Table of Index
- Why Visit Andaman in February
- February Weather and Sea Conditions
- Top Places to Visit in February
- Best Things to Do
- Suggested Itineraries
- Festivals and Events in February
- What to Pack for Andaman in February
- Where to Stay
- Food and Local Experiences
- How to Reach and Get Around
- Budget and Costs in February
- Responsible and Safe Travel Tips
- FAQs about Andaman in February
- Conclusion
Why Visit Andaman in February
February is among the best months to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The seas are calm, underwater visibility is excellent, and the weather is pleasantly warm without the intense summer humidity. It’s perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, and beach sunsets. With Valentine’s Day and late-winter holidays, you’ll find plenty of romantic setups and family-friendly activities—yet it’s not as crowded as the peak Christmas–New Year rush.
Highlights at a glance
- Comfortable temperatures: ideal for water sports and sightseeing
- High underwater visibility: prime time for diving and snorkeling
- Easy inter-island travel: ferries run regularly and seas are calmer
- Vibrant sunsets and starry nights: great for couples and photographers
February Weather and Sea Conditions
Expect daytime temperatures around 27–30°C and cooler evenings near 23–25°C. Rain is minimal, humidity is moderate, and UV levels are high.
Sea and visibility
- Water temperature: 27–29°C
- Visibility: typically 15–30 meters—excellent for diving
- Winds: generally light, making most boat rides smooth
Travel tip
Carry reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and a light cover-up. Hydration is essential even in breezy weather.
Top Places to Visit in February
Port Blair
- Cellular Jail: Evening light-and-sound show brings history to life.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy beach day close to town.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding; scenic forest drive.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park with brilliant corals; strict no-plastic rules apply.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets and soft white sand.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling hotspot; sea walk and water sports available.
- Dive sites: Lighthouse, Aquarium, Turtle Bay—February conditions are typically superb.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur Beach 2: Natural rock bridge and dramatic evening skies.
- Bharatpur Beach: Easy snorkeling right off the shore; glass-bottom rides.
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) & North Bay
- Ross Island: Ruins and walking trails shaded by banyans and deer-dotted lawns.
- North Bay: Coral viewing via snorkeling, sea walk, and semi-submarine rides.
Baratang Island
- Limestone Caves: Boat through mangroves, short jungle walk to surreal formations.
- Mud Volcano: A curious natural feature—good as an add-on if time allows.
Good to know
Some areas are protected; always follow local guidelines and avoid restricted/tribal zones. Photography is prohibited in tribal reserves.
Best Things to Do
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): Beginner-friendly dives at Havelock and Neil.
- Certified dives: Choose PADI/SSI operators with strong safety records.
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and Jolly Buoy are standouts.
Pro tip
Book morning dive slots for calmer seas and clearer water in February.
Kayaking and Bioluminescence
- Mangrove kayaking in Havelock or Port Blair for serene waterways.
- Bioluminescence: Occasionally visible on new moon nights at Havelock—check locally.
Beaches, Sunsets, and Stargazing
- Radhanagar and Laxmanpur 2 for sunsets.
- Skies are typically clear—ideal for stargazing after dinner.
Trekking and Nature
- Elephant Beach trek: Short forest trail.
- Mount Harriet to Madhuban: Birding opportunities and forest views.
Romantic Experiences
- Candlelight beach dinners at select resorts.
- Private boat charters for island hopping or sunset cruises.
Suggested Itineraries
4 Days / 3 Nights
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail, light-and-sound show
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach
- Day 3: Dive/snorkel at Elephant Beach, evening at leisure
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair, fly out
5 Days / 4 Nights
- Day 1: Port Blair sightseeing
- Day 2: Havelock—Radhanagar
- Day 3: Havelock—diving/kayaking
- Day 4: Neil Island—Bharatpur and Laxmanpur 2
- Day 5: Back to Port Blair, departure
7 Days / 6 Nights
- Day 1: Port Blair—Cellular Jail
- Day 2: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (marine park)
- Day 3: Havelock—Radhanagar
- Day 4: Havelock—dive/snorkel, bioluminescence tour (if available)
- Day 5: Neil—Bharatpur, Natural Bridge
- Day 6: Ross Island & North Bay
- Day 7: Fly out
Booking tip
In February, pre-book ferries, dives, and premium stays 2–4 weeks in advance.
