Field notes
Best Time to Visit Andaman & Nicobar: Month-by-Month Season Guide
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands form a Union Territory of India in the Bay of Bengal, comprising 572 islands with Port Blair as the capital. The best time to visit Andaman & Nicobar is November through April, when the southwest monsoon has cleared, seas are calm, and visibility at dive sites reaches 15–30 metres. Three distinct seasons — peak, shoulder, and monsoon — shape everything from ferry availability to hotel pricing.
What is the best time to visit Andaman & Nicobar for most travellers?
November to April is the best time to visit Andaman & Nicobar for most travellers. Seas are calm, average temperatures stay between 23°C and 30°C, rainfall is minimal, and all ferry routes and water sports remain fully operational throughout this six-month window.
Peak season runs from November to April and covers the widest range of activities. The northeast monsoon brings light, manageable showers in October and November, but by December the weather stabilises completely. Temperatures rarely exceed 32°C even in April, making beach time comfortable throughout the season.
This window suits families, honeymooners, first-time visitors, and anyone planning scuba diving or snorkelling. Ferry services between Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) run on full schedules. Hotels across all price points are available, though December and January fill up fast.
Indian nationals do not require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the Andaman Islands. The RAP applies only to the Nicobar Islands, which remain closed to general tourists.
Related: Andaman tour packages from India
What does the weather look like month by month in Andaman?
Andaman weather follows a clear three-phase pattern: a dry peak from November to April, brief shoulder months in May and October, and a southwest monsoon from June to September. Rainfall in the Andaman region averages 1,500–3,000mm annually, with most falling between June and September.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Rainfall Level | Sea Conditions | Best Activities | Price Band vs. Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23–29 | Low | Calm | Diving, snorkelling, beaches | +20% (high season) |
| February | 24–30 | Low | Calm | Diving, snorkelling, beaches | +15% |
| March | 25–31 | Low | Calm | Diving, water sports, trekking | +10% |
| April | 26–32 | Low–Moderate | Mostly calm | Beaches, snorkelling, sightseeing | Baseline |
| May | 27–32 | Moderate | Choppy at times | Port Blair sightseeing, short treks | −15% (shoulder) |
| June | 26–30 | Very High | Rough, ferry disruptions | Indoor attractions only | −30% (low season) |
| July | 25–29 | Very High | Rough, ferry suspensions | Cellular Jail, museums | −35% |
| August | 25–29 | Very High | Rough, ferry suspensions | Cellular Jail, jungle treks | −35% |
| September | 25–30 | High | Improving late month | Port Blair, limited beach access | −25% |
| October | 25–30 | Moderate | Mostly calm | Beaches, snorkelling, sightseeing | −10% (shoulder) |
| November | 24–29 | Low–Moderate | Calm | All activities, diving opens | +5% |
| December | 23–28 | Low | Calm | All activities, peak diving | +30–50% (Christmas/New Year) |
What happens during peak season months November to April?
Peak season in Andaman spans November to April. All ferry operators — Makruzz, Green Ocean, and Nautika — run full schedules between Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island. Water sports operators open fully from November, and diving visibility at sites like Barracuda City and Lighthouse reaches 15–30 metres by December.
Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, ranked among Asia's top beaches by Time Magazine in 2004, faces west and gives clear sunset views throughout this period. Crowds peak in December and January, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
What should travellers expect in the shoulder months of October and May?
October and May are shoulder months with lower prices and acceptable conditions. October is the stronger shoulder month — the southwest monsoon has largely cleared, seas are mostly calm, and most water sports resume by mid-October. May sees increasing rainfall and occasional choppy seas, but Port Blair sightseeing and short treks remain viable.
Which activities remain possible during the June to September monsoon?
The southwest monsoon is active in Andaman from June to September. Ferry services between islands face frequent suspensions due to rough seas. Water sports and scuba diving shut down across most sites. Cellular Jail in Port Blair, the Anthropological Museum, and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum remain open. Jungle treks on South Andaman are possible between rain spells.
When is the cheapest time to book an Andaman trip?
June to September is the cheapest period for Andaman bookings, with hotel and flight prices running 25–35% below the annual average. October is the best value month that still offers good weather — prices sit roughly 10% below baseline while sea conditions are mostly suitable for beach activities and snorkelling.
