Table of Contents
- Introduction: Port Blair in June
- Port Blair Weather in June
- Is June a Good Time to Visit Port Blair?
- Must-Visit Places in June
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- Water Activities in June: What’s Open
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around Port Blair
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Suggested 3-Day June Itinerary
- Tips for June Travel
- FAQs about Port Blair in June
- Conclusion
Introduction: Port Blair in June
June in Port Blair ushers in the southwest monsoon. The city turns lush, skies become dramatic, and showers roll in between sunny breaks. It’s a quieter, better-value month with fewer crowds and relaxed vibes. While sea conditions can be choppy, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands still offers evocative history, rainforest trails, marine parks, and warm island hospitality—if you plan smartly around the weather.
Port Blair Weather in June
- Temperature: ~25°C to 31°C
- Rainfall: Frequent light-to-moderate showers; occasional heavy spells
- Humidity: High (80–90%)
- Sea state: Often choppy; some water activities may pause during rough conditions
- Underwater visibility: Can reduce due to plankton bloom and rain-runoff, varies by day
Plan flexible days, target morning slots (usually calmer seas), and keep rainy-day backups.
Is June a Good Time to Visit Port Blair?
- Pros: Lower hotel rates, thinner crowds, lush landscapes, easy museum/heritage sightseeing.
- Cons: Inter-island ferries may reschedule/cancel; some water sports limited; humidity is high.
- Verdict: Great for value-seekers, history lovers, and relaxed travelers. For guaranteed water clarity and full activity roster, the dry season is more dependable.
Must-Visit Places in June
Within Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Powerful colonial-era history; plan the evening Light & Sound show (weather permitting).
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins wrapped in banyans, coastal views; boat services subject to sea conditions.
- North Bay Island: Popular for snorkelling/sea walk; operations depend on daily weather advisories.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy city beach; visit during calmer mornings between showers.
- Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad Trail: Sunset point and a short forest walk; carry rain protection and avoid trails during thunderstorms.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: Corals, shells, maritime exhibits—perfect rainy-day stop.
- Anthropological & Fisheries Museums: Compact collections to understand island cultures and marine life.
- Wandoor Beach: Gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park; scenic even in monsoon breaks.
Best Islands/Spots Typically Accessible in June
- Red Skin Island (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park): Commonly open May–October on an alternating schedule with Jolly Buoy; permits required; boats are weather dependent.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) & Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Reachable by ferry when seas allow; day trips or overnights are feasible with flexible plans.
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Food to Try
- Seafood thalis: Fish curry, crab, prawns, grilled catch-of-the-day.
- South Indian staples, Bengali-style fish, and North Indian favourites are widely available.
- Tropical treats: Fresh coconut water, banana chips, seasonal fruits.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Handicrafts, wooden artifacts, spices, and souvenirs.
- Legal note: Avoid buying corals, turtle shells, or black corals—trade is prohibited. Choose eco-certified souvenirs only.
Culture
- Diverse communities—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari influences—shaping food and festivals.
- Heritage: Colonial-era sites, museums, and memorials narrate layered island histories.
Water Activities in June: What’s Open
- Snorkelling/Sea Walk: Often available at North Bay/Red Skin, subject to daily sea conditions and permits.
- Scuba Diving: Operators usually run dives around Port Blair/Havelock on calmer days; visibility varies.
- Glass-bottom boats: A good monsoon-friendly alternative in marine park zones, weather permitting.
- Jet skis/Parasailing: May be curtailed or suspended during rough seas; check locally each morning.
Always follow lifeguard and operator advisories, and consider morning slots for smoother seas.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar, dive sites; best with a buffer day for ferries.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach; relaxed vibe and shorter distances.
- Baratang Island: Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano; day trip via convoy; can be slushy in rain—start early.
- Mount Manipur National Park (Mount Harriet): Viewpoints and short treks near Port Blair.
- Wandoor & Marine National Park: Beaches, mangroves, and boat trips to designated islands (permit-based).
How to Reach Port Blair
By Air
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct flights (seasonal/subject to change): From Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and others.
- Monsoon note: Weather-related delays are possible; keep buffer time in your itinerary.
By Sea
- Passenger ships operate occasionally from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (multi-day journeys). Schedules are limited and can be affected by monsoon seas.
- Not ideal for short vacations due to duration and weather dependence.
Getting Around Port Blair
- Taxis & Autos: Widely available; agree on fares before rides.
- Local Buses: Budget-friendly for major routes.
- Two-wheeler Rentals: Common, especially useful on dry days; carry rain gear and drive cautiously.
