Best Time to Visit Andaman: A Month-by-Month Guide

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit around 1,400 km off India's east coast in the Bay of Bengal, and unlike most Indian destinations, the experience you get here swings heavily with the season. Rainfall, sea state and underwater visibility change month to month, so picking the right window matters more than it does for a typical hill-station or city trip. Here's a practical, month-by-month breakdown to help you plan.

Andaman's Three Seasons

Temperatures stay warm all year, roughly 22°C to 35°C, so the real variables are rainfall, humidity and sea conditions, driven by the South-West and North-East monsoons.

Peak Season: October to May

Once the North-East monsoon clears out by late September or October, the islands settle into clear skies, calm seas and strong underwater visibility. Ferries and water sports run at full capacity. Hotel rates climb 30–50% above off-season pricing, and December–January is busy enough that rooms and premium ferries are worth booking 2–3 months out.

Shoulder Season: April to May

April and the first half of May offer close to peak-season conditions — 30–35°C, full water sports — at rates roughly 20–30% lower, with noticeably thinner crowds. The second half of May starts to show early pre-monsoon weather.

Monsoon Season: June to September

The South-West monsoon takes over from June through September: ferry schedules thin out, water sports pause, and swimming gets restricted on many beaches. Hotels drop rates 50–70%, which can work for flexible, budget-first travellers, but it's not the season for a tightly planned itinerary.

Month by Month

• October — the season reopens, seas calm down, and festivals like Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali add some buzz.
• November — often the best all-round month: comfortable weather, calm water, and prices still reasonable.
• December — peak festive season, excellent weather, but higher prices and busier beaches and resorts.
• January — still peak conditions, plus the Island Tourism Festival brings cultural events into the mix.
• February — a favourite for honeymooners: great weather at rates 25–35% below January.
• March — 28–32°C, still excellent conditions, and visibly quieter than the December–January rush.
• April — an underrated pick: rates 20–30% lower, water sports fully running.
• May — first half mirrors April; the second half starts easing into monsoon weather.
• June–September — heavy rain, rough seas, and reduced ferry and activity schedules.

Best Time by Traveller Type

• Honeymoon couples — late February to March, for good weather and a quieter island feel.
• Families with kids — October–November or April, lining up with school holidays.
• Scuba divers — November–April, with the clearest visibility January–March.
• Budget travellers — April to early May, when activities still run but prices have eased.
• Photographers — November or March, for clear light.
• Trekking and adventure — November–March.
• Festival travellers — October for Diwali, or January for the Island Tourism Festival.
• Destination weddings — February–March, dry weather and fewer crowds.
• Offbeat, quieter trips — early October or late May, right on the seasonal transitions.

Booking Tips

Direct flights connect Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad to Port Blair. Premium ferries such as Makruzz and Nautika open bookings 30–45 days out and sell through fast in December–January. Mid-range and boutique hotels are usually fine 6–8 weeks ahead in peak season, while luxury resorts are best locked in 3–4 months in advance.

A Few Practical Notes

Carry enough cash, since ATMs thin out outside Port Blair and Havelock. Airtel and BSNL tend to have the best network coverage. Pack light cotton clothing and reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid touching coral while snorkelling or diving. Indian nationals don't need a permit for most islands, though Diglipur and Little Andaman require an Inner Line Permit.

If your dates are flexible, February or March hits the sweet spot — good weather, moderate prices, and noticeably fewer crowds than the December–January peak.