Best Time to Visit Andaman Islands

If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you need to know what weather to expect, what you can and can’t do, before you decide when to travel.

Popular opinion says that the best time for visiting Andaman Islands is between the months of October and May, the dry season. But would that accommodate all kinds of travelers? We at Go2Andaman don’t think so. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands depends on what type of trip you want to take, the type of weather you prefer, and your budget.

Our guide will take you through an Andaman weather forecast for different aspects and types of travel.

• Andaman in January: Januaries in Andaman islands are when the dry/mild winter season begins, with a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum of 23°C.

• Andaman in February: The month of February has the highest temperature ranges from 23°C to 30°C.
  
• Andaman in March: The month of March in the Andaman Islands experiences the summer season with a maximum of 32°C, and a minimum of 23°C. Look out for Shiv Ratri and Holi festivities!

• Andaman in April: April is part of the summer season and the hottest time of the year in Andaman Island, when the maximum temperature can rise to 33°C, and the minimum is 25 °C.

• Andaman in May: The rainy season in the Andaman Islands begins typically from May. The island experiences frequent showers, and a maximum temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C.

• Andaman in June: The monsoon season starts in June in the Andaman islands, bringing minimal rainfall and strong winds. Temperatures during this month reach a maximum of 30°C and a minimum of 24°C.

• Andaman in July: The maximum temperature in July in the Andaman Islands is 29 °C, and the minimum temperature is 24°C.

• Andaman in August: The month of August in the Andaman Islands experiences a maximum of 29°C, and a minimum of 24°C. This month falls during the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall.

• Andaman in September: Similar to the previous two months, September too experiences a maximum of 29 °C and a minimum of 24 °C. Temperatures during the monsoon season can fluctuate based on weather.

• Andaman in October: The peak season in the Andaman Islands commences in October, with pleasant temperatures of 30°C maximum and 24°C minimum. Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali festivities are observed in October.

• Andaman in November: By November, the monsoons recede completely in the Andaman Islands, and the temperature will hit a maximum of 30°C, and a minimum of 24°C.

• Andaman in December: December in the Andaman Islands witnesses a maximum of 29°C and a minimum of 24°C. Christmas and New Year Celebrations are held in Andaman in December.

Andaman is the “it” destination for many travelers from different corners of the world. Throughout the year, the temperature stays somewhere between mid-20s and high-30s, with different levels of humidity and rain. As a tropical island, Andaman offers a unique blend of experiences throughout the year.

Located in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands experiences two major seasons, the monsoons and the dry season (a.k.a summer season or mild winter season). According to us, the best season to visit Andaman would be the dry season, between October to May! You’ll find yourself here in the winter and summer months.

During these months, you wouldn’t want to miss out on scenic beauty, adventurous water sports, island hopping, and outdoor activities. The off-season in Andaman and Nicobar Islands lasts from June to September, so we wouldn’t recommend any travel then. The reason for that is, that during this time, there’s plenty of heavy rainfall which means you might not get the chance to do your activities, spend time at the beach or avail ferry services for island hopping due to the unforeseeable climate. Many visits and outdoor activities have often been cancelled due to cyclonic weather or strong winds.

Although ferries and cruises are functional in May and June, whether they will work or not, actually depends on the kind of weather Andaman is facing. So, choose your time to visit Andaman wisely!

Coming back to the peak season for your visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you truly wouldn’t want to miss it. But since this is the most popular season, you must be wondering about the surge in ticket prices, good hotels running out of spaces, and other problems. This is why we recommend that you book your Andaman trip at least 2 months in advance. This extremely popular time frame is ideal for the Andamanese too as it’s the time for festivals and winter breaks from school. So book your flights, hotels and ferries at the earliest. 

Book Your Ferry Tickets in Andaman Here

If you love scuba diving or other water sports, you should definitely continue reading. The most ideal time to visit Andaman for adventure lovers would be the months when these activities are bound to be functional, that is October to May. The dry season provides the best conditions for scuba diving, with clear waters, calm seas and minimal rain giving a perfect view of vibrant coral reefs and marine life. You do however need to remember that the weather can sometimes be unpredictable and change anytime, which could lead to the cancellation of these activities. There’s no guarantee of course, but these months so far are the safest for scuba diving and water sports. 

