The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit in the Bay of Bengal, known for tropical forests, coral reefs, clear waters, and long stretches of sand across its island landscapes. The best time to visit Andaman is from October to May, when the official tourism administration notes clearer skies and calmer seas. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar also varies by activity, from planning beach days at Havelock Island Beach, scuba diving on Neil Island, or timing your visit around Radhanagar Beach.
In this guide, you'll read more about the Andaman climate, seasonal conditions, Radhanagar Beach, Havelock, Neil Island diving, and how to plan your visit by activity.
What Should You Know About the Andaman Climate?
The Andaman climate is tropical year-round. The official tourism administration states that the average minimum temperature is around 23°C and temperatures seldom rise much above 30°C. Humidity is relatively high, generally around 70% to 90%, although sea breezes can make conditions more pleasant.
Annual rainfall averages 3,000 mm, with most of it falling between May and September. Understanding the Andaman climate is the first step to choosing the best time to visit Andaman for your activities.
Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainfall | Sea Condition | Recommended For |
Oct to Feb | 20 to 30 | Low | Calm | All activities; peak season |
Mar to May | 24 to 37 | Low to moderate | Mostly calm | Diving, beach, fewer crowds |
Jun to Sep | 24 to 32 | Heavy | Rough | Port Blair sightseeing only |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Andaman?
The best time to visit Andaman is October to May. Within this window, different months suit different priorities. The table below gives a quick overview before the H3 breakdown.
Season | Months | Temp Range | Sea Condition | Best For |
Post-Monsoon / Winter | Oct to Feb | 20 to 30°C | Calm | Beaches, diving, water sports, island-hopping |
Summer | Mar to May | 24 to 37°C | Mostly calm | Diving, quieter beaches, shoulder season |
Monsoon | Jun to Sep | 24 to 32°C | Rough | Port Blair, nature walks; not for islands |
Post-Monsoon and Winter (October to February): Peak Season
October to February is the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar. Skies clear after the monsoon, sea conditions settle, and temperatures sit between 20°C and 30°C.
- Ferries run on the most reliable schedule during this window; inter-island travel between Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) is manageable and consistent
- December to April is the strongest period for water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving in Neil Island
- The Island Tourism Festival is held in Port Blair in late December and early January; check the official Andaman tourism website for the current year's dates before planning around it
- Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar for first-time visitors: November to January for the most consistent weather and reliable ferry schedule
Summer (March to May): Shoulder Season
Summer is a practical alternative for the best time to visit the Andaman Islands if you want to avoid the peak crowds of December and January.
- Temperatures rise to between 24°C and 37°C with higher humidity, but sea conditions remain workable for diving and beach visits
- March to May is the second-best window for scuba diving in Neil Island after the post-monsoon months; ocean visibility remains clear, and dive operators stay open
- Fewer tourists compared to October to February; Havelock Island Beach is noticeably quieter, especially in April and May
- Ferry schedules run normally; advance booking is less urgent than during peak season
Monsoon (June to September): Off-Season
The monsoon is not the recommended window for island-based activities and is outside the best time to visit the Andaman Islands for most travellers. The Andaman climate during these months brings heavy rainfall and rough seas.
- Inter-island ferries are reduced or suspended during rough weather; Havelock Island Beach activities and water sports are largely unavailable
- Most scuba diving operators on Neil Island and Havelock close between June and September; scuba diving in Neil Island is not possible during peak monsoon
- Port Blair remains accessible by flight from the mainland; the Cellular Jail National Memorial, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, and forest trails are still visitable
- Some beaches, including Karmatang and Butler Bay, draw photography enthusiasts during monsoon for their moody, rain-lit landscapes; this is a niche appeal rather than a general recommendation
What Are the Radhanagar Beach Timings?
Radhanagar Beach timings are 5am to 7pm. Swimming is permitted only in marked zones with lifeguards on duty approximately from 9am to 5pm. The beach is cleared by forest guards at sunset, and swimming after 5pm is strictly prohibited.
The beach is also called Beach No. 7 and is located on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island), about 12 km from the Havelock jetty; approximately 25 minutes by taxi or scooter.
