Short answer
The Andamans are warm and humid all year, with highs around 30 degrees. The dry season from November to April has calm seas, the south-west monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and rough water, and cyclones can form around April to May and October to December.
On this page 12 sections
The Andaman Islands lie in the tropics, in the Bay of Bengal. That means a narrow temperature range, high humidity and a clear split between a dry season and a wet one. What matters most is not the temperature, but the sea. This guide explains typical conditions month by month and what they mean for ferries, beaches and underwater activities. The figures are typical ranges, not forecasts.
Month by month
| Month | Port Blair (approx.) | Rain | Sea and conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23 to 30 °C | Very little | Calm, clear, peak season |
| February | 23 to 31 °C | Very little | Calm, excellent visibility |
| March | 24 to 32 °C | Little | Calm, hot, great for snorkelling |
| April | 25 to 33 °C | Some | Calm but hot; cyclone risk begins |
| May | 25 to 32 °C | Pre-monsoon storms | Variable; shoulder season |
| June | 24 to 30 °C | Heavy | Rough, monsoon begins |
| July | 24 to 29 °C | Heavy | Rough, many closures |
| August | 24 to 29 °C | Heavy | Rough, ferry disruptions |
| September | 24 to 29 °C | Heavy to moderate | Easing, still unsettled |
| October | 24 to 30 °C | Moderate | Easing, variable |
| November | 24 to 30 °C | Light | Season begins, mostly calm |
| December | 23 to 29 °C | Little | Calm, peak crowds |
Sea temperatures stay around 27 to 30 degrees all year, so swimming is warm whenever it is safe.
The seasons in detail
Dry season (November to April). Skies are mostly clear, winds are light and the sea is calm. This is the time for diving, snorkelling and ferry travel. Visibility is best in February to April. March and April are hot, with humidity that can feel heavy by midday.
Pre-monsoon (May). Heat builds, and thunderstorms become frequent. The sea can still be calm in the morning. Cyclones are possible, and weather can change rapidly.
South-west monsoon (June to September). Heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. Visibility underwater drops, ferries and activities are curtailed and roads can flood. Rainfall in the islands is around 3,000 mm a year, most of it in these months.
Post-monsoon (October to November). Rain eases, forests are green and the sea gradually calms. Cyclone risk remains in October and November, and occasional storms can disrupt travel.
Humidity and heat
Humidity is high all year, often above 80 per cent, which makes 30 degrees feel hotter. Wear light, breathable clothing, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day. Sun is strong; use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Daylight
Daylight is fairly even through the year. Sunrise is around 5 to 5.30 am and sunset around 5 to 6 pm because of the islands' easterly location, so days start early and end early. Plan ferries and activities for the morning.
Cyclones and storms
Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are tracked by the India Meteorological Department. Warnings are issued days in advance, and authorities may suspend ferries and flights. If a cyclone is forecast, stay in a safe place, follow official guidance and keep your phone charged. Consider travel insurance that covers weather disruption.
What "rough sea" means
When operators say the sea is rough, it can mean waves of a metre or more on open crossings, strong currents at snorkel sites and poor visibility. Ferries may be cancelled for safety, and dive centres may not go out. It does not always mean rain; sunny days with wind can be rough too. Trust local advice.
Cyclone safety
If a cyclone warning is issued, move to a safe, solid building away from the coast, stay indoors, keep your phone charged and follow instructions from the authorities. Do not go to the beach or board a ferry. Your hotel or planner will keep you informed. Plan extra days at the end of your trip to absorb delays.
What the weather means for activities
| Activity | Best conditions |
|---|---|
| Snorkelling and diving | November to April, mornings |
| Ferry travel | December to April |
| Beach days | December to April |
| Sightseeing in Port Blair | November to April, mornings |
| Baratang day trip | November to April |
| Photography | Morning and late afternoon light |
Wind and sea state by season
From December to March, winds are generally light and from the north-east, which keeps the west coast beaches calm. In April and May, winds shift, and thunderstorms build. In the south-west monsoon, strong winds bring swell to the west coast, which is why Radhanagar is often closed to swimming at that time. In October and November, winds weaken and change direction again.
Sunrise, sunset and photography
Because the islands sit far east, sunrise is early, around 5 am in winter, and sunset comes before 5.30 pm. Photographers will find soft light at dawn and dusk. West-facing beaches such as Radhanagar and Laxmanpur offer sunsets, and east-facing beaches such as Sitapur offer sunrise. Cloudy days can still give beautiful soft light for portraits and landscapes.
What to pack
- Light cotton clothing, quick-dry fabrics and swimwear.
- A rain jacket or umbrella, even in the dry season.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Rash vest for snorkelling.
- Sandals and water shoes.
- A waterproof bag for phones, cameras and documents.
- Insect repellent.
- A small first-aid kit and motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
Planning around the weather
Keep your itinerary flexible, with spare time on the first and last days. Check weather and ferry status each morning, and have a plan B for rainy days, such as museums, cafes and a spa. For choosing dates, read the best time to visit the Andamans. For a tailored plan, send us your dates.
Practical tips
- Pack light cotton clothes, swimwear, a rain jacket and reef-safe sunscreen in any month.
- Check ferry and weather updates the day before every inter-island journey.
- Expect high humidity; schedule outdoor activity for morning and late afternoon.
- Carry waterproof bags for phones, cameras and documents on boats.
- Heed cyclone and storm warnings from the weather department.
