Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep: Weather and Permits

Quick answer

October to mid-May is the best time to visit Lakshadweep, when the lagoons are calm and clear and dive centres operate. November to March has the most settled weather. From late May to September the south-west monsoon brings rough seas, fewer ship sailings and limited water sports. Whatever the month, apply for your entry permit at least 14 days before travel.

Month-by-month at a glance

Jan30°Best
Feb31°Best
Mar32°Best
Apr33°Good
May32°Fair
Jun30°Avoid
Jul29°Avoid
Aug29°Avoid
Sep30°Fair
Oct30°Good
Nov30°Best
Dec30°Best

BestGoodFairAvoidTemperatures are average daily highs (°C).

Lakshadweep weather, crowds and what to expect

Monthly weather, crowds and our verdict
Month	High / Low	Rain	Crowds	What to expect
JanuaryBest	30° / 24°	40 mm	medium	Calm lagoons, dry and breezy.
FebruaryBest	31° / 25°	15 mm	medium	Clear water; ideal for snorkelling.
MarchBest	32° / 26°	10 mm	medium	Driest month; excellent visibility.
AprilGood	33° / 27°	40 mm	medium	Calmest water; hot middays.
MayFair	32° / 27°	170 mm	low	Monsoon arrives in the second half.
JuneAvoid	30° / 26°	320 mm	low	Rough seas; water sports mostly closed.
JulyAvoid	29° / 26°	280 mm	low	Fewer sailings; flight disruptions possible.
AugustAvoid	29° / 26°	220 mm	low	Swell and rain continue.
SeptemberFair	30° / 26°	170 mm	low	Monsoon weakening; limited activities.
OctoberGood	30° / 26°	170 mm	low	Season restarts; some showers.
NovemberBest	30° / 25°	130 mm	medium	Settled seas; full water-sports menu.
DecemberBest	30° / 25°	60 mm	high	Christmas–New Year seats sell out early.

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

Festivals and events in Lakshadweep

October to mid-May
Water-sports and dive season
Snorkelling, scuba and kayaking run daily; dive centres pause in the monsoon.
20 December to 5 January
Christmas–New Year
Limited flight seats and rooms go first; plan 3–4 months ahead.
Late May to September
Monsoon slowdown
Rough seas, reduced ship services and limited activities.

When is the best time to visit Lakshadweep?

October to mid-May. The islands are warm all year, with highs of 29–33°C and nights around 24–27°C, so the deciding factor is the sea. Once the monsoon swell fades in October, the lagoons around Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat turn glassy, visibility improves, and scuba, snorkelling and kayaking run daily. November to March is the most dependable stretch, and April often has the calmest water, though it's hot.

What happens in the monsoon?

From late May to September the south-west monsoon hits the islands directly. Expect:

Rough seas and fewer passenger-ship sailings from Kochi
Water sports and dive centres closed or limited
Occasional cancellation of Kochi–Agatti flights in bad weather
Lower rates, but much less to do

We don't recommend Lakshadweep in the monsoon for a first trip.

When does Lakshadweep get crowded?

Never in the way Goa does. Visitor numbers are limited by the permit system, the small number of beds and a handful of flight seats to Agatti each day. That's exactly why Christmas–New Year and Diwali week sell out: flight seats and the best rooms go first, sometimes months ahead.

Months	Sea	Water sports	Verdict
Oct	Settling	Starting up	Good
Nov–Mar	Calm	Full operation	Best
Apr–mid-May	Calmest, hot	Full operation	Very good
Late May–Sep	Rough	Limited or closed	Avoid

How should you plan the permit around your dates?

Every visitor who isn't a local resident needs an entry permit. Since an April 2026 circular, tourists no longer need a local sponsor or a police clearance certificate, but applications still go through the Lakshadweep e-permit portal at least 14 days before travel, naming every island you'll visit. Book non-refundable flights only after approval.

Most travellers let the resort or tour operator file the permit as part of the package. It reduces mistakes in the island list, the most common cause of delays.

See the full Lakshadweep trip cost and things to do in Lakshadweep, and compare with the best time to visit the Andamans.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Lakshadweep in the monsoon?

You can, but it's not a good first trip. From late May to September seas are rough, dive centres and most water sports pause, ship sailings from Kochi are reduced and flights to Agatti are occasionally cancelled. Some resorts stay open at lower rates, but you'll spend more time indoors than in the lagoon. October to mid-May is far better.

How far ahead should I apply for a Lakshadweep permit?

Apply at least 14 days before travel through the Lakshadweep e-permit portal, and earlier for Christmas, New Year and Diwali. Since April 2026 tourists don't need a local sponsor or police clearance certificate, but you must list every island you plan to visit. Book non-refundable flights only after the permit is approved.

Which month is best for scuba diving in Lakshadweep?

November to April. The lagoons and outer reefs are calm, visibility is usually at its best between February and April, and dive centres on Agatti and Kadmat run full schedules. October is the start of the season and can be patchy. Most diving stops from late May, when the monsoon swell arrives.

Is Lakshadweep crowded in December?

Not on the beaches, because permits and limited beds keep numbers low. But the few flight seats from Kochi and the best rooms on Agatti and Bangaram sell out quickly for Christmas and New Year. Plan three to four months ahead for late December, and leave a buffer day in Kochi in case of flight changes.

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.