Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Port Blair Weather Overview
- Port Blair Weather Month by Month
- Best Time to Visit Port Blair
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs on Port Blair Weather
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman Islands, blends emerald seas, rainforests, and colonial-era history with a warm tropical climate. Understanding the weather month by month helps you plan perfect beach days, smooth inter-island transfers, and clear-water dives. This guide breaks down Port Blair’s climate through the year, then rounds it off with places to see, how to reach, where to stay, and practical tips for different travelers.
Port Blair Weather Overview
Port Blair has a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round. The sea moderates extremes, so summers are not scorching and winters are pleasantly warm.
- Temperature: Generally 23–32°C through the year.
- Dry/Clear Season: Mid-October to May (peak: December–February). Best for beaches, ferries, diving, and sightseeing.
- Monsoon: Southwest monsoon typically arrives mid-May/June and lasts to September; a secondary spell of showers can occur in October–November. Expect rougher seas and intermittent ferry disruptions.
- Sea Conditions: Calm and clear in winter and spring; choppier with reduced visibility during peak monsoon.
- Humidity: High year-round; pack light breathable clothing.
Note: Weather varies by year; always confirm forecasts and marine advisories close to travel dates.
Port Blair Weather Month by Month
Port Blair weather in January
- Average temps: 23–29°C; low rainfall.
- Sea: Calm, great underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving.
- Travel notes: Peak season; book ferries and stays early. Look out for the Island Tourism Festival (dates vary).
Port Blair weather in February
- Average temps: 24–30°C; one of the driest months.
- Sea: Excellent for water sports; gentle swells.
- Travel notes: Ideal for sunsets at Chidiya Tapu and day trips to Ross (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) and North Bay.
Port Blair weather in March
- Average temps: 25–31°C; light showers possible.
- Sea: Clear, warm water—prime for introductory dives.
- Travel notes: Slightly humid afternoons; plan outdoor visits early or late.
Port Blair weather in April
- Average temps: 26–32°C; pre-monsoon heat with occasional thunder showers.
- Sea: Generally calm; excellent visibility continues.
- Travel notes: Hydrate well; UV is strong. Great month for island-hopping before monsoon winds build.
Port Blair weather in May
- Average temps: 26–31°C; humidity rises, monsoon onset can be mid/late May.
- Sea: Becoming choppy; visibility begins to drop late in the month.
- Travel notes: Keep buffer time for ferries; afternoon showers common.
Port Blair weather in June
- Average temps: 25–30°C; frequent rain and windy spells.
- Sea: Rougher; some water activities limited or canceled.
- Travel notes: Good hotel deals; carry rain gear and be flexible with plans.
Port Blair weather in July
- Average temps: 25–29°C; monsoon peak with heavy showers.
- Sea: Swell and currents stronger; inter-island schedules may change.
- Travel notes: Museums and heritage sites are great rainy-day choices.
Port Blair weather in August
- Average temps: 24–29°C; rainy with intermittent sunny breaks.
- Sea: Moderately rough; check ferry status daily.
- Travel notes: Wildlife-rich rainforests are lush; carry leech and mosquito protection for treks.
Port Blair weather in September
- Average temps: 24–29°C; rainfall tapers towards month-end.
- Sea: Gradual improvement late September.
- Travel notes: Shoulder-season pricing; clearer days increase toward October.
Port Blair weather in October
- Average temps: 24–30°C; transition month with scattered showers.
- Sea: Stabilizing; many water activities resume.
- Travel notes: Great balance of value and weather, especially mid/late October.
Port Blair weather in November
- Average temps: 24–30°C; light to moderate showers possible.
- Sea: Generally good; visibility improving.
- Travel notes: Early winter charm without peak-season crowds.
Port Blair weather in December
- Average temps: 23–29°C; mostly dry and pleasant.
- Sea: Calm and clear—top month for snorkeling/diving.
- Travel notes: Peak demand around Christmas–New Year; book well in advance.
Data reflects typical patterns; actual rainfall and sea conditions vary. For marine safety, follow port and ferry advisories.
Best Time to Visit Port Blair
- Overall best: December to March for clear skies, calm seas, and superb visibility.
- Great alternative: October–November and April for good weather with slightly fewer crowds.
- Budget-friendly: June–September with monsoon discounts if you’re flexible and focused on slow travel, culture, and rainforest scenery rather than water sports.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Historic prison with poignant exhibits; attend the evening Light & Sound show. Best Oct–Apr.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island): Ruins of the British settlement entwined with banyan roots; short boat ride. Best Nov–Apr.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, glass-bottom boats. Best Dec–Apr.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding; optional trek to Munda Pahad. Best Oct–May.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Closest city beach; good for a relaxed evening. Best year-round, except heavy monsoon days.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Insight into marine life and indigenous cultures; great on rainy days.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Pristine beaches, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal, permit-based). Best Dec–Apr.
Local Culture, Food and Shopping
Culture
Port Blair is a mosaic of communities—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobarese—shaped by history and the sea. Respect for indigenous communities and protected areas is essential; visits to tribal reserves are prohibited.
Food
- Seafood stars: Grilled fish, crab, lobster, prawn curry, fish tikka.
- Flavors: Coconut, mustard, curry leaves, and coastal spices.
- What to try: Andaman fish curry, coconut prawn, fresh tuna, local thalis, fruit like pineapple and tender coconut.
