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

Quick answer

November to April is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands. Seas are calm, ferries between Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) run on schedule, and water clarity for snorkelling and diving peaks from February to April. Late December is peak season. Avoid June to August, when monsoon seas cause frequent cancellations.

Month-by-month at a glance

Jan30°Best
Feb31°Best
Mar32°Best
Apr33°Best
May32°Fair
Jun30°Avoid
Jul30°Avoid
Aug29°Avoid
Sep29°Fair
Oct30°Fair
Nov30°Good
Dec30°Best

BestGoodFairAvoidTemperatures are average daily highs (°C).

Andaman Islands weather, crowds and what to expect

Monthly weather, crowds and our verdict
Month	High / Low	Rain	Crowds	What to expect
JanuaryBest	30° / 23°	40 mm	high	Calm seas; busy in the first week.
FebruaryBest	31° / 23°	20 mm	medium	Dry, clear water, settled ferries.
MarchBest	32° / 24°	10 mm	medium	Driest month; excellent visibility.
AprilBest	33° / 25°	60 mm	medium	Calmest seas; best for diving; hot.
MayFair	32° / 26°	360 mm	low	Monsoon arrives mid-to-late May.
JuneAvoid	30° / 25°	470 mm	low	Rough seas; frequent ferry cancellations.
JulyAvoid	30° / 25°	400 mm	low	Heavy rain; water sports often off.
AugustAvoid	29° / 25°	400 mm	low	Persistent rain and swell.
SeptemberFair	29° / 25°	440 mm	low	Very wet, but deals and quiet beaches.
OctoberFair	30° / 24°	290 mm	medium	Changeable; Puja-holiday groups.
NovemberGood	30° / 24°	230 mm	medium	Season opens; some showers.
DecemberBest	30° / 23°	150 mm	high	Peak from 20 December; book early.

Long-term monthly averages. Individual years vary — check a forecast in the week before you travel.

Festivals and events in Andaman Islands

20 December to 5 January
Christmas–New Year
Peak rates; ferry seats and Havelock resorts sell out 2–3 months ahead.
September–October
Durga Puja holidays
Large groups from West Bengal; Port Blair hotels and ferries fill up.
Usually December–January, when held
Island Tourism Festival
Cultural shows and food stalls in Sri Vijaya Puram; dates are announced late.

When is the best time to visit the Andamans?

November to April. The islands are tropical and humid all year, with highs of 29–33°C, so the deciding factor is the sea. From November the south-west monsoon has gone, swells drop, and the private catamarans between Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) run reliably. Divers rate February to April highest, when underwater visibility is often 15–25 m.

What is each season like?

Months	Sea	Crowds	Verdict
Nov–Dec	Settling, mostly calm	High from 20 Dec	Very good
Jan–Mar	Calm, clear	Medium–high	Best
Apr–mid-May	Calmest, hot	Medium	Best for diving
Late May–Sep	Rough, rainy	Low	Avoid for a first trip
Oct	Changeable	Medium	Fair

October brings large groups from West Bengal during the Durga Puja holidays. Late December to early January is the peak: ferry seats and Havelock beach resorts sell out, so book 2–3 months ahead.

Is it safe to visit the Andamans in the monsoon?

It can be, but it's unpredictable. Ferries are cancelled when sea warnings are issued, which can strand you on an island for a day or two and cause missed flights. Water sports and dives are often called off, and Radhanagar beach frequently flies red flags. Rates do fall by 30–50%. If you go, keep a buffer day before your flight home and buy travel insurance.

Light matters more than you'd think. The islands run on Indian Standard Time despite lying far east, so in winter the sun rises around 5:45 am and sets by about 5–5:15 pm. Plan early starts and catch sunsets from the beach, not the road.

Do Indian travellers need a permit?

No. Indian citizens need only a valid photo ID for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil and the other tourist islands. Tribal reserves are off-limits to everyone.

For costs and planning, see our Andaman trip cost guide, where to stay in the Andamans and things to do in the Andamans. Comparing islands? Read the best time to visit Lakshadweep.

Frequently asked questions

Which month is best for scuba diving in the Andamans?

February to April is best. Seas are at their calmest, and visibility around Havelock and Neil is often 15–25 m, which helps beginners on try dives as well as certified divers. November to January is also good, though the odd swell can reduce clarity. Most dive centres close or limit trips from June to September.

Do Andaman ferries run during the monsoon?

Yes, but less reliably. Private catamarans and government ships keep a timetable from June to September, but sailings are cancelled whenever the weather office issues a sea warning, sometimes for a day or two at a stretch. If travelling then, avoid tight connections, keep a buffer night in Sri Vijaya Puram before your flight and buy travel insurance.

Is December a good time to visit the Andamans?

The weather is good, with calm seas after the first week or two, though a few showers are possible. The problem is demand: from about 20 December to 5 January, flights, ferries and beach resorts on Havelock are at their most expensive and often sold out. Book by September or October, or travel in the first half of December.

Is the Andamans too hot in April?

April is hot and humid, with highs around 33°C, but you'll spend much of your time in or near the water, and the sea is at its calmest. Plan beach time in the morning and late afternoon, rest at midday, and use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard while snorkelling. Many divers consider April the best month.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.