Best Time to Visit the Andaman Islands: A Month-by-Month Guide

The Andaman Islands enjoy a tropical climate, but choosing the right time can make or break your trip. Here’s a practical month-by-month breakdown based on my experience and local advice.

October to February (Peak Season)

This is the sweet spot. The monsoon has retreated, the skies are clear, and the sea is calm. Temperatures hover around 25–30°C – pleasant for both beach lounging and diving. December and January are the busiest; book ferries and accommodation well in advance. I visited in November and found perfect weather – barely a drop of rain, visibility underwater at its best.

March to May (Shoulder Season)

The heat builds up, with temperatures reaching 35°C and humidity soaring. Mornings are still fine, but afternoons can be uncomfortable. That said, the seas remain clear, and you’ll find fewer tourists – great for budget travellers. It’s also the nesting season for sea turtles on many beaches – a spectacular sight if you’re lucky.

June to September (Monsoon)

Heavy rains lash the islands, often accompanied by strong winds and rough seas. Ferry services frequently get cancelled, and diving is limited. I wouldn’t recommend this period unless you’re prepared for indoor activities and constant uncertainty. However, the islands turn lush green and waterfalls cascade down the hills – a different kind of beauty for the adventurous.

Pro tip: The Andaman Islands lie close to the equator, so daylight is fairly consistent year-round – about 6 am to 6 pm. Always carry a raincoat, even in peak season, because tropical showers can appear without warning.

Best Months for Diving & Birdwatching

If you’re a diver, aim for February to April – the water is warmest (around 28°C) and visibility often exceeds 30 metres. For birdwatchers, the winter months (November–February) bring migratory species.

I planned my trip in November, and it was ideal – no cyclones, glassy seas, and comfortable nights. Whatever you choose, keep a flexible itinerary; island weather is famously unpredictable. And remember – even a rainy day in the Andamans is better than a sunny day in the office!

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Andaman Cuisine: A Delicious Taste of the Islands

Andaman cuisine is a delicious melting pot – Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Kerala influences mixed with local ingredients. Seafood dominates, and if you’re a fish lover, you’re in for a treat.

Must-Try Dishes

• Grilled Tiger Prawns: Marinated in a spicy masala, charred over coconut-shell fire – tender, smoky, and succulent. The best I had was at a roadside stall in Havelock called Bamboo Hut – ₹400 for a plate of six jumbo prawns.
• Andaman Fish Curry: A coconut-based, tangy gravy with local red snapper or tuna. Eaten with steamed rice, it’s comfort food at its finest.
• Crab Masala: Mud crabs caught from the mangroves, cooked in a thick onion-tomato gravy. Messy to eat but bursting with flavour.
• Chilli Squid: Crispy, spicy, and perfect with beer – a popular bar snack.

Where to Eat

• Port Blair: New Lighthouse Restaurant – rooftop dining with a view, serving excellent thalis. Anmol Restaurant for North Indian and Chinese.
• Havelock: Fat Martin’s – famous for its fish and chips and banana leaf meals. Full Moon Café – laid-back, wood-fired pizzas and fresh juices.
• Neil: Dugong Café – a tiny place run by a local family; their coconut-curried lobster is legendary.

Don’t miss fresh coconut water – sold everywhere for ₹30–₹50 – and the local tender palm sap, a slightly fermented sweet drink called toddy. For breakfast, try puttu (steamed rice cakes) with banana and chutney – a Tamil-style specialty.

Vegetarian Options

Vegetarians won’t starve – most places offer paneer, mushroom, and veg curries, though the selection is limited. I’d recommend stocking up on fruits – pineapples, papayas, and watermelons are abundant and incredibly sweet.

A Local Food Experience

One pro tip: eat at the fish market in Port Blair early morning – you can buy fresh catch and get it cooked at nearby stalls for a nominal fee. It’s the freshest meal you’ll ever have.

Food in the Andamans tells a story of trade winds, migration, and adaptation. Every meal is a flavourful reminder that you’re on the edge of India, where the ocean provides and the people share generously.

— Brought to you by The Kite Journeys – explore more at
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