian horizon. You can also come face-to-face with the delightfully friendly dolphins.
- Atoll Cruises Sunset Cruise: Kuredu Resort & Spa offers an Atoll Cruises Sunset Cruise that takes you on a local dhoni boat to watch the sunset over the Maldivian horizon. You can also watch dolphins, eagle rays, and turtles.
These dinner cruises offer a unique and romantic way to experience the Maldives’ natural beauty and rich culture in a luxurious way.
Note: Remember to book in advance
3. Relaxing on the beach
Some information about relaxing on the beach in the Maldives in January 2024:
| Beach Name | Location | Atmosphere | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bikini Beach, Maafushi | Lively | Tourists and locals | Swimming, sunbathing, and water sports |
| Fulidhoo Beach | Calm waters, beautiful coral reefs | Snorkeling, diving | |
| Ukulhas Beach | White sand, clear waters | Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving | |
| Huraa Beach | Beautiful scenery, calm waters | Relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving | |
| Baros Island Beach | Luxurious resort atmosphere | Swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beach activities |
Travel tips: Some important things to consider when traveling to the Maldives
4. Participating in a dolphin-watching tour
In the Maldives, if you are traveling for the first time, then it is recommended that you participate in a dolphin-watching tour, which is a popular and memorable experience. Here are some options for dolphin-watching tours in the Maldives in January 2024:
- Dive Club Maldives: Offers dolphin and whale watching tours, as well as scuba and snorkeling experiences.
- Arenatours: provides dolphin and whale watching tours, along with scuba and snorkeling safaris.
- Zeldiva Luxury: offers personalized dolphin-watching tours, providing a unique and luxurious experience.
- Sandbank Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise: This tour includes dolphin watching along with snorkeling and a sunset cruise, offering a comprehensive experience.
- Maafushi: Snorkeling in the Maldives half-day trip: This tour combines snorkeling with dolphin watching, allowing visitors to enjoy both activities in one excursion.
- Maldives Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Samudra Maldives offers a sunset dolphin cruise, providing an opportunity to see dolphins against a beautiful Maldivian sunset. The tour includes personalized pickup and packaged drinking water for visitors.
These tours offer the chance to see various species of dolphins in their natural habitat, providing a memorable and educational experience for visitors. If you are with family, then this tour will be a must. When participating in dolphin-watching tours, it’s important to respect the local laws and customs, particularly in an Islamic country like the Maldives.
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5. Going snorkeling or diving
| Activity | Options |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling | Dive Club Maldives, Arenatours, Zeldiva Luxury, Snorkeling off Dhigali Island, Joining a turtle conservation group, Kitesurfing |
| Diving | Dive Club Maldives, Arenatours, Zeldiva Luxury, Liveaboard dive boat, Ari Atoll and the North and South Malé Atolls, Vaavu Atoll, Fotteyo Kandu, Alimathaa Night Dive, Miyaru Kandu, and Fulidhoo Dive Center |
These activities offer visitors the opportunity to explore the diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs in the Maldives. When snorkeling and diving, it’s essential to follow local laws and customs, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
6. Joining a fishing trip
In the Maldives, there are many options to enjoy, and joining fishing trips is one of them, giving you the opportunity to experience the country’s rich fishing tradition and diverse marine life. Here are some options for fishing trips in the Maldives in January 2024:
- Local Island Fishing Trips: Visitors can book fishing trips from local islands, allowing them to stay among the locals and discover the culture and history of the country. These trips often include the preparation of meals with the catch of the day on uninhabited islands and visits to the greatest fishing sites in the Maldives.
- Fishing Cruises: Private boat cruises for fishing are available, offering well-equipped and comfortable options with large deck areas and air-conditioned guest cabins. These cruises provide a unique and personalized fishing experience in the Maldivian waters.
- Charter Fishing: There are various fishing charters and tours available, or many luxury resorts also include in their options different boat types and group sizes and are guided by local fishermen, providing visitors the flexibility to choose the type of fishing experience they prefer, whether it’s a luxury getaway or an authentic experience.
- Diverse Fishing Options: Fishing in the Maldives can be done in various ways, including big game or reef fishing, and visitors can choose from different types of boats, such as mega yachts, cabin cruisers, and traditional dhonis, to tailor their fishing experience to their preferences.
