Table of Contents
- Why Visit Andaman in December
- Andaman Weather in December
- Top Places to Visit
- Best Things To Do in December
- Events and Festive Vibe
- Suggested December Itineraries
- Where to Stay
- Costs, Bookings and Getting Around
- What to Pack for December
- Permits, Rules and Responsible Travel
- Quick FAQs for December Trips
- Conclusion
Why Visit Andaman in December
December is peak season in the Andaman Islands for good reason. The seas are typically calm, underwater visibility is excellent, and the weather is pleasantly warm without the mid-year humidity. Add Christmas and New Year festivities on the beaches, and you have an unforgettable tropical holiday.
Highlights at a Glance
- Great beach weather with clear skies and golden sunsets
- Ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling
- Festive ambience, beach parties and special dinners
- Turtle nesting sightings in select northern beaches
Andaman Weather in December
Expect daytime temperatures around 27–30°C and cooler evenings at 23–25°C. Rainfall is minimal with occasional light showers. Humidity is moderate compared to the monsoon months.
Sea Conditions
- Generally calm seas; good ferry connectivity
- Underwater visibility often in the 15–25 m range
- Light winds; mornings are best for boat trips and dives
Top Places to Visit
Port Blair
- Cellular Jail and its evocative Light & Sound show
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach for quick seaside sunsets
- Chidiya Tapu for golden-hour photography and quiet shores
- Samudrika Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) for world-class sunsets
- Elephant Beach for snorkelling and water sports
- Kalapathar Beach for peaceful sunrise strolls
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur Beach for dramatic coral and sunset hues
- Bharatpur Beach for shallow-water snorkelling
- Sitapur Beach for sunrise views
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
Explore the photogenic colonial ruins draped in roots and vines, just a short boat ride from Port Blair.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor)
Known for vibrant reefs and glassy waters. Seasonal islands like Jolly Buoy/Red Skin open on a regulated schedule with permits; December typically sees good water clarity.
North Andaman (For the Adventurous)
- Diglipur (Kalipur and Ramnagar) for turtle nesting seasons
- Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano near Baratang en route north
Best Things To Do in December
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
December offers near-ideal dive conditions. Beginners can try Discover Scuba dives, while certified divers head to signature sites.
Top Dive Sites
- The Wall and Johnny’s Gorge (Swaraj Dweep)
- Dixon’s Pinnacle for schooling fish and pelagics
- Margherita’s Mischief (Shaheed Dweep) for calm, colourful reefs
Kayaking and Bioluminescence
Night kayaking through mangroves near Swaraj Dweep can reveal bioluminescent plankton on suitable nights—an ethereal experience in December.
Beach Hopping and Sunsets
- Radhanagar Beach for sunsets
- Laxmanpur Beach’s long, quiet shoreline
- Chidiya Tapu for twilight colours
Turtle Watching
December marks the start of turtle nesting in north Andaman (e.g., Kalipur, Karmatang). Always follow local guidelines and keep distance from nesting turtles.
Island Hopping Cruises
Private and group boats run to North Bay, Ross Island and Wandoor. Calm December seas make for comfortable day trips.
Events and Festive Vibe
- Christmas on the beach: Resorts and cafes host dinners, live music, and bonfires.
- New Year celebrations: Sunset cruises, beach parties, and curated tasting menus.
- Local markets: Seasonal pop-ups in Port Blair for crafts and souvenirs.
Tip
Reserve gala dinners and party passes well in advance; they often sell out during the last week of December.
Suggested December Itineraries
5-Day Snapshot
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Light & Sound show
- Day 2: Ferry to Swaraj Dweep; Radhanagar Beach sunset
- Day 3: Scuba dive or snorkel; Elephant Beach by boat
- Day 4: Sunrise at Kalapathar; ferry to Shaheed Dweep; Laxmanpur sunset
- Day 5: Bharatpur Beach snorkelling; return to Port Blair and depart
7–8 Day Relaxed Route
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sights, museum visits, Ross Island
- Day 3–5: Swaraj Dweep dives, kayaking, beach time
- Day 6: Shaheed Dweep beaches and reef explorations
- Day 7–8: Wandoor marine park or Baratang day trip; last-minute shopping
Where to Stay
Port Blair
Convenient for flight arrivals/departures. Choose mid-range city hotels or sea-facing resorts near Corbyn’s Cove.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
Beachfront stays ranging from boutique eco-resorts to luxury retreats. Ideal for divers and honeymooners.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
Laid-back boutique properties perfect for a slower pace and quiet sunsets.
December Booking Tip
Peak-season surcharges are common between 20–31 December. Book stays and inter-island ferries 3–6 weeks ahead if possible.
Costs, Bookings and Getting Around
Flights and Ferries
- Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair).
- Government and private ferries connect Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep.
- In December, popular ferry slots sell out—lock tickets early.
Local Transport
- Island taxis and shared cabs are widely available.
- Scooter rentals are popular on Swaraj and Shaheed Dweep.
- Carry cash; smaller vendors may not accept cards.
Indicative Costs (Can Vary by Season)
- Mid-range rooms: commonly higher in late December due to peak demand
- Scuba: Intro dives and certification courses priced at seasonal rates
- Tours: Boat trips and water sports may add festive-week premiums
Money-Saving Ideas
- Travel in the first half of December for better rates
- Bundle activities (e.g., dive + stay packages)
- Use morning ferry slots which are often less crowded
What to Pack for December
- Light cottons/linens, swimwear, and a light evening layer
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Insect repellent, basic first-aid and motion sickness tablets
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, quick-dry towel
- Aqua shoes or snug sandals for rocky sections
- Reusable water bottle; minimize single-use plastic
Permits, Rules and Responsible Travel
- Carry valid ID; certain islands, marine parks and boat trips require permits obtained locally via tour operators or counters.
- Respect no-go zones and tribal reserves; do not attempt visits to restricted areas.
- Do not touch corals or disturb marine life; no collecting shells from protected zones.
- Follow lifeguard flags; avoid swimming during strong currents.
- Drone usage may require permissions; check local regulations.
- Dispose of waste responsibly; many beaches operate as no-plastic zones.
Quick FAQs for December Trips
Is December a good time for scuba diving?
Yes. Calm seas and clear water make December one of the best months for both beginners and certified divers.
Will it rain?
Short, light showers can occur, but most days are sunny or partly cloudy with great beach weather.
Are beaches crowded?
Popular spots like Radhanagar can be busy, especially in the last week of December. Visit early morning or plan weekday outings for quieter shores.
Can I see turtle nesting?
There’s a chance at select northern beaches like Kalipur and Karmatang; always go with a local guide and maintain a respectful distance.
Do I need to prebook?
During the festive period, prebook flights, ferries, stays, and special dinners/parties to avoid sold-out situations.
Conclusion
With sun-washed beaches, outstanding underwater visibility, and a lively festive atmosphere, December showcases the Andaman Islands at their finest. Plan early, secure your ferries and stays, and leave enough room in your schedule to linger over sunsets and slow island mornings. Whether you’re diving dramatic reefs, kayaking under the stars, or simply celebrating the year’s end by the sea, Andaman in December is a tropical escape you’ll want to repeat.
