May

Andaman in May: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Sun, Sea, and Savings

Table of Contents

• Why Visit Andaman in May
• Andaman Weather in May
• How to Reach Andaman in May
• Permits and Essential Regulations
• Best Places to Stay
• Top Things To Do
• Water Activities and Sea Conditions
• Suggested Itineraries
• Food, Cafes, and Local Flavours
• What to Pack for May
• Budgeting, Cash, and Connectivity
• Safety and Health Tips
• Responsible Travel in Andaman
• FAQs: Andaman in May
• Conclusion

Why Visit Andaman in May

May is shoulder season in the Andaman Islands—expect fewer crowds, attractive hotel and activity deals, and lively marine life early in the month. It’s warm and humid, but you’ll enjoy quieter beaches, easier last-minute bookings, and a relaxed island vibe that’s perfect for honeymoons, family trips, and budget getaways.

Andaman Weather in May

Temperature and Humidity

Temperatures hover around 26–32°C, with high humidity. Expect bright mornings, sultry afternoons, and refreshing pre-monsoon showers—especially later in the month.

Rain and Sea Conditions

Short, scattered showers are common. Early May seas are generally calmer; late May can see choppier waters as the southwest monsoon approaches. Visibility for diving and snorkeling is usually good in early May and variable later.

Monsoon Watch

• Early May: Best for water clarity and smoother boat rides.
• Late May: Keep plans flexible; some water sports may pause due to rough seas.

How to Reach Andaman in May

By Air

Direct flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) operate from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Morning arrivals are ideal for catching same-day ferries to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) or Neil (Shaheed Dweep).

By Sea

Long-haul passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam sail a few times monthly and take 2–3 days. These are for slow travelers; most visitors choose flights.

Quick Booking Tips

• Plan tight connections with buffer time—weather can delay ferries in late May.
• Pre-book inter-island ferries (government DSS or private operators like Nautika, Makruzz, Sea Link) when possible.

Permits and Essential Regulations

• Indian nationals: No special permit needed for popular islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, Diglipur). Carry photo ID.
• Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is usually issued on arrival in Port Blair; carry passport, visa, and copies. Check current rules before travel.
• Protected areas: Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits. Stick to permitted zones and marked trails.
• Special day-permits: Required for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (from Wandoor/Forest Dept.) and Ross & Smith (Diglipur). Your hotel or tour operator can assist.

Best Places to Stay

Port Blair

Great for first/last night stays, museums, eateries, and day trips. Look near Aberdeen Bazaar for convenience or by the sea for views.

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

The island for powdery beaches and diving. Radhanagar Beach stays are tranquil; Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar offer more dining options.

Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

Laid-back charm, crystal lagoons, and unreal sunsets at Laxmanpur. Ideal for 1–2 relaxed nights.

North Andaman (Rangat, Diglipur)

For offbeat lovers: mangrove walks, limestone caves, and the Ross & Smith sandbar. Longer road transfers but rewarding seclusion.

Price Snapshot (Indicative)

• Budget homestays: ₹1,500–3,000
• Mid-range resorts: ₹4,000–9,000
• Luxury beachfront: ₹12,000+ (look for May offers)

Top Things To Do

Port Blair Highlights

• Cellular Jail and evening Light & Sound Show
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach for a breezy evening
• Chidiya Tapu for sunset and birding
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) ruins and deer
• North Bay for snorkeling and sea walks
• Museums: Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum

Havelock Highlights

• Radhanagar Beach (often rated among Asia’s best)
• Elephant Beach for snorkeling and water sports (boat or forest trek)
• Kalapathar Beach for a quiet sunrise stroll

Neil Highlights

• Bharatpur Beach for snorkeling and glass-bottom boats
• Laxmanpur Beach sunset
• Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) at low tide

Day Trips and Offbeat

• Baratang: Mangrove boat ride to Limestone Caves; Mud Volcano
• Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: Coral-rich snorkeling; non-plastic zone
• Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islands connected by a sandbar

Pro Timing Tip

Book morning boats and plan beach visits early or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light.

Water Activities and Sea Conditions in May

What’s Best in May

• Scuba Diving: Early May offers better visibility; try Havelock, Neil, or North Bay for beginners.
• Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, Jolly Buoy (permit required).
• Kayaking: Mangrove kayaking at Havelock or Port Blair; bioluminescence can appear on moonless nights.
• Sea Walks: Popular at North Bay and Elephant Beach.
• Sunset Cruises and Fishing: Check sea forecasts, especially late May.