According to industry data cited by travel trade bodies, accommodation and flight prices in Andaman during Christmas and New Year week (December 23 – January 2) rise by 30–50% compared to the off-season baseline, with popular Havelock Island resorts selling out 60–90 days in advance.
The monsoon months carry the lowest prices, but the trade-off is real: ferry routes between Port Blair and Havelock Island can be suspended for days at a stretch. Travellers who book monsoon trips should keep Port Blair as their base rather than planning inter-island movement.
May offers a middle path. Prices drop noticeably from the April peak, flights are cheaper, and the first two weeks of May still see manageable weather. Families travelling during school summer holidays in May should book at least 6–8 weeks ahead, as demand picks up from Indian domestic travellers during this period.
Related: View Andaman tour packages with seasonal pricing
Is Andaman worth visiting during the monsoon season?
Andaman during monsoon — June to September — suits budget travellers and photography enthusiasts who do not need water sports. Ferry suspensions make inter-island travel unreliable. Port Blair's land-based attractions stay open, and the forests are green and quiet. It is not suitable for families expecting beach and diving activities.
The Cellular Jail National Memorial in Port Blair, built between 1896 and 1906, runs its sound-and-light show most evenings even during monsoon, though heavy rain can cause cancellations on specific nights. The Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum are fully operational year-round.
Jungle treks on South Andaman are actually better in the monsoon — trails are cooler, bird activity is higher, and crowds are absent. The Chidiya Tapu biological park and Munda Pahar beach trail are accessible by road from Port Blair without ferry dependency.
Photographers find the monsoon light and dramatic skies useful for landscape work. That said, anyone visiting primarily for Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving, or Havelock Island should avoid June through September entirely.
Related: Andaman sightseeing and Port Blair packages
Which month is best for scuba diving and water sports in Andaman?
December to March is the best period for scuba diving in Andaman, with underwater visibility reaching 20–30 metres at major sites including Barracuda City, Lighthouse, and Dixon's Pinnacle near Havelock Island. November and April are also viable, with visibility between 15–20 metres at most sites.
| Water Activity | Best Months | Avoid Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scuba diving | December–March | June–September | Visibility peaks at 20–30m; operators shut during monsoon |
| Snorkelling | November–April | June–September | Elephant Beach on Havelock is the top snorkelling site |
| Sea walking | November–April | May–October | Requires calm, clear water; not available at all sites in shoulder months |
| Kayaking | November–April | June–September | Mangrove kayaking near Baratang possible in October with care |
| Glass-bottom boat | October–April | June–September | Operates from North Bay Island near Port Blair; weather-dependent |
| Deep-sea fishing | November–March | June–September | Requires permit; charter boats available from Port Blair |
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), located 36km from Port Blair, has shallower coral reefs that suit beginner snorkellers from November through April. The natural rock arch at Neil Island is accessible by foot at low tide during the same window.
Related: Andaman adventure and diving packages
How far in advance should you book an Andaman trip by season?
For travel between December 20 and January 10, book flights and hotels at least 60–90 days ahead. Ferry tickets on Makruzz and Green Ocean for this window sell out within days of opening. For travel in February, March, or November, 30–45 days advance booking is sufficient for most itineraries.
October shoulder season bookings can often be made 2–3 weeks ahead without issue. Monsoon months — June to September — rarely sell out, but travellers should confirm ferry schedules closer to travel dates, as routes are suspended based on sea conditions rather than a fixed calendar.
Havelock Island accommodation in particular fills up fast for the Christmas and New Year period. Mid-range resorts at Radhanagar Beach and Beach No. 5 are the first to go. Port Blair hotels have more inventory and are easier to book last-minute even in peak season.
Related: Andaman family packages with ferry and hotel inclusions
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Tripstor's Andaman packages cover all seasons, with ferry bookings, hotel selection, and activity scheduling handled based on your travel dates.
Our consultants can advise on the right month for your specific priorities — diving, beaches, budget, or family travel.
For package booking assistance, call us at +91 98253 43323.
Choosing the right season for Andaman comes down to three questions: Do you need water sports? Are you flexible on price? How much island-hopping do you plan? November to April covers all three comfortably. October works well for value-focused travellers who want beaches without peak crowds. Monsoon travel makes sense only if Port Blair sightseeing is your main focus and you are comfortable with ferry uncertainty. Match your priorities to the season, and the trip plans itself.