Maldives — travel photo

🇲🇻 Maldives · Dry season (Dec–Apr)

What to wear in the Maldives in January

By PackTheLook · Updated 28 October 2026

Highs31°C (88°F)
Lows26°C (79°F)
Rainy days~6
Daylight12 h
CrowdsPeak season

January averages for Malé (Velana Airport). Source

January is peak season: dry, sunny and calm with excellent visibility for diving. Prices are at their highest. Swimwear, cover-ups and a dressy outfit for sunset dinners.

☀️ By day

Swimwear, a cover-up and a hat in the calm, dry season.

🌙 Evening

Barefoot-chic linen for resort dinners.

What's on in January

Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.

Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll

Year-round

Snorkel trips find whale sharks in all seasons. A long-sleeved rash guard protects you from sun on the boat.

January packing essentials

Your January outfit list

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Dress code

  • Resorts: swimwear, cover-ups and resort-casual are fine everywhere.
  • Local islands and Malé: cover shoulders and knees; bikinis only on designated bikini beaches.
  • Mosques: long, loose clothing; women cover their hair.

Full dress code, activities and common mistakes →

Good weather elsewhere in January

All destinations →