For your satisfaction, you can contact the instructors you’ve listed down for your activities to ask them about weather conditions. 

However, if you’re planning on a short and fun scuba diving season, any time of the year should work for you!

The beautiful, blue, shimmery waters of Andaman will fill your senses with joy. What better way to enjoy the sea than trying out various thrilling water sports? Again, October to May is the ideal time frame during which you can experience water sports like kayaking, sea karting, parasailing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, sea walking and more. 

To enjoy the underwater world filled with diverse marine life and all that it has to offer, underwater visibility is important, which these months provide. pleasant weather conditions will help you experience these activities without a fear in the world! You’ll find all rides functional during this time too.

For those who are planning a budget trip, reading this should be fun for you. You’ll get the most discounts during May to September, since it is off season. Now you must be wondering why anyone would want to visit Andaman during this season. You can expect discounts as high as half off in June and July on hotels, activities, and flight tickets. Ferry costs will stay the same.

If you feel like these off season offers are too good to pass over, you should plan a trip that’s flexible and prepare yourself for unexpected weather changes! If you don’t mind the rain, this will go even better for you.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands may not be the first thing you think of when you consider a romantic getaway. But, it does make for an unusual destination for weddings, that you may end up loving. February and March may be the best time to visit Andaman for the wedding. The summer season is dry, with little to no chance of rainfall, and hotel rooms are available in bulk. You’ll also run into fewer crowds, as the peak tourist season rush starts clearing out.

Weddings in the Andamans, especially on stunning Havelock Island, can be an expensive affair. We recommend you make bookings in advance so as to save up on your expenses!

Your to and fro flights to the Andamans won’t come cheap. During the peak tourist season, flight ticket prices soar high. This is why we recommend you book at least 1-4 months in advance if you’re travelling in the winter season between October to February. 

Flight tickets to Port Blair, Andaman can get as low as 3000 Rs. per ticket! You should book at least 6 weeks in advance if you’re taking a vacation during major festivals. 

Did you know that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the most number of endemic species in India?

This tropical island is full of nature and lush greenery, including a wide variety of the most beautiful birds. They are home to over 350 species of birds, including migratory and endemic birds. The best time to visit Andaman for you to go bird watching should be somewhere between February to May. You can go to Mount Harriet, Sippighat Wetland, Chidiyatapu and Shoal Bay in Port Blair. These are the best places to go birdwatching for nature enthusiasts!

The ideal time to visit Andaman Islands for backpackers, adventure seekers and thrill buffs is between September and early October. Another great time would be between April and May. You’ll find fewer tourists, pleasant weather, plenty of great deals and a lot more, making it the best time to enjoy your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You’ll also be able to get better opportunities at usually crowded places since there won’t be a lot of people.

If you’re planning a visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands between November and January, you’re in for a cultural treat! This period is buzzing with festive vibes, from Diwali, Christmas, and New Year celebrations to the grand Island Tourism Festival. It’s a vibrant celebration of the islands’ culture, where you can enjoy traditional music, dances, craft exhibitions, and delicious local food. The festive atmosphere, colorful lights, and exciting events like beach parties and concerts will make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Port Blair

Port Blair is the gateway to the rest of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located in the South Andaman Island, the best time to visit Port Blair would be between October and May. Sightseeing will be a lot more convenient after the monsoon season! Port Blair is home to rich history, important historical sites and places of similar significance. Watch out for the light and sound show in cellular jail! It’ll truly blow your mind.

2. Havelock

A trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains incomplete if your itinerary does not include Havelock Island. It is known for its dive spots and pristine beaches like Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach. Top scuba dive spots with vibrant coral reefs, perfect for the adventurer in every traveler. Diving and snorkeling are the highlights at Havelock Island. The ideal time to visit Havelock Island is October to May. You can visit during the monsoon months if you’re not planning to do any water sports activity as you will end up getting much better deals at hotels and crowd free beaches too! You also might not be able to go for treks and hikes, due to heavy rain, slippery slopes and leeches.

3. Neil Island

Neil Island is a hidden gem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with pristine beaches, perfect for those who just love a little solitude. You can reach this island from both Port Blair and Havelock Island. The ideal time frame to visit Neil Island would be between October and May. Monsoons can become a little hard as most water sports and beach activities will remain closed, so plan accordingly!