Best places to dive in January
4 trip bases match. Ranked for a beginner diver.
Typical values are 1991–2020 averages and our site seasons.
Live switches on 48 hours before your trip. Add a start date under When.
BestGoodPossibleOff seasonYour month
#1PalauDay boat or liveaboard●●●High confidence: 7 sites, every factor sourced - Strength: January is in season here
- Strength: Water 28–29°C in January
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Good all yearWhy this match: 45 + 4 + 9 = 58
Season45 / 55
The site is in season in January; calm on about 1 day in 3.
Your level4 / 27
1 of 7 sites suit beginner divers.
Weather9 / 18
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#2MalaysiaDay boat only●●○Medium confidence: 3 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Strength: Water 27–28°C in January
- Strength: 2 of 3 sites suit a beginner diver
- Trade-off: January is outside the main season (best April to December)
JFMAMJJASOND
Best April to DecemberWhy this match: 16 + 18 + 9 = 43
Season16 / 55
0 of 2 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Your level18 / 27
2 of 3 sites suit beginner divers.
Weather9 / 18
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#3ThailandDay boat only●●○Medium confidence: 3 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Strength: Water 27–28°C in January
- Trade-off: January is outside the main season (best March to September)
JFMAMJJASOND
Best March to SeptemberWhy this match: 15 + 9 + 15 = 39
Season15 / 55
The site is out of season in January; calm on almost every day.
Your level9 / 27
1 of 3 sites suit beginner divers.
Weather15 / 18
Rain on about 1 day in 3; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#4MaltaShore or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 4 sites on Divetip so far - Trade-off: January is outside the main season (best May to October)
JFMAMJJASOND
Best May to OctoberWhy this match: 8 + 14 + 14 = 36
Season8 / 55
0 of 2 sites are in season in January; calm on about half the days.
Your level14 / 27
2 of 4 sites suit beginner divers.
Weather14 / 18
Rain on about 1 day in 3; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
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Always check local conditions with your dive centre. Rankings are never paid for. Every month also has its own page: where to dive in January.