Weather in Andaman month by month

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Andaman Weather Overview
• Weather in Andaman Month by Month
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
• Top Cities and Places
• Tourist Circuits by Season
• Activities and Best Months
• Festivals and Events
• Sample Itineraries
• How to Reach
• Accommodation and Estimated Costs
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
• Travel Tips and Packing Guide
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a tropical dream—emerald jungles, sugar-white beaches, and waters so clear you can count the corals beneath. But the magic truly unfolds when you align your plans with the weather. This month-by-month guide decodes Andaman’s seasons, so you know when the seas are calm for island-hopping, when underwater visibility peaks for diving, and how monsoon showers change the pace and prices. Use it to pick the perfect window for your style—adventure, romance, family fun, or a wallet-friendly escape.

Andaman Weather Overview

• Climate: Tropical maritime; warm and humid year-round.
• Average temperatures: 24–32°C across the year.
• Seasons:
  • Dry to Shoulder (Oct–Apr): Generally sunny, calmer seas; peak diving visibility Feb–Apr.
  • Southwest Monsoon (late May–Sep): Frequent rain, rougher seas; lush landscapes and low prices.
  • Northeast Monsoon influence (Oct–Dec): Intermittent showers early on; seas steadily improve.
• Cyclone watch: Higher probability in Apr–May and Oct–Dec in the Bay of Bengal. Plans may shift—keep buffer days.
• Sea conditions: Inter-island ferries depend on wind and swell; schedule changes are common in peak monsoon.

Weather in Andaman Month by Month

Andaman Weather in January

• Temp: 24–29°C; Humidity: Moderate.
• Rain: Low; brief light showers possible.
• Sea: Generally calm; minimal swell.
• Underwater visibility: 20–30 m; excellent for diving/snorkeling.
• Best for: Island-hopping, scuba, kayaking, beach time, photography.
• Watch-outs: Peak season pricing; book ferries and stays early.
• Events: Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, multi-day; dates vary).

Andaman Weather in February

• Temp: 25–30°C; breezy evenings.
• Rain: Minimal.
• Sea: Very calm; ideal crossings to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil).
• Underwater visibility: 20–30+ m; often the year’s best.
• Best for: Diving courses, sea walks, romantic trips.
• Watch-outs: High demand on premium beach resorts.

Andaman Weather in March

• Temp: 26–31°C; warmer afternoons.
• Rain: Low.
• Sea: Calm to slight.
• Underwater visibility: 15–25 m; still great.
• Best for: Family trips, water sports, mangrove kayaking.
• Watch-outs: Sun intensity rises—reef-safe sunscreen, hydration.

Andaman Weather in April

• Temp: 27–32°C; humid.
• Rain: Light pre-monsoon showers possible.
• Sea: Mostly calm; occasional chop with thunderstorms.
• Underwater visibility: 15–25 m; warm waters.
• Best for: Diving liveaboards/day trips, bioluminescence kayaking (near new moon).
• Watch-outs: Heat; plan activities early/late in the day.

Andaman Weather in May

• Temp: 27–32°C; very humid.
• Rain: Increasing; thunderstorms common late month.
• Sea: Moderate; swell builds as SW monsoon approaches.
• Underwater visibility: 10–20 m; variable.
• Best for: Early May trips, surfers (Little Andaman), budget hunters.
• Watch-outs: Possible weather-related ferry reshuffles.

Andaman Weather in June

• Temp: 26–30°C; cooler feel with rain.
• Rain: High; frequent showers.
• Sea: Moderate to rough; some crossings curtailed.
• Underwater visibility: 5–15 m; patchy.
• Best for: Quiet escapes, rainforest walks between showers.
• Watch-outs: Activity cancellations; keep flexible plans.

Andaman Weather in July

• Temp: 25–29°C.
• Rain: High; windy spells.
• Sea: Often rough; limited water sports.
• Underwater visibility: 5–12 m; not ideal.
• Best for: Low prices, slow travel, culture in Port Blair.
• Watch-outs: Possible landslip delays on North Andaman road.

Andaman Weather in August

• Temp: 25–29°C.
• Rain: High; breaks of sunshine.
• Sea: Rough at times.
• Underwater visibility: 5–12 m.
• Best for: Budget stays, wellness retreats, monsoon greenery.
• Watch-outs: Limited ferry frequency on some routes.

Andaman Weather in September

• Temp: 25–30°C.
• Rain: Moderating late month; shoulder season begins.
• Sea: Improving trends toward month-end.
• Underwater visibility: 8–18 m; steadily better late month.
• Best for: Value trips, photographers (dramatic skies).
• Watch-outs: Occasional squalls; flexible day plans help.

