Starting the Year in High Definition: What to Expect Diving Bohol in January
For many around the world, January is a month of grey skies, biting cold, and post-holiday blues. But here in Bohol, January is quite literally the brightest start to the year you can imagine.
This is the official kickoff of our “Peak Dry Season” (Amihan), and it offers what many divers consider to be the absolute best conditions of the entire year. If you are planning to trade your winter coat for a wetsuit to start 2026, here is your complete guide to the diving conditions in Bohol and its surrounding islands in January.
The “Amihan” Advantage: Calm Seas and Clear Skies
January falls squarely into the Amihan season (Northeast Monsoon). While this brings winds to the northern parts of the Philippines, Panglao Island and our key dive sites are largely protected.
- Surface Conditions: You can generally expect flat, calm seas, especially along the southern coast of Panglao and around Balicasag Island. This makes boat rides smooth and surface intervals delightful.
- The Weather: This is the “Goldilocks” month. It is dry and sunny, but not yet scorching hot like May. Expect comfortable daytime air temperatures around 28°C (82°F)—perfect for lounging on the boat without overheating.
Visibility: High Definition Diving
If you love crystal-clear blue water, January is your month. With the rainy season well behind us, the runoff stops, and the visibility opens up spectacularly.
- What to Expect: Visibility often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet) at sites like Balicasag and Pamilacan. This “high definition” clarity is perfect for wide-angle photography, allowing you to capture massive schools of jacks or the sheer scale of the reef walls without backscatter.
Water Temperature: Bringing a Wetsuit
While still tropical, the water in January is at its “freshest” point of the year.
- Temperature: Expect water temperatures between 26°C and 27°C (79°F – 81°F).
- Recommendation: While some hardy divers dive in boardshorts year-round, we highly recommend a 3mm full wetsuit for January. If you are doing multiple dives a day (or technical diving), you’ll appreciate the extra thermal protection, especially on the second and third dives.
Marine Life: Pelagic Visitors and Resident Stars
January is a thrilling time for marine encounters. The cooler waters and changing currents bring some special visitors to the Visayas.
- Whale Sharks: January falls within the migration season for Whale Sharks passing through the deeper channels of the Bohol Sea. While not a daily guarantee, lucky divers at Pamilacan or Snake Island often get a surprise, natural fly-by from these gentle giants.
- The Residents Shine: The “guaranteed” stars—the Green Turtles of Balicasag and the Sardine Run at Napaling—are active and present year-round, but they look particularly stunning in January’s clear water. The schooling Jackfish at Balicasag also tend to form tighter, more impressive balls in the clear currents.
The Vibe: Peak Season Energy
January is one of the most popular months to visit the Philippines. The post-Christmas slump doesn’t really exist here; the island remains vibrant, buzzing with energy and divers from all over the world.
- The “Con”: The only downside to January is that it is busy. Popular sites like Balicasag have strict diver limits that fill up weeks in advance.
- The Solution: Book your diving early. Do not wait until you arrive in Alona Beach to walk in and ask for a spot at Balicasag for the next day.
The Best Resolution You Can Make
There is no better way to set the tone for your year than by descending into 30-meter visibility on a vibrant tropical reef. January in Bohol offers the perfect blend of comfortable weather, exciting big-fish potential, and world-class diving conditions.
Planning a January trip? Since this is our peak season, contact Sierra Madre Divers now to secure your slots for Balicasag and Pamilacan. Let’s start your 2026 with a splash!h a splash!