- Dietary notes: Plenty of vegetarian options; ask for spice levels.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Handicrafts, spices, shell-inspired souvenirs (ensure they’re legally sourced).
- What not to buy: Corals and shells collected from beaches are illegal; opt for certified handicrafts.
- Good picks: Bamboo and cane crafts, spices, pocket art, island-grown products.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island): 1.5–2.5 hrs by ferry; Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, world-class diving. Best Nov–Apr.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): ~1–1.5 hrs by ferry; Laxmanpur and Natural Bridge. Best Nov–Apr.
- Baratang Island: Day trip by road and boat for limestone caves and mangroves; travel through regulated Jarawa Reserve corridor. Best Nov–Mar.
- Wimberlygunj & Wandoor belt: Mangroves, beaches, and marine park trips.
- Longer circuits: Rangat and Diglipur (Saddle Peak, Ross & Smith sandbar) if you have 5–7 extra days.
How to Reach Port Blair
By Air
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), ~2–3 km from city center.
- Flights: Direct/connecting from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and others; typical flight time 2–3 hrs from Chennai/Kolkata.
- Tip: Morning arrivals help you catch same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.
By Sea
- Passenger ships: From Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam; journey 3–4 days, limited frequency.
- Conditions: Weather-dependent; basic cabins; book well ahead via official channels.
Permits & Regulations
- Most tourist areas are accessible without special permits; certain islands and all tribal reserves are off-limits.
- Some activities/islands (e.g., Jolly Buoy, marine parks) require permits obtainable locally.
- Rules evolve; check latest advisories from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and MHA before travel.
Local Transport
- Options: Autos, taxis, rental scooters (license required), limited buses.
- Rideshare apps: Often unavailable; arrange reliable taxis through your stay or counters.
- Ferries: Government and private ferries connect nearby islands; pre-book in high season.
Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
Accommodation
- Budget guesthouses/hostels: INR 1,200–2,500 per night.
- Mid-range hotels/boutique stays: INR 3,000–7,000 per night.
- Upscale resorts: INR 9,000–20,000+ per night.
- Seasonality: Rates peak Dec–Jan; monsoon deals June–September.
Daily Trip Budget (indicative, per person)
- Meals: INR 300–600 (mid-range), more at sea-facing venues.
- Local transport: Autos/taxis; scooters ~INR 500–800/day plus fuel.
- Activities:
- Cellular Jail Light & Sound: ~INR 200–300.
- Glass-bottom/snorkel trips: ~INR 500–1,500.
- Intro scuba dive: ~INR 3,500–5,500 (Port Blair/Havelock).
- Ferries to Havelock/Neil: ~INR 1,200–1,600 one-way (class-dependent).
Note: Prices vary by operator, season, and availability.
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
What to Pack
- Light cotton/linen clothing, sunhat, UV sunglasses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, sturdy sandals/water shoes.
- Monsoon months: rain jacket/poncho, dry bags for electronics.
- Mosquito repellent and basic meds; motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
Safety & Practicalities
- Sea safety: Heed lifeguards; avoid isolated swims in rough weather.
- Connectivity: 4G has improved but can be patchy on outer islands; download maps/tickets offline.
- Cash/ATMs: Carry some cash; ATMs can run out in peak season or on smaller islands.
- Environment: No coral/shell collection; follow “no-plastic” rules where enforced; respect marine life.
- Health: Hydrate; beware sun exposure; consider travel insurance covering weather disruptions.
For Families
- Choose calm-season months (Dec–Mar) for easier ferry rides and kid-friendly beaches.
- Plan museum/indoor backups for sudden showers.
- Carry snacks and seasickness remedies for boat trips.
For Honeymooners
- Pick shoulder months (Nov or Apr) for good weather and fewer crowds.
- Book sea-view rooms early for Dec–Jan travel.
- Schedule a sunset at Chidiya Tapu and a private snorkel/dive session.
For Friends/Adventure Seekers
- Target Dec–Apr for the full range of dives, treks, and water sports.
- Monsoon travelers: focus on rainforest hikes (when open), culture, and food; expect itinerary flexibility.
- Consider multi-island itineraries with buffer days for weather.
FAQs on Port Blair Weather
Q: What is the best month to visit Port Blair?
A: December to February offers the most reliable sunshine, calm seas, and top underwater visibility. October–November and April are also excellent with fewer crowds.
Q: Is it worth visiting Port Blair during the monsoon?
A: Yes if you’re flexible. Expect rain spells and possible ferry disruptions, but you’ll find lush scenery, lower prices, and quieter sights. Water sports may be limited.
Q: Can I dive or snorkel year-round?
A: Most operators run October–May when seas are calmer. During June–September services can be curtailed; check locally and watch marine advisories.
Q: How hot does it get in summer?
A: Port Blair is warm rather than scorching, typically 26–32°C in April–May, with high humidity. Sea breezes help, but plan midday breaks and hydrate.
Q: What should I pack for Port Blair weather?
A: Light breathable clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, rain protection (monsoon), and dry bags for boat rides.
Conclusion
Port Blair’s tropical climate, shaped by clear dry months and rain-washed monsoon, rewards travelers who plan with the seasons. Visit between November and April for calm seas and top visibility, or embrace the monsoon’s lush landscapes with a flexible itinerary. Pair the weather window you choose with Port Blair’s historic sites, marine parks, and nearby islands, and you’ll have an unforgettable Andaman journey.