Andaman Weather in October

• Temp: 25–30°C.
• Rain: Intermittent showers; many sunny windows.
• Sea: Calming; ferry schedules normalize.
• Underwater visibility: 12–22 m; improving.
• Best for: Early-season divers, island-hopping without peak crowds.
• Watch-outs: Some rain-affected days, especially early month.

Andaman Weather in November

• Temp: 24–29°C; pleasant.
• Rain: Light to moderate; brief spells.
• Sea: Generally calm; great for boating.
• Underwater visibility: 15–25 m; good to very good.
• Best for: Family vacations, snorkeling, sea walks.
• Watch-outs: Festival and holiday weekend surges.

Andaman Weather in December

• Temp: 24–28°C; comfortable.

li>Rain: Low; odd shower possible.

• Sea: Calm to slight; ideal cruising.
• Underwater visibility: 15–25 m; consistently good.
• Best for: Peak-season beach holidays, sunsets, stargazing.
• Watch-outs: Premium rates and limited availability near Christmas/New Year.

Top Cities and Places

Port Blair (Gateway)

• Weather angle: Least disruption in monsoon for museums and city sights.
• Highlights: Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), Samudrika Museum.

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)

• Weather angle: Best seas Oct–Apr.
• Highlights: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach (snorkeling), dive sites like Johnny’s Gorge.

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

• Weather angle: Gentle beaches; great for relaxed stays Nov–Mar.
• Highlights: Laxmanpur sunset, Bharatpur reef, Natural Bridge.

Baratang Island

• Weather angle: Avoid heavy rain days (road closures possible).
• Highlights: Limestone Caves, Parrot Island (at dusk), mangroves.

Diglipur & Ross and Smith Islands (North Andaman)

• Weather angle: Safer to plan Dec–Apr for calm seas.
• Highlights: Twin-sandbar beach, Saddle Peak trek.

Little Andaman

• Weather angle: Surf season May–Sep; access variable in monsoon.
• Highlights: Butler Bay, White Surf Falls, surfing.

Long Island, Rangat, Mayabunder

• Weather angle: Best Dec–Mar for reliable ferries.
• Highlights: Lalaji Bay, pristine reefs, quiet villages.

Tourist Circuits by Season

• Classic 5–6 Days (Nov–Apr): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair. Focus on beaches, snorkeling, light sightseeing.
• Diver’s Circuit 6–7 Days (Feb–Apr): 3–4 dive days in Havelock + 1–2 in Neil; optional specialty courses.
• North Andaman Explorer 8–9 Days (Dec–Mar): Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith) → back.
• Monsoon Lush 4–5 Days (Jun–Sep): Port Blair base with city sights, museums, short island hops when seas permit; wellness stays.

Activities and Best Months

• Diving and Snorkeling: Best Nov–Apr; peak visibility Feb–Apr.
• Kayaking (mangroves/bioluminescence): Oct–Apr; aim for new-moon nights.
• Sea Walks and Glass-Bottom Boats: Mostly Oct–May; weather-permitting in monsoon.
• Trekking (Saddle Peak, nature trails): Dec–Mar for cooler, clearer days.
• Surfing (Little Andaman): May–Sep for consistent swell.
• Birding: Dec–Mar; early mornings.

Festivals and Events

• January: Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, multi-day cultural fair).
• Late Jan: Subhash Mela commemorations (various venues; dates vary).
• September: World Tourism Day events (low-key cultural programs).
• October/November: Durga Puja/Diwali celebrations in Port Blair.
• December: Christmas and New Year beach events at popular islands.

Sample Itineraries

5 Days – Classic Beaches (Nov–Apr)

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show.
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar sunset.
• Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkeling or intro dive.
• Day 4: Ferry to Neil; Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset.
• Day 5: Return Port Blair; departure.

7 Days – Diver’s Delight (Feb–Apr)

• 3–4 full diving days in Havelock (AOW or specialties), 1–2 in Neil.
• Non-divers: sea walk, kayak, glass-bottom boat, beach days.

8–9 Days – North Andaman Explorer (Dec–Mar)

• Port Blair → Baratang (Limestone Caves) → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith; Saddle Peak) → Port Blair.

4–5 Days – Monsoon Slow Travel (Jun–Sep)

• Base in Port Blair; museums, cafés, Corbyn’s Cove in sunny breaks, short island hops when seas allow.

How to Reach

By Air

• Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
• Direct/connecting flights: From Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and others (seasonal variations).
• Tip: Morning arrivals help catch same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.

By Sea

• Government ships: From Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (approx. 60–70 hours); limited schedules; basic cabins.
• Note: Subject to weather; not recommended if you’re time-bound.

