Best places to dive in January
20 trip bases match. Ranked for any diver who wants water at 28°C or warmer.
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: Water 28°C 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: 38 + 27 + 20 + 9 = 94
Season38 / 40
3 of 3 sites are in season in January; calm on most days.
Water27 / 27
Average 28°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
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
#2IndonesiaLiveaboard or day boat●●●High confidence: 8 sites, every factor sourced - Strength: Water 28–29°C in January
- Strength: 8 of 8 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best October to AprilWhy this match: 40 + 26 + 20 + 7 = 93
Season40 / 40
8 of 8 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Water26 / 27
Average 29°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a shorty or 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 8 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
#3ThailandLiveaboard or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 4 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Water 28°C in January
- Strength: 3 of 4 sites are in season in January
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Strength: Mostly dry: rain on about 1 day in 5
JFMAMJJASOND
Best December to AprilWhy this match: 33 + 27 + 20 + 11 = 91
Season33 / 40
3 of 4 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Water27 / 27
Average 28°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
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
#4PhilippinesDay 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
- Trade-off: Water 26–27°C, below your 28°C
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to MayWhy this match: 39 + 17 + 20 + 11 = 87
Season39 / 40
4 of 4 sites are in season in January; calm on almost every day.
Water17 / 27
Average 27°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3–5 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 4 sites count.
Weather11 / 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
#5PalauDay boat or liveaboard●●●High confidence: 7 sites, every factor sourced - Strength: Water 28–29°C in January
- Strength: 7 of 7 sites are in season in January
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to MayWhy this match: 33 + 27 + 20 + 6 = 86
Season33 / 40
7 of 7 sites are in season in January; calm on about 1 day in 3.
Water27 / 27
Average 29°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 7 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
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.
