Best Time to Visit the Andaman Islands

The Andamans have a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity all year, so the choice of season is about the sea, not the heat. The sea decides whether ferries run, whether snorkelling is clear and whether diving is possible. This guide takes each period in turn, explains the weather risks and helps you choose the right months for your trip.

The dry season: November to April

This is the main tourist season. Rain is light and infrequent, the sea is calm, visibility underwater is good and ferries run on schedule most days. Days are warm and humid, at around 30 degrees, and evenings are pleasant. The peak weeks are from mid-December to mid-January, when resorts and flights are at their fullest and most expensive.

Within the season, February to April has some of the best underwater visibility, and March and April are hot but calm. Early November can still bring a little rain.

Good for: diving, snorkelling, beach holidays, honeymoons, island hopping. Watch for: high rates in December and January, early booking and crowds at popular beaches.

May and October: shoulder months

These months sit on either side of the monsoon. In May, the heat builds, and pre-monsoon thunderstorms begin; the sea is often still calm, but cyclones can form in the Bay of Bengal at this time of year. In October, the rains ease, the islands are green and prices are lower, though showers remain possible and the sea can be rough on some days.

Good for: value, fewer crowds, flexible travellers. Watch for: weather disruption to ferries and activities, and cyclone alerts.

The monsoon: June to September

The south-west monsoon brings heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. Ferries are often reduced or cancelled, water sports and diving are suspended at many sites and visibility underwater is poor. Roads can be flooded. Many resorts close or offer deep discounts, and some tourist attractions are closed.

Good for: very low prices, quiet islands, lush scenery. Watch for: repeated cancellations, limited activities and unreliable travel. We do not recommend the Andamans for most travellers in these months.

Cyclone windows

The Bay of Bengal can produce cyclones, mostly in April to May and October to December. They are tracked closely, and warnings come days in advance. In such cases, ferries and flights may be suspended and travellers may be asked to stay indoors. Keep flexible dates, consider travel insurance and follow instructions from authorities.

A month-by-month snapshot

• January: Peak season, calm sea, high rates.
• February: Calm, clear, good visibility.
• March: Hot, calm, excellent for snorkelling.
• April: Hot and humid, still calm; early cyclone risk.
• May: Pre-monsoon storms begin; shoulder pricing.
• June to September: Monsoon, rough seas, closures.
• October: Rains ease; green and quiet.
• November: Season starts; occasional showers.
• December: Peak builds; Christmas and New Year crowds.

Special notes for each season

In December and January, resorts fill up months ahead, and you should expect crowds at Radhanagar for sunset. In February and March, conditions are excellent, and many experienced visitors say these are the best months. In April, heat builds, but the sea is flat. In May, thunderstorms begin, and you should avoid tight plans. In October and November, the islands are green and quiet, but showers can interrupt activities.

How the sea changes through the year

In the dry season, the sea is usually flat in the morning, with a light breeze building in the afternoon, which suits boat trips and snorkelling. In the transition months, mornings may be calm but squalls can arrive by afternoon. In the monsoon, winds and swell are persistent, and the sea can be too rough for small boats for days at a time. These patterns are why we plan water activities for the morning and keep afternoons flexible.

A simple comparison

Crowds and prices

The busiest weeks are around Christmas, New Year and long weekends. Hotels, ferries and flights sell out early. If your dates are fixed by holidays, book at least three to four months ahead. If you are flexible, November, early December and March to April give a good balance of weather and price.

Matching the season to your group

Couples often choose December to March. Families with school holidays travel in December or in April to May. Divers prefer February to April. Budget travellers may consider early November or late April, accepting some weather risk.

Planning for flexibility

Whatever the season, the sea has the last word. Choose a resort with a flexible cancellation policy, avoid non-refundable activities on the first and last days, and keep at least half a day in reserve. Travel insurance that covers weather disruption is a sensible addition, especially in October to November and April to May.

A word on crowds

The most popular beaches, particularly Radhanagar, can feel busy at sunset in peak weeks. Mornings are quieter, and Neil is often calmer than Havelock. Travelling midweek, or choosing the shoulder weeks, makes a noticeable difference.

How to decide

1. Decide whether you need guaranteed calm seas and clear water.
2. Check your fixed dates, such as school holidays.
3. Consider how flexible you can be if ferries are cancelled.
4. Think about your budget and your tolerance for risk.

See Andaman weather month by month for temperatures and sea conditions, or look at our Andaman tour packages. You can send us your dates for a tailored plan.

Practical tips

• Book flights, ferries and resorts three to four months ahead for December to January.
• In October, November, April and May, keep spare days in case weather disrupts ferries.
• Avoid flying home on the same day as a ferry or within 18 to 24 hours of diving.
• Check cyclone and weather alerts a few days before you travel.
• If you must go in the monsoon, choose Port Blair and one island, and be flexible.