Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands

I am getting married in January and I would like to know if going to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in February would be a good idea weather wise. I don't want to leave the honeymoon until too late, as my wife and I won't be able to get holidays easily unless we book them now. So if the best time to go is later than February we would need to now.

Please give your suggestions to the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

 

Hello there, welcome to the forum!

Sunset at Havelock Island in Andaman
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Overview

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands nestled in the Andaman sea, is perhaps the most pristine beach destination in the country. White sand beaches, clear, blue waters and a rich marine life, these are all the features of the different islands of Andaman. Varying landscapes of lush forests, high mountain peaks, even a volcano and cave formations are also some of the different views that would greet you when in the region. Its seclusion, away from mainland India and isolated in its cozy little spot in the sea, makes it one of the most coveted attractions in the country and even in Asia. Once you experience the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it's hard to find other beach destinations that can satisfy your love for the beaches.

Best Time to Visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

There are different seasons in the islands, namely: winter, summer, southwest monsoon, post monsoon and northeast monsoon. There is little variation when it comes to temperatures though as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie close to the equator. There are no extreme winters nor summers, so actually, the islands can be visited any time of the year, barring a few months in the monsoon seasons.

1. Winter Season - Peak Tourist Season

The winter season extends from the middle of December until February. Temperatures are between 20°C to 30°C during this season. It is neither too cold nor too hot, so it is the perfect time for swimming and enjoying the seas. It is also a good time to explore the different islands of the region, as in island hopping, since you won't be as uncomfortable and the seas are calm enough for the trips. Sightseeing around Port Blair and even in the islands near it are also good options. If you would like to indulge in diving or snorkelling, this is yet another good time for those as the underwater visibility is very clear. Water sports are also available in the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex during this time.

There's a downside to this season though, as the hotel rates and even the air fares are a bit on the higher side. If you must visit during this time, make sure you have saved enough money, as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not really an affordable destination. More so if you'd like to stay in luxury resorts or hotels. The good news is that almost all accommodation and dining options are open during this time so you are spoiled for choices. January might see a peak in the tourists and as such, you need to book in advance or else your preferred hotel might be fully booked by this time.

2. Summer Season - Hot Season

The summer season extends from March until the middle of May. Temperatures can go as high as 37°C, sometimes even reaching the 40°C mark. It might be a bit uncomfortable as the scorching sun can be painful to the skin. If visiting during this time, make sure that you bring lots of sunscreen with you to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. All water sports though are available during this time and visibility under the water is very clear, so you can also indulge in snorkelling or diving as much as you'd like.

Sunny Day in Andaman ​

Hotel rates and air fares are at the medium rates during this time. It's still not totally off-peak tourist season but also not low season, it's somewhere in between. Most hotels and restaurants are also open during this time. Sightseeing though might be a bit unpleasant due to the heat. If you want to do some sightseeing, make sure you leave early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the blazing sun. For island hopping, it's very much possible but do bring your own hat and of course, some water to hydrate yourself. There's also the option of a wildlife trek around the Saddle Peak National Park, as animals come out for water more during the summer season.

3. Southwest Monsoon Season - First Rains

The southwest monsoon season extends from the end of May until September. Temperatures remain roughly the same, between 25°C to 37°C but coupled with humidity as well. Moderate to heavy rainfalls plague the region and so this is not the best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Water sports are usually not available too during this season due to the rough seas. Diving and snorkelling might be challenging too due to the lower visibility of underwater marine life. Even transferring from one island to the other can be tough as the weather is very unpredictable.

Southwest Monsoon in Andaman ​

While hotel rates are lower during this season, not all accommodation options are open. Some close for the monsoon season and so your options are very limited, even with the restaurants, it's the same. Sightseeing can again pose some issues as some attractions are located in the other island and you would need to ride a boat to reach them. If you are staying in Port Blair though, the Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Marine Museum are worth visiting during this time since they are located indoors anyway. The beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar islands cannot be overlooked during this season. Teeming greenery can be seen from every corner, which can surely be enjoyed by the nature lovers.

