Best Time to Visit Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island), Port Blair

Once the British administrative headquarters of the Andaman Islands, Ross Island—officially Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island—is a compact, heritage-rich escape just a short boat ride from Port Blair. With hauntingly beautiful ruins, free-roaming deer and peacocks, shady banyan avenues, and sea views, it’s a must-see on most Andaman itineraries. Choosing the right season matters here because boat schedules, walking comfort, and safety on mossy pathways all hinge on weather and sea conditions.

Quick Answer

November to March is the best time to visit for comfortable temperatures, calmer seas, and reliable boat services. October and April are excellent shoulder months with fewer crowds and mostly stable conditions. May is hot and humid, while the monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain, choppy seas, slippery trails, and occasional service disruptions—good for solitude and greenery, but not ideal for most travelers.

Weather and Sea Conditions by Season

November–February (Cool-Dry Peak)

• Weather: Pleasant and relatively less humid; typical daytime highs around 28–30°C.
• Sea state: Generally calmer, improving boat reliability and comfort.
• Experience: Best for families, seniors, and first-time visitors. Clearer skies boost photography of the ruins and shoreline.
• Crowds & prices: Peak season—book boats and stays in advance, especially around Christmas–New Year and long weekends.

October and March–April (Shoulder Seasons)

• Weather: Warm to hot, but usually manageable with sea breezes; occasional brief showers.
• Sea state: Mostly stable; good for short crossings to the island.
• Experience: Great balance of comfort and value. Lighter crowds than winter peak, especially in April.

May (Pre-Monsoon Heat)

• Weather: Hot and humid; midday walking can be taxing.
• Sea state: Can turn choppy with pre-monsoon winds and thunderstorms.
• Experience: Visit in the early morning for shade and cooler air; carry plenty of water.

June–September (Southwest Monsoon)

• Weather: Frequent, sometimes heavy rain; slick moss on steps and roots.
• Sea state: Rougher seas; boat schedules can be curtailed or cancelled.
• Experience: Lush greenery and dramatic skies for photographers, but higher risk of disruptions. Best for flexible, seasoned travelers.

Month-by-Month Snapshot

• October: Monsoon tapers; greenery remains; improving seas; comfortable mornings and evenings.
• November: Settled weather, clear light, good all-round conditions.
• December: Peak holiday crowds; crisp mornings; boats fill early—book ahead.
• January: Similar to December; often excellent visibility and comfort.
• February: Reliable, sunny; one of the most comfortable months.
• March: Warmer but manageable; good shoulder value.
• April: Hot afternoons; calm seas; fewer visitors.
• May: Hottest; plan short, morning-focused visits only.
• June: Rains pick up; expect possible cancellations.
• July: Wettest; slippery trails; very flexible itineraries needed.
• August: Continued monsoon; occasional clear spells between showers.
• September: Transitional; showers ease late in the month; conditions improve.

Best Time by Interest

History and Heritage Lovers

November–March offers the most comfortable strolls through the ruins of the church, barracks, and officers’ quarters. Restoration signage and the small on-island museum (often open during visitor hours) are easier to enjoy without rain.

Photography

• Nov–Feb: Clearer skies and softer light—excellent for ruins framed by banyans and coastline.
• Oct & Apr: Fewer people for clean compositions; golden hours are superb.
• Monsoon: Moody skies and saturated greens—great if you can handle rain protection and slippery ground.

Wildlife Spotting

Deer and peacocks roam year-round. Early mornings in any season are best for sightings, photos, and cooler walks.

Budget and Crowd-Avoidance

October and April hit the sweet spot for prices and manageable weather. Avoid Christmas–New Year if you want quiet paths and easier boat seats.

Families and Seniors

Choose November–February for milder heat and smoother boat rides. Stick to shaded main paths; carry water and wear supportive footwear for uneven terrain.

Cruise Passengers or Short-Stay Visitors

Weather reliability matters—Nov–Mar minimizes chances of last-minute boat interruptions. Morning slots are safest.

Best Time of Day on the Island

Morning vs Afternoon

• Best: Morning departures (cooler temperatures, softer light, calmer seas, fewer people).
• Afternoon: Can be hot; carry sun protection and watch for the day’s last boat back.
• Sunrise/Sunset: Andamans experience early sunrises and sunsets relative to mainland IST—plan to arrive early to maximize daylight.

Tides and Boats

Short crossings typically run through the day, but rough seas, strong winds, or heavy rain can suspend services. Build slack into your schedule, especially outside the Nov–Mar window.

Evening Experiences

The island has periodically hosted a light-and-sound show about its history. Schedules can change; verify locally and confirm return-boat availability if you plan to stay into the evening.

Practical Planning Tips

How Long to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours to wander the ruins, visit the small museum, and pause for photos. History buffs may prefer a half day.

Pairing with Nearby Attractions

• North Bay Island: Combine for snorkeling and an iconic lighthouse view.
• Cellular Jail: Fit in the same day or evening light-and-sound show in Port Blair.
• City highlights: Corbyn’s Cove beach or local museums pair well with a morning on Ross Island.

Tickets, Entry, and Permissions

• Expect a boat ticket from Port Blair jetties and a separate island entry fee. A camera fee may apply.
• Operational hours are usually daylight only, with occasional closure days for maintenance or security—check locally the day before.

What to Pack

• Essentials: Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, refillable water bottle.
• Footwear: Grippy walking shoes or sandals—paths can be uneven and mossy.
• Rain gear: Light poncho or quick-dry jacket in Oct and May–Sep.
• Extras: Small first-aid kit, microfiber towel, and a dry bag for electronics.

Accessibility & Safety

• Expect steps, roots, and uneven surfaces; wheelchair/stroller access is limited.
• Do not feed wildlife; maintain distance from deer and peacocks.
• Watch for falling coconuts under palms; keep to marked paths.
• Mobile signal can be patchy; agree on a return-boat time and meeting point.

Responsible Travel

• Carry back all waste; the islands have strict rules on littering and single-use plastic.
• Do not climb on fragile ruins or remove any artifacts.
• Use refillable bottles and reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the monsoon a bad time to visit?

Not necessarily—June–September brings lush scenery and quiet trails. However, expect rain, slippery paths, and possible boat cancellations. Most travelers will enjoy the island more between November and March.

When is it cheapest?

Prices tend to ease in October and April, and more during the monsoon. Balance savings against higher weather risks and fewer departures.

Will boats run if it rains?

Light rain usually doesn’t stop operations. High winds, rough seas, or heavy squalls can pause or cancel services—monitor local advisories.

I have only one morning—what’s the plan?

Catch an early boat, walk the main heritage loop first (church ruins, administrative quarters, banyan avenues), visit the museum if open, and keep your camera ready for deer and peacocks. Be back before midday heat.

Summary: The Best Time to Visit

For most travelers, the ideal window is November to March, when weather is comfortable and seas are calmer. October and April are excellent backups with fewer crowds and good value. If you’re visiting in the hotter or wetter months, go early in the day, wear proper footwear, and keep plans flexible. With the right timing, Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) delivers an evocative blend of colonial history, coastal scenery, and serene island ambiance just minutes from Port Blair.