Inter-Island Transport

• Ferries: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., to Havelock/Neil). Book early in peak months.
• Road: Port Blair to North Andaman via the Andaman Trunk Road (permits and convoy timings may apply in stretches; rules can change).
• Local: Taxis, autos, two-wheelers (Havelock/Neil) are common.

Accommodation and Estimated Costs

Where to Stay

• Port Blair: Best for late arrivals/early departures; city comforts.
• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beach resorts, dive centers; ideal 2–4 nights.
• Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Quiet stays; 1–2 nights.
• North Andaman: Simple lodges/eco-stays; great for offbeat travelers.

Seasonal Pricing (Indicative, per room/night)

• Budget stays: INR 1,200–2,500 (monsoon), 1,800–3,000 (peak).
• Mid-range resorts: INR 3,500–7,500 (monsoon), 5,500–12,000 (peak).
• Luxury beachfront: INR 12,000–35,000+ (higher around Dec–Jan).

Daily Trip Budget (Per person, indicative)

• Budget: INR 2,500–4,000 (local meals, govt ferries, shared transport).
• Mid-range: INR 5,000–8,000 (private ferries, activities, better stays).
• Luxury: INR 12,000+ (premium resorts, private transfers, multiple activities).

Activity Costs (Typical)

• Intro dive: INR 3,500–6,500.
• Certified dive: INR 3,000–5,500 per dive (packages cheaper).
• Snorkeling trip: INR 800–1,500.
• Private ferry (one-way PB ↔ Havelock): INR 1,000–1,800 (class-dependent).
• Two-wheeler rent: INR 500–800/day; Taxi 8–10 hours: INR 3,000–5,000.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture

• Food: Fresh seafood (grilled fish, lobster), South Indian thalis, Bengali influences; try coconut-based curries.
• Cafés: Beachside spots in Havelock/Neil for sundowners and wood-fired bites.
• Shopping: Handicrafts, shell art (buy only legally sourced, no coral/tortoise shell), coconut products, spices.
• Culture: Melting pot of settlers from mainland India; respectful of protected tribal reserves—no contact or photography of tribes.

Travel Tips and Packing Guide

General Tips

• Permits: Most tourist islands open without special permits for Indians; foreigners require an Indian visa. Certain areas/islands need permissions—check locally.
• Environment: Single-use plastics restricted; carry refillable bottles; reef-safe sunscreen only.
• Connectivity: 4G improving around main islands; patchy in remote areas—download tickets offline.
• Health: Seasickness tablets for monsoon crossings; basic meds and repellents; drink bottled/filtered water.
• Money: ATMs in Port Blair/Havelock; carry cash for remote areas.
• Safety: Strong currents in some coves; heed lifeguard and boat crew instructions.

Packing List by Season

• Oct–Apr: Light cottons, sunhat, sunglasses, water shoes, dry bag, snorkel mask (optional), light jacket for ferries.
• May–Sep: Quick-dry clothes, rain jacket/poncho, anti-slip sandals, waterproof phone pouch.
• Year-round: Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable bottle, copies of IDs, power bank.

Traveler-Specific Advice

• Families: Choose beach-facing resorts with on-site dining; plan midday rest to avoid heat; carry snacks for ferries.
• Honeymooners: Aim for Feb–Apr for glassy seas; pick sunset-facing beaches (Radhanagar, Laxmanpur); book sea-facing rooms early.
• Friends/Adventure: Try dawn kayaking, night bioluminescence tours (new moon), multi-dive packages, and a North Andaman road trip Dec–Mar.

FAQs

Q: What is the best month to visit Andaman?

A: For reliably calm seas and great visibility, aim for December to April, with February–April often offering the clearest water for diving and snorkeling.

Q: Is it worth visiting during the monsoon (June–September)?

A: Yes if you want quiet beaches, lush scenery, and low prices. Expect rain, possible ferry cancellations, and limited water sports. Keep flexible plans and buffer days.

Q: Do I need special permits to visit the islands?

A: Indians don’t need special permits for the main tourist islands. Foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa. Some areas and excursions may require local permissions; protected tribal reserves are strictly off-limits.

Q: When is diving visibility the best?

A: Typically from February to April across popular sites around Havelock and Neil, with clear, warm waters and calm seas.

Q: Can I see bioluminescence in Andaman?

A: Yes—most commonly on calm, dark nights between October and April. Join guided night kayaking tours around new moon for the best chance.

Conclusion

Andaman’s weather shifts from glassy, blue-water days in winter and early spring to wind-kissed monsoon months that turn the forests vivid green and the islands wonderfully quiet. Plan between December and April for classic beach-and-dive holidays, or embrace June to September for serene, budget-friendly escapes with flexible itineraries. With the right timing, every month here offers a different, memorable way to experience the islands.