- Ferries/Jetties: Boats to islands depart mainly from Phoenix Bay/Haddo/Water Sports Complex; keep ID and permits handy.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500/night): Guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar or Shadipur; convenient for markets and museums.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–6,500/night): Hotels around Phoenix Bay/Haddo and near Corbyn’s Cove; some sea-facing rooms.
- Upscale (INR 7,000–12,000+/night): Boutique hotels and select resorts; for more luxury, many travelers split time with Havelock.
June advantage: Attractive off-season deals and easier availability—confirm flexible cancellation policies in case of weather disruptions.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Per person, per day (excluding flights):
- Shoestring: INR 1,800–3,000 (budget stay, buses/autos, museums, simple meals)
- Mid-range: INR 4,000–8,000 (mid hotel, taxis, one activity, better dining)
- Comfort/Luxe: INR 9,000–18,000+ (upscale hotel, guided tours, premium dining/activities)
- Typical line items:
- Accommodation: INR 1,200–10,000+ per night (June deals common)
- Meals: INR 250–800 per person per meal
- Local transport: Autos/taxis within city INR 150–600 per ride; day hire INR 2,500–3,500
- Ferry to Havelock/Neil: ~INR 400–1,500 one way (class-dependent)
- Cellular Jail: ~INR 30 entry; Light & Sound show extra
- Activities: Discover scuba/sea walk typically INR 3,500–6,000
- Flights (return, indicative): INR 6,000–20,000+ from major Indian cities, varying by origin and sale period.
Suggested 3-Day June Itinerary
Day 1: City Heritage & Coastal Views
- Morning: Cellular Jail + museums (Anthropological, Samudrika).
- Afternoon: Corbyn’s Cove; coffee break watching monsoon clouds.
- Evening: Light & Sound show at Cellular Jail (if operational).
Day 2: Marine Park & Beaches
- Morning: Wandoor and boat to Red Skin Island (permit + weather dependent). Opt for glass-bottom/snorkel if conditions allow.
- Backup: If boats are cancelled, explore Fisheries Museum and Mount Manipur viewpoints.
Day 3: Island Hops or Baratang
- Option A: Half-day to Ross Island + North Bay (subject to sea conditions).
- Option B: Early start to Baratang for Limestone Caves (rain-ready footwear; expect slushy trails).
Flex tip: Swap days based on daily weather and ferry advisories. Keep one buffer half-day.
Tips for June Travel
Packing for Monsoon
- Light rain jacket/poncho, quick-dry clothes, spare footwear.
- Waterproof phone pouch and daypack cover.
- Motion-sickness tablets, basic meds, and ORS.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and strong mosquito repellent.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Follow local weather notices and coast guard advisories; morning slots are usually calmer.
- Permits: Required for certain marine park islands (e.g., Red Skin). Carry government ID.
- Avoid restricted/tribal areas and off-limit beaches; heed warning flags.
- Do not buy or collect corals/shells; plastics are restricted in protected areas—carry reusable bottles.
Traveler-Type Guidance
- Families: Pick central hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar for short transfers; schedule indoor museums alongside outdoor sights; pack snacks/rain covers for kids.
- Honeymooners: Choose sea-facing rooms near Corbyn’s Cove; plan a spa day or candle-lit dinner on rainy evenings; target one flexible day for a Havelock hop if seas permit.
- Friends/Groups: Consider two-wheeler rentals on dry days; book activities last minute based on conditions; stay near eateries/markets for budget meals.
FAQs about Port Blair in June
Q: Is June a safe month to visit Port Blair?
A: Yes, with monsoon-aware planning. Expect showers and occasional rough seas. Follow official advisories, wear life jackets on boats, and keep flexible schedules.
Q: Are ferries to Havelock and Neil running in June?
A: Generally yes, but services can reschedule or cancel due to weather. Book with buffer time and check updates the day before travel.
Q: Can I do scuba diving in June?
A: Many dive operators run in June when conditions allow. Visibility can vary; morning dives often have calmer seas. Always defer to instructor guidance.
Q: Which is open in June: Jolly Buoy or Red Skin?
A: Typically, Red Skin operates May–October on an alternating schedule with Jolly Buoy (subject to permits and weather). Confirm locally before planning.
Q: What should I wear and carry?
A: Light, breathable clothes, sturdy sandals, a compact rain jacket, waterproof phone cover, and mosquito repellent. For boats, pack a dry bag and spare T-shirt.
Conclusion
Port Blair in June blends moody monsoon skies with compelling history and rainforest coastlines. While showers and choppy seas can shuffle plans, the city’s museums, heritage sites, marine park experiences, and quieter ambience make it a rewarding off-season escape—especially with flexible days, rain-ready packing, and an eye on daily weather updates.