4. Post-Monsoon Season - Calm and Beautiful

The post-monsoon season extends from October until the middle of November. This is actually one of the best times to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It's a combination of everything else, lower hotel rates, lesser crowds and surrounding greenery. Temperatures are around the same at 22°C to 35°C. Rainfalls can occur but very rarely as compared to the previous season. Most water sports are available during this time, with the addition of surfing in the Butler Bay of Little Andaman Island. Diving and snorkelling are also possible although visible isn't a hundred percent clear.

Hotel rates are on the lower side before the peak tourist season approaches again. Sightseeing is enjoyable too as there isn't much crowd on the islands. You can also indulge in treks around the different wildlife areas of the islands, like the Mount Harriet National Park and the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Other must visit attractions are that of the waterfalls in the Little Andaman Island which becomes fuller after the monsoon season.

5. Northeast Monsoon Season - Second Rains

The northeast monsoon season is from the end of November until the first few weeks of December. Rains are not that long in duration, usually short bursts of heavy rains. There are definitely interludes of sunshine in between. However, if you only have a few days to visit the islands, the rains can bear some postponements to your schedules. Thus, consider the end of December to fully enjoy your trip to the islands as rainfalls can still occur during this season. Temperatures are lower though, between 21°C to 32°C.

Sightseeing is very possible as well as island hopping, provided that the weather conditions are clear during the day. Diving and snorkelling can also be done and the underwater visibility is on the clearer side. Rates for hotels and even air fares begin to go higher though as the peak season approaches. But you can truly enjoy the beaches of Havelock Island during this season, white sands and calm seas are their main features. Even the beaches of Neil Island are perfect, the prime choice for snorkelling by many travellers.

Table of Summary of Seasons of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Season	Months	Best For
Winter	December to February	Sightseeing, Water Sports, Diving, Snorkelling and Island Hopping
Summer	March to Mid-May	Water Sports, Diving, Snorkelling and Island Hopping
Southwest Monsoon	End of May to September	Budget Travellers, Indoor Sightseeing and Nature Lovers
Post Monsoon	October to Mid-November	Budget Travellers, Sightseeing, Water Sports, Diving, Snorkelling and Island Hopping
Northeast Monsoon	End of November to Mid-December	Avoiding Crowds, Sightseeing, Water Sports, Diving, Snorkelling and Island Hopping (Depending on Weather Conditions)

The Verdict

Every season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have something to offer for travellers. In your case, February is actually a good choice, if you're okay with the higher hotel rates. Still, you can enjoy almost any water sports and also indulge in island hopping. Sightseeing is also very much doable during this month. It's a part of the winter season which is the peak tourist season too, so expect some crowds in most known areas of the Andaman Islands. But you can still find remote and isolated places as the islands are never truly crowded.

As mentioned above, the summer months are also good, from March to May. The sun is the hottest but all activities and water sports are available during this time. The seas are calm enough too for island hopping. Hotel rates are still on the higher side, although a bit lower as compared to the winter season. If you can bear the hot climate, then summer is a good time to visit too.

The southwest monsoon is a bit tricky. Yes, hotel rates are definitely lower, from end of May to September, but the rains can delay your plans and schedules. Plus, it's hard to do some island hopping, diving or snorkelling too. Crowds are very less during this time but so are the hotels and restaurants that operate in the islands.

Post-monsoon season is a good time, from October to November, as rates are lower but many activities start to open by this time as well as hotels and restaurants. There region is enveloped in greenery too, very scenic especially around the forest areas of the Andaman Islands. You can even enjoy surfing during this time and crowds aren't that huge as well.

The last season is also a good time to visit, from November to December, the northeast monsoon. Rains can still occur but not as heavy as the former monsoon season. Rates aren't that high yet too and you can enjoy the serenity of the region, a good time for the honeymoon couples.

I hope this helps you.

 

The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from October to May. The weather is pleasant during this time, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. There is also less rainfall during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Monsoon season (June to September) is the wet season and there is generally heavy rainfall in which you will not be able to do some of the activities such as camping or hiking.