These fishing trips provide an opportunity for visitors to engage in the country’s long-standing fishing tradition and learn about ethical fishing practices while enjoying the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.
7. Trying local cuisine
In the Maldives, you can enjoy a variety of delicious local dishes and many seafood dishes that are influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Some must-try dishes in the Maldives in 2024 include:
- Garudhiya: A fragrant fish soup made with fish, water, and salt, served with lime, rice, chili, and onions.
- Kukulhu Riha: A popular curry made with diced fresh tuna, using a mixture of spices. Chicken curry (Kashi Kukulhu Riha) is also available.
- Mas Huni: A traditional Maldivian dish made from mashed and fermented fish, often served with onion salad and pickles.
- Handulu Bondibai: A sweet and sticky dessert made from balls of tuna meat, often served with a side of smoked fish.
- Kulhi Boakibaa: The Maldives’ version of tapas or ‘small eats,’ these fishcakes are made from ground cooked rice and tuna.
- Dhon Riha: A local version of curries, usually consumed with rice or sliced roshi.
- Tholhi Kiru Garudhiya: A vegetarian curry made with ingredients like eggplant, Luffa aegyptiaca, pumpkin, and chichanda.
- Saagu Bondibai: A sago pudding made with sago, coconut milk, and condensed milk, flavored with cardamom and rose.
These dishes can be found in various restaurants and local eateries throughout the Maldives. Be sure to try them to experience the rich culinary culture of the country in Maldivian style.
What to Eat in Maldives in January
| Dish/Drink | Description |
|---|---|
| Garudhiya | A fragrant fish soup made with fish, water, and salt, served with lime, rice, chili, and onions. |
| Mas Huni | Shredded smoked tuna, served with grated coconuts, lemons, and onions, is typically eaten with chapati bread called Roshi. |
| Bajiya | A Maldivian version of the samosa, a popular teatime snack. |
| Fihuna Mas | Fresh tuna, diced, spiced, and curried, is often served with flatbread. |
| Papayas | A typical variety of fresh fruit, particularly papayas, mangoes, and pineapples, which are particularly sweet on the islands. |
| Coconut | A staple in Maldivian cuisine, it is used in various dishes and desserts. |
| Mango | A popular tropical fruit found in the Maldives, known for its sweet and juicy taste. |
| Pineapple | Another popular tropical fruit found in the Maldives offers a refreshing and fruity taste |
What to Wear for the Weather in the Maldives in January 2024
It is important to take note that the Maldives is a Muslim country, and it is significant to wear a proper outfit in the Maldives. Here are some clothing tips for what to wear in the Maldives in January 2024. There is no restriction on wearing any outfit, but it is important to respect other cultures.
- Lightweight Clothing: Stick to lightweight clothing such as linen trousers, shorts, and short-sleeved shirts, especially during the dry season from November to April.
- Breathable Fabrics: Opt for natural and breathable fabrics like silk, linen, or cotton to stay comfortable in the warm weather.
- Tropical Dresses: Women can prefer to wear tropical dresses and pair them with elegant jewelry. Carrying a sarong is also recommended for adding a touch of glamour when required.
- Bathing Suits: It’s essential to pack 1 or 2 bathing suits, depending on the duration of your trip, to enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm sea temperatures.
- Sun Protection Shirt: Consider bringing a sun protection shirt with lightweight UPF 50+ sun protection to shield yourself from the strong sun, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outside.
- Conservative Attire: When visiting inhabited islands and the capital, Malé, it’s important to dress conservatively and cover your knees and shoulders, especially if you’re staying at a local-owned resort. Visit maladies official site.
Note: You can wear anything on a private island, such as bikini or a short dress, where you have stayed but avoid the local island of maldives
Overall, the key is to pack light, breathable, and modest clothing, along with sun protection, to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience in the Maldives in January 2024.
FAQ’s
- Maldives in January 2024 weather
In January 2024, the weather in the Maldives is generally sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging between 24-31°C.
- Can I travel to the Maldives in January?
Yes, you can travel to the Maldives in January, which is the best time to visit the Maldives as it is the dry season with warm temperatures.
- best time to visit Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, during the dry season. This period offers little rain, with temperature ranging from 29°C to 31°C
- popular activities to do in Maldives in January 2024
there are many popular activities to enjoy in the Maldives in January, such as Water Sports, Adventure Activities, candlelight dinners, and explore culture.