September

Why Visit Andaman in September

September in the Andaman Islands is the tail end of the monsoon: lush, quiet, and excellent for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and better value. With flexible planning and a little rain preparedness, you can enjoy pristine beaches, dramatic skies, and great deals on hotels and activities.

Pros of Visiting in September

• Lower crowd levels at popular beaches like Radhanagar and Bharatpur.
• Attractive off-season discounts on hotels, transfers, and activities.
• Lush green landscapes, flowing streams, and moody cloudscapes for photography.
• Higher chance of bioluminescence on dark, calm nights.

Considerations

• Intermittent rains and occasional choppy seas; some boat trips may be rescheduled.
• Humidity is high; plan for breathable clothing and hydration.
• Schedules for ferries and water sports can change due to weather advisories.

Andaman Weather in September

Expect warm tropical conditions with intermittent rain showers.

Typical Conditions

• Temperature: around 24°C to 30°C.
• Rain: short, intense spells interspersed with sunny breaks.
• Sea: variable; calmer windows usually appear mid-morning.

What This Means for Your Plans

• Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day; keep afternoons flexible.
• Carry a light rain jacket, quick-dry wear, and a waterproof phone pouch.
• Check daily marine forecasts with your hotel or activity provider.

Top Places to Visit

Port Blair

• Cellular Jail: Explore freedom history; catch the evening sound-and-light show (weather-permitting).
• Corbyn’s Cove: Easy beach escape close to town.
• Chidiya Tapu: Lush forest trails and dramatic sunsets; great for birdwatching.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Colonial-era ruins amidst deer and banyans; short boat hop from Port Blair, sea-dependent.

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)

• Radhanagar Beach: Powdery white sands and sunset views with fewer crowds in September.
• Elephant Beach: Snorkeling and sea-walk when boats operate; trekking route may be an option.
• Kalapathar Beach: Quiet, photogenic stretches great after rains.

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

• Bharatpur Beach: Lagoon-like waters good for beginner snorkeling on calmer days.
• Laxmanpur Beach and Natural Bridge: Tide-dependent rock formations; check tides before visiting.

Day Trips and Nature Escapes

• Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park): Glass-bottom boats and snorkeling; operations are seasonal and weather-dependent.
• Baratang Island: Limestone caves and mud volcano; road conditions vary during monsoon—confirm ahead.
• Mount Harriet National Park: Island views and rainforest trails near Port Blair.

Best Things to Do in September

Water Activities

• Scuba Diving: Operates year-round at Havelock, Neil, and select Port Blair sites; visibility varies, but marine life is active.
• Snorkeling: Choose protected lagoons; go with certified guides who monitor conditions.
• Kayaking: Mangrove kayaking (often at Havelock) is superb after rains; look for guided bioluminescence night paddles on clear, dark nights.
• Sea Walk: Available at Elephant Beach or North Bay when seas are calm.

Nature and Culture

• Birdwatching: Chidiya Tapu and Sippighat wetlands are lush and lively.
• Heritage Trails: Cellular Jail and Ross Island for history and architecture.
• Sunrise/Sunset Chasing: Kalapathar for sunrise, Radhanagar and Laxmanpur for sunset.

Seasonal Notes

• World Tourism Day (Sept 27): Look for local clean-up drives, heritage walks, or cultural programs in Port Blair.
• Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi may fall in September; small community processions can occur in Port Blair.

Suggested Itineraries

Compact 4N/5D September Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove; evening show at Cellular Jail.
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
• Day 3: Dive or snorkel in the morning; optional Elephant Beach (subject to sea conditions).
• Day 4: Early ferry to Neil; Bharatpur and Natural Bridge; late ferry back to Port Blair.
• Day 5: Souvenirs, anthropology museum; depart.

