Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Andaman Weather in December
- Top Cities and Places to Visit
- Tourist Circuits for December
- Best Activities in December
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach Andaman in December
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Budget Tips for Peak December
- Tips and Practical Info for December
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- Responsible Travel and Permits
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman in December is a dream: calm emerald seas, clear blue skies, sun-warmed beaches, and superb underwater visibility. The northeast monsoon retreats, marine life is active, and island life swings between serene sunsets and festive cheer. Whether you’re chasing world-class diving at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), powder-soft sands at Radhanagar Beach, or colonial stories at Port Blair’s Cellular Jail, December offers peak conditions and peak memories—just be ready for peak demand.
Andaman Weather in December
- Temperature: around 24–29°C; warm days, pleasantly breezy nights.
- Rain: mostly dry; brief light showers possible.
- Sea state: generally calm; great for ferries, snorkeling, and scuba.
- Underwater visibility: often 15–30 meters at popular dive sites.
- Daylight: early sunsets (~5–5:15 pm); plan early starts.
Top Cities and Places to Visit
Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Light & Sound show), a poignant window into India’s freedom struggle.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) for ruins draped in banyans.
- North Bay for snorkeling and sea walks; Chidiya Tapu for golden-hour views.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands) for pristine corals.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): famed white sands and spectacular sunsets.
- Elephant Beach: snorkel-friendly reef, sea walks, and water sports.
- Kalapathar Beach: quiet mornings and photo-friendly shoreline.
- Top-tier dive sites with vibrant reefs and macro life.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
- Laxmanpur Beach: romantic sunset silhouettes and natural rock bridge.
- Bharatpur Beach: lagoon snorkeling with easy access.
Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Baratang: limestone caves and mud volcano (via Andaman Trunk Road and boat).
- Rangat/Mayabunder: quieter beaches; Karmatang Beach known for turtle nesting (seasonal).
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar; Saddle Peak trek; Kalipur turtle nesting (seasonal).
Tourist Circuits for December
- Classic South Andaman (5–6 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Reef & Beaches (6–8 days): Port Blair + Jolly Buoy → Havelock (diving) → Neil.
- Extended Explorer (8–10 days): Add Baratang (caves) and extra Port Blair museums/parks.
- North Andaman Focus (10–12 days): Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur.
Best Activities in December
- Scuba diving: beginner courses (PADI Open Water) and fun dives at Havelock/Neil.
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, Jolly Buoy (when open) with rich coral gardens.
- Kayaking & bioluminescence: night mangrove paddles on select moonless nights.
- Sea walk & water sports: popular at North Bay and Elephant Beach.
- Beach time: Radhanagar and Laxmanpur for sunsets; Kalapathar for tranquil mornings.
- Trekking: short forest trails; Saddle Peak for advanced hikers (North Andaman).
- Heritage: Cellular Jail, Ross Island ruins, Anthropological and Samudrika Museums.
- Wildlife moments: seasonal turtle nesting at Kalipur/Karmatang (with official guidance).
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Christmas & New Year: beachside dinners, live music in Port Blair and Havelock.
- Island Tourism festivities: cultural shows often span late Dec to Jan (dates vary).
- Local melas and food fairs: check Port Blair event listings upon arrival.
Suggested Itineraries
4 Days: First-Timer’s Taster
- Day 1: Port Blair—Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Light & Sound.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock—Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkel/water sports; cafe-hop.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair—Ross Island or museum time; fly out.
6–7 Days: Reef & Relax
- Day 1–2: Port Blair—Jolly Buoy (reef), city sights.
- Day 3–4: Havelock—scuba intro/fun dives; Radhanagar sunset; Kalapathar morning.
- Day 5: Neil—Bharatpur snorkeling; Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 6–7: Port Blair buffer day; shopping at Sagarika; departure.
9–10 Days: North Andaman Adventure
- Day 1–2: Port Blair highlights.
- Day 3: Baratang—limestone caves.
- Day 4–5: Mayabunder/Rangat—quiet beaches; Karmatang (seasonal nesting).
- Day 6–7: Diglipur—Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak (optional), Kalipur (nesting, seasonal).
- Day 8–10: Return to Port Blair; reserve a weather buffer day; fly out.
How to Reach Andaman in December
By Air
- Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (schedules vary).
- December is peak—fares rise quickly; book early and target morning arrivals for same-day ferries.
By Sea (Passenger Ships)
- Occasional government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam; 2–3 days sailing.
- Basic cabins; limited schedules; prone to weather changes—book well in advance.
Inter-Island Transport
- Ferries: government and private ferries link Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil.
- Road: Andaman Trunk Road (convoy timings in Jarawa Reserve section); for Baratang/Rangat/Diglipur.
- Local: autos, taxis, and scooter rentals (popular on Havelock/Neil).
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: stay near Aberdeen Bazaar for access, or Ferry Wharf for early sailings.