Festivals and Events in February
February often features romantic dinner setups and seasonal beach carnivals by local operators. Dates for cultural fairs and government-led festivals can vary year to year, so check the Port Blair tourism office or your hotel concierge for current schedules.
What to Pack for Andaman in February
- Light cotton/linen clothing, swimsuit, quick-dry towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen (non-nano zinc or titanium), lip balm with SPF
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, reusable water bottle
- Comfortable sandals/water shoes, a pair of closed walking shoes
- Basic meds, motion-sickness tablets if prone to seasickness
- Copies of IDs, travel insurance documents
Where to Stay
Port Blair
- Budget: City guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels around Phoenix Bay
- Premium: Seafront properties offering sunset views
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Budget: Cottages near Govind Nagar
- Mid-range: Beachfront resorts close to Radhanagar
- Premium: Private-villa style stays with dive centers on-site
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Budget: Homestays near Bharatpur
- Mid-range: Garden resorts near Ramnagar
- Premium: Boutique beachfront retreats
Location tip
For early dives and easy beach access, book near Havelock’s Govind Nagar or Beach No. 5. For sunsets, aim for stays closer to Radhanagar or Laxmanpur 2.
Food and Local Experiences
- Seafood: Fresh catch of the day—grilled fish, prawns, crab.
- Island flavors: Coconut-based curries, tropical fruits, local bakery treats.
- Cafés: Beach shacks at Havelock and Neil for brunch and sundowners.
- Markets: Aberdeen Bazaar for souvenirs; look for handicrafts and spices.
Responsible dining
Choose eateries that avoid single-use plastics and support sustainable seafood options.
How to Reach and Get Around
Arriving
- By air: Daily flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) from major Indian cities.
- By sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag; long duration and limited schedules.
Inter-island travel
- Ferries: Government and private ferries (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil. Book early in February.
- Local transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rented scooters/bikes on Havelock and Neil.
Permits and rules
- Indian citizens don’t require special permits for tourist zones.
- Foreign nationals can visit notified areas; carry passport and follow local regulations.
- Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits; respect all signage and restrictions.
Budget and Costs in February
- Flights: Prices vary; booking 3–6 weeks ahead often helps.
- Hotels: Moderate to high versus shoulder season; premium beachfront properties see strong demand.
- Ferries: Economy to premium classes available; pre-book to avoid surge pricing.
- Diving: DSD typically priced per person including gear and instructor; discounts for multiple dives/certifications.
Money-saving tips
- Bundle ferry and activity bookings through reliable operators.
- Choose mid-week flights and stays to avoid weekend premiums.
Responsible and Safe Travel Tips
- Reef protection: Don’t touch corals or marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Waste: Carry back your trash, especially from beaches and boats. Jolly Buoy enforces a strict plastic ban.
- Wildlife: Crocodile warning signs are posted at certain beaches—respect closures and lifeguard advice.
- Safety: Wear life jackets on boats, follow dive briefings, and avoid venturing into rough waters.
- Connectivity: 4G works well in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil; expect patchy signal in remote areas.
FAQs about Andaman in February
Is February a good time for scuba diving?
Yes. Calm seas, warm water, and excellent visibility make February prime for both beginners and certified divers.
Will it rain in February?
Rainfall is minimal. Expect mostly sunny days with occasional light showers at most.
Do I need to pre-book ferries and activities?
Yes. February is popular; book ferries, dives, and premium stays ahead to secure slots and better prices.
Which beaches are best for sunsets?
Radhanagar Beach (Havelock), Laxmanpur Beach 2 (Neil), and Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair).
Is bioluminescence guaranteed?
No, it’s a natural phenomenon. Check locally around new moon nights for the best chances.
Conclusion
Andaman in February blends perfect beach weather with calm seas and exceptional underwater clarity. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a dive-focused getaway, this month checks every box—golden sunsets, lush forests, vibrant reefs, and smooth inter-island travel. Plan ahead, pack light and smart, respect the islands’ fragile ecosystems, and you’ll take home standout memories from India’s most beautiful archipelago.