Leisurely 6N/7D Monsoon-Friendly Plan

• Day 1–2 (Port Blair): Cellular Jail, museums, Chidiya Tapu; buffer time for any weather delays.
• Day 3–4 (Havelock): Radhanagar, scuba or kayak; one flexible day to shuffle around rain.
• Day 5 (Neil): Bharatpur snorkeling, Laxmanpur sunset.
• Day 6 (Port Blair): Ross Island (if boats operate) or Mount Harriet; local markets.
• Day 7: Departure.

Planning Tip

Keep at least one buffer half-day in your schedule to accommodate any ferry or boat rescheduling due to weather.

How to Reach Andaman

By Air

• Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
• September often sees competitive fares compared to peak winter months.

By Sea

• Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam on select schedules; voyages take multiple days.
• Monsoon seas may affect comfort and timing—verify schedules and weather before booking.

Inter-Island Transfers

• Private ferries (e.g., high-speed catamarans) and government ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil.
• In September, choose morning departures and keep plans flexible.

Where to Stay

Port Blair

• Mid-range hotels near city attractions and the airport.
• Sea-facing resorts on the outskirts for a quiet start or end to your trip.

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Beachfront resorts along Radhanagar or Govind Nagar for easy access to water activities.
• Boutique stays set in coconut groves for a secluded vibe.

Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

• Charming homestays and small resorts close to Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches.

September Booking Tip

Book refundable rates and confirm on-ground operations for activities 48 hours in advance; many properties offer free re-dates in the off-season.

Costs, Deals, and Budget Tips

What to Expect

• Accommodation: Potential 15–40% off standard peak-season pricing.
• Flights: Better availability and promo fares compared to December–January.
• Activities: Dive packages and kayaking often discounted or include add-ons.

Saving More

• Bundle ferries and transfers with your hotel or a local operator for better rates.
• Travel mid-week for lower airfares.
• Choose a couple of base islands to cut down on multiple ferry costs.

September Travel Tips

Packing List

• Light rain jacket or poncho; quick-dry outfits; swimsuit and cover-up.
• Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, microfiber towel, spare chargers/power bank.
• Insect repellent, motion-sickness tablets, basic meds, reef-safe sunscreen.
• Comfortable sandals/water shoes; a spare pair of footwear.

Connectivity and Money

• Mobile data is decent in Port Blair and patchier on islands; download maps offline.
• Carry some cash; ATMs exist but can run out in smaller islands.

Permits and Safety

• Carry a valid ID; certain protected areas require on-the-spot permits via local authorities/operators.
• Obey red flags and lifeguard instructions; avoid swimming during rough seas.
• Opt for licensed dive/snorkel operators with certified guides and updated equipment.

Responsible Travel in Andaman

• Do not touch or step on corals; maintain buoyancy while snorkeling/diving.
• Avoid single-use plastics; carry refillable water bottles.
• Do not collect shells, corals, or driftwood; it’s protected.
• Respect local communities and avoid entering tribal reserve areas.
• Choose reef-safe sunscreen and eco-conscious operators.

FAQ for Andaman in September

Is September a good time to visit Andaman?

Yes, if you prefer quieter beaches, greener landscapes, and better deals. Be ready for occasional rain and flexible scheduling for boat-based trips.

Will water sports be available?

Most diving and many snorkeling/kayaking experiences operate, but daily conditions govern availability. Morning slots are often calmer; confirm a day prior.

Which islands are best in September?

Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) are reliable choices with better connectivity and sheltered beaches.

What about seasickness?

Carry motion-sickness tablets if you’re sensitive. Choose front-row seats in ferries, and avoid heavy meals before boat rides.

What should I pack for the rains?

A light rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, waterproof pouches, and a dry bag for electronics are essential.

Conclusion

September paints the Andaman Islands in fresh greens and silver-blue seas, with quiet beaches and excellent value for travelers who appreciate a slower, more immersive experience. With smart planning—early activity slots, refundable bookings, and weather-aware flexibility—you can enjoy iconic beaches, thriving reefs, and rich island heritage without the peak-season bustle. If you’re seeking a serene tropical escape with room to breathe, Andaman in September is a rewarding choice.