- Havelock: Beach No. 5 (Vijaynagar) for swim-friendly shores; Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar) for sunsets.
- Neil: near Bharatpur for lagoon vibes or Laxmanpur for sunsets.
Price guide (Dec peak, per night):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,000–3,000
- Mid-range resorts: INR 3,500–8,000
- Upscale/luxury: INR 9,000–25,000+
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for December, especially around Christmas/New Year.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Backpacker (shared stays, gov. ferries): INR 2,500–4,000 per person/day
- Mid-range (private ferries, good resorts): INR 5,000–9,000 per person/day
- Luxury (top resorts, private transfers): INR 12,000–25,000+ per person/day
Activity benchmarks:
- Discover Scuba: INR 3,500–5,500
- Fun dive (licensed): INR 3,500–6,000 per dive
- PADI Open Water course: INR 22,000–35,000
- Snorkel trips: INR 800–1,500
- Private ferry (one-way PB↔Havelock): INR 1,000–1,800 (operator/class dependent)
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day
- Taxis (8 hours local): INR 2,500–3,500+
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood stars: grilled fish, prawn masala, crab, lobster (seasonal availability).
- Flavors: coastal Indian with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nepali influences; coconuty curries.
- Cafes: Havelock and Neil have relaxed beachfront cafes; vegetarian options are available.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium for handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Aberdeen Bazaar for basics, snacks, and casual island wear.
- Avoid coral/shell products; buying or collecting is restricted for conservation.
Culture
- Settler communities create a diverse cultural tapestry; Hindi widely spoken, English understood.
- Tribal reserves are strictly protected; no contact or visits allowed.
- Evening cultural shows during festival weeks; check local listings.
Budget Tips for Peak December
- Book flights and ferries early; travel mid-week to save.
- Mix government ferries with private ones to cut costs while keeping schedules flexible.
- Stay slightly off-beach and rent a scooter for value.
- Eat at local dhabas/market eateries for affordable, tasty meals.
- Choose shared dive boats or group activities for better rates.
- Carry cash; ATMs can run out and card machines may be offline.
Tips and Practical Info for December
- Packing: reef-safe sunscreen, hat, light cottons, swimwear, light jacket for breezy evenings, insect repellent, dry bag, waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry towel, motion-sickness meds, basic first aid.
- Connectivity: mobile data can be patchy; download offline maps and e-tickets.
- Health & safety: heed lifeguards; avoid night swims; watch for jellyfish advisories; respect crocodile warning signs near mangroves.
- Time buffers: keep a buffer day in Port Blair before your flight—ferries can reschedule.
- Eco-responsibility: no littering, no touching corals, no shell collection; use refillable bottles.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Pick beaches with shade and facilities (Radhanagar, Bharatpur).
- Schedule ferry transfers in mornings; keep snacks and meds handy.
- Choose resorts with pools and on-site dining for easy downtime.
Honeymooners
- Time sunsets at Radhanagar or Laxmanpur; plan a candlelight beach dinner.
- Book a private dive/snorkel session or a bioluminescence kayak on a dark night.
- Opt for rooms near quieter stretches (Vijaynagar/Beach 5).
Friends and Groups
- Rent scooters for flexibility; sync ferry bookings early.
- Bundle activities (diving, sea walk) for group discounts.
- Consider hostels or villas for cost-sharing and social vibes.
Responsible Travel and Permits
- Indian citizens: no special permit needed to visit permitted areas.
- Foreign nationals: valid Indian visa required. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is generally not needed for notified tourist zones like Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, etc. Policies can change—confirm current rules before travel.
- Tribal reserves and many Nicobar Islands are off-limits to visitors.
- Photography restrictions apply at sensitive sites; obey local signage.
FAQs
Q: Is December a good month to visit the Andaman Islands?
A: Yes. December brings calm seas, clear skies, and excellent underwater visibility. It’s peak season, so pre-book transport and stays.
Q: Can beginners try scuba diving in December?
A: Absolutely. Conditions are favorable, and dive centers run Discover Scuba and certification courses, especially at Havelock and Neil.
Q: Are ferries reliable during December?
A: Ferries operate frequently, but demand is high around Christmas/New Year. Weather is usually stable, yet it’s wise to keep a buffer day in Port Blair.
Q: What should I pack for Andaman in December?
A: Light cottons, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, a light evening layer, dry bag, water shoes, and motion-sickness tablets.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks reliable on the islands?
A: Connectivity can be patchy and ATMs may run out of cash on busy weeks. Carry some cash and download offline maps and tickets.
Conclusion
With warm days, calm seas, and festive energy, December is one of the finest times to experience the Andamans. From Radhanagar’s sunsets to Jolly Buoy’s corals and Port Blair’s poignant history, the islands deliver both serenity and adventure. Plan ahead for peak-season demand, travel responsibly, and leave time for slow mornings and long, glowing evenings by the water.
