Best places for whale sharks in January
20 trip bases match. Ranked for any 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
#1MaldivesLiveaboard or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 3 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Whale sharks: likely in January
- Strength: 3 of 3 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Calm seas on most days
- Trade-off: Rain on about half the days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to AprilWhy this match: 35 + 19 + 19 + 9 = 82
Season35 / 38
3 of 3 sites are in season in January; calm on most days.
Interests19 / 31
Whale sharks: likely in January.
Your level19 / 19
No level picked, so all 3 sites count.
Weather9 / 13
Rain on about half the days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#2PhilippinesDay boat only●●○Medium confidence: 4 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: 4 of 4 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Strength: Water 26–27°C in January
- Trade-off: Whale sharks: possible in January, not reliable
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to MayWhy this match: 37 + 9 + 19 + 10 = 75
Season37 / 38
4 of 4 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Interests9 / 31
Whale sharks: possible in January.
Your level19 / 19
No level picked, so all 4 sites count.
Weather10 / 13
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
#3IndonesiaLiveaboard or day boat●●●High confidence: 8 sites, every factor sourced - Strength: 8 of 8 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Strength: Water 28–29°C in January
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best October to AprilWhy this match: 38 + 9 + 19 + 6 = 72
Season38 / 38
8 of 8 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Interests9 / 31
Whale sharks: possible in January.
Your level19 / 19
No level picked, so all 8 sites count.
Weather6 / 13
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#4ThailandLiveaboard or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 4 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: 3 of 4 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Strength: Water 28°C in January
- Trade-off: Whale sharks: possible in January, not reliable; best February to April
JFMAMJJASOND
Best December to AprilWhy this match: 31 + 9 + 19 + 11 = 70
Season31 / 38
3 of 4 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Interests9 / 31
Whale sharks: possible in January.
Your level19 / 19
No level picked, so all 4 sites count.
Weather11 / 13
Rain on about 1 day in 5; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#5PhilippinesShore or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 4 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: 4 of 4 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Water 26–27°C in January
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to MayWhy this match: 34 + 9 + 19 + 7 = 69
Season34 / 38
4 of 4 sites are in season in January; calm on more than half the days.
Interests9 / 31
Whale sharks: possible in January.
Your level19 / 19
No level picked, so all 4 sites count.
Weather7 / 13
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
Book your trip
Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Partners never change the ranking.
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.