Conditions and Safety

• Visibility: Typically 10–20 m early May, variable later.
• Swells: Increase toward month-end; trips may be rescheduled—keep a buffer day.
• Jellyfish/Sea Lice: Possible in warmer waters; wear a full-sleeve rash guard.

Eco and Safety Reminders

• Choose licensed dive centers; never touch corals or marine life.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics.
• Follow lifeguard flags; currents can be strong near rocks and channels.

Suggested Itineraries for May

4 Days: Quick Andaman Taster

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail, Light & Sound
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach
• Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkeling or dive intro
• Day 4: Return to Port Blair, museum or shopping, depart

6 Days: Classic Highlights

• Day 1–2: Port Blair sights + Ross Island/North Bay
• Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, dive/snorkel, Kalapathar)
• Day 5: Neil (Bharatpur, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset)
• Day 6: Back to Port Blair; optional Jolly Buoy (permit, early start)

8 Days: Add the Offbeat

• Days 1–5: As per Classic route
• Days 6–7: Baratang Limestone Caves or Diglipur (Ross & Smith)
• Day 8: Buffer day for weather; depart

Food, Cafes, and Local Flavours

• Seafood specials: Grilled fish, crab curry, prawn masala—ask for fresh catch of the day.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Plenty of North/South Indian plates, thalis, and island-style curries.
• Popular picks: Full Moon Café, Something Different, Anju Coco (Havelock); SeaShell/Amaya rooftop, New Lighthouse (Port Blair).
• Tip: Confirm prices for lobsters and jumbo crabs beforehand.

What to Pack for Andaman in May

• Light cotton/linen clothing; breathable footwear and flip-flops
• UPF rash guard, snorkel mask if you prefer your own
• Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Compact rain jacket/poncho; quick-dry towel
• Insect repellent; basic meds and motion-sickness tablets
• Waterproof phone pouch; dry bags for boat rides

Budgeting, Cash, and Connectivity

Costs to Expect (per person, per day)

• Budget trips: ₹2,500–4,500 (shared stays, local eateries, government ferries)
• Comfort trips: ₹5,500–10,000 (nice resorts, a couple of paid activities)
• Luxury: ₹12,000+ (beachfront villas, private transfers, multiple activities)

Money and SIM

• ATMs: Available in Port Blair; limited on Havelock and Neil—carry backup cash.
• Connectivity: Airtel/Jio work best around Port Blair and Havelock; data can be patchy on excursions.
• Power: Standard Indian sockets (Type C/D/M), 220V.

Safety and Health Tips

• Swim in designated areas; heed lifeguards and local advisories.
• Hydrate frequently and rest during peak afternoon heat.
• Respect currents, avoid rocky outcrops, and wear protective footwear at low tide.
• Medical help: G.B. Pant Hospital in Port Blair; basic clinics on Havelock/Neil. A hyperbaric facility is available in Port Blair for dive emergencies.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (all-in-one), 100 (police), 102 (ambulance). Maritime distress: VHF Channel 16.

Local Etiquette

• No drones in restricted zones without permission.
• Alcohol is not allowed on most public beaches; buy only from licensed outlets.
• Do not photograph tribal communities or enter protected areas.

Responsible Travel in Andaman

• Carry a refillable bottle; many hotels refill drinking water.
• Avoid stepping on corals; never take shells, sand, or coral as souvenirs.
• Choose eco-certified tours and operators who brief on reef etiquette.
• Keep noise low on beaches at night—nesting and roosting fauna are sensitive.

FAQs: Andaman in May

Is May a good time to visit Andaman?

Yes—especially in early May for calmer seas and good underwater visibility. Late May can be breezy and wetter, but you’ll find great deals and fewer crowds.

Will rain spoil my trip?

Showers are usually short. Keep a flexible plan and a buffer day; most activities still run when conditions allow.

Can beginners try scuba in May?

Absolutely. Choose a reputable dive shop, schedule dives in the morning, and keep late-May weather in mind.

Do Indians need a passport to visit?

No passport is required for Indian citizens. Carry a valid government photo ID. Foreign nationals need a passport, Indian visa, and RAP.

Which islands are best for a short May trip?

Port Blair + Havelock for 4 days; add Neil for 6 days. If you have a week and love offbeat, consider a day to Baratang or Diglipur.

Conclusion

Andaman in May blends serene beaches, vibrant reefs, and wallet-friendly travel with a dash of tropical drama from pre-monsoon showers. Come for early-morning swims, amber sunsets, fresh seafood, and leisurely days that feel wonderfully unhurried. Plan lightly, book key ferries and activities ahead, keep a weather buffer, and let the islands do the rest.