An important point on Radhanagar Beach timings: no commercial water sports are permitted here. No scuba diving, no jet skis, no banana boat rides. This protects the beach's Blue Flag eco-certification. For water sports, visitors go to Elephant Beach on the same island.
Detail | Information |
Timings | 5am to 7pm |
Swimming hours | 9am to 5pm (lifeguard zones only) |
Swimming after 5pm | Strictly not allowed |
Water sports | Not permitted (Blue Flag protected) |
Entry fee | Free |
How to reach | 12 km from Havelock jetty; taxi or scooter (25 min) |
Blue Flag status | Yes |
The best time to visit the Andaman Islands for a Radhanagar experience is between 5am and 8am for sunrise, or 4pm to 6pm for sunset. Both windows have far fewer visitors than midday.
What Should You Know About Havelock Island Beach?
Havelock Island Beach (Swaraj Dweep) is the most visited beach in the Andaman Islands. It is 72 km from Port Blair and is reached by ferry. Fast ferries take approximately 90 minutes; government ferries take around 2 to 3 hours. Advance booking is strongly recommended from November to February.
The two main beaches on Swaraj Dweep are:
- Radhanagar (Beach No. 7): White silica sand, turquoise water, sunset views; swimming allowed 9am to 5pm; no water sports; best in October to February
- Elephant Beach: The water sports hub; scuba diving, snorkelling, banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat; accessible by a 30-minute ferry from the Havelock jetty or a 45-minute forest trek
October to May is the best time to visit Andaman's Havelock Island Beach. During the monsoon (June to September), ferry services between Port Blair and Havelock may be suspended, and beach conditions are unsuitable for swimming or other water activities.
Beach | Best For | Water Sports | Timings |
Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) | Swimming, sunset, relaxation | Not permitted | 5am to 7pm |
Elephant Beach | Scuba diving, snorkelling, water sports | Yes | Daytime; ferry dependent |
When Is Scuba Diving in Neil Island Best?
Scuba diving in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is best from December to April when the ocean is calmest and underwater visibility is highest. October to November is also a reasonable window as seas settle after the monsoon.
Neil Island is quieter than Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). It suits those who want less crowded diving and a slower pace. Coral reefs are accessible close to shore.
Key dive sites around Neil Island:
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): A natural coral and rock arch; one of the most photographed formations in Andaman
- Margherita's Mischief: A reef dive site popular with certified divers; rich coral and varied fish species
- Mushroom Reef: Accessible for beginner divers; mushroom-shaped coral formations
Here are some practical notes for planning scuba diving in Neil Island during the best time to visit Andaman:
- Most dive operators run morning sessions; book the day before at minimum
- Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on a regular ferry; book in advance, especially between November and February when ferries fill quickly
- Scuba diving in Neil Island availability drops sharply from June to September; operators close for the monsoon season
Detail | Information |
Best season | December to April; October to November also reasonable |
Suitable for | Beginners and certified divers |
Top sites | Natural Bridge, Margherita's Mischief, Mushroom Reef |
Ferry from Port Blair | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Monsoon availability | Most operators closed June to September |
How Can You Plan Your Andaman Visit by Season?
Most activity decisions come down to matching the right month with the right island. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar based on what you want to do:
Goal | Best Months | Key Notes |
Havelock Island Beach visits | October to February | Calmest seas; reliable ferries; best Radhanagar Beach timings for swimming |
Water sports (Elephant Beach) | October to March | Peak water sports window |
Scuba diving in Neil Island | December to April | Best visibility; all operators open |
Fewer crowds | March to May | Shoulder season; Andaman climate warmer but manageable |
Port Blair sightseeing only | Year-round | Cellular Jail, Ross Island accessible even in monsoon |
If you are combining Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island in one visit, November to February gives the strongest balance of ferry reliability, beach access, and diving conditions.
Final Takeaway
The best time to visit Andaman is October to May. Within that window, November to February consistently gives the most complete experience across all activities. Ferries run reliably, seas are calm, and Havelock Island Beach visits, sunset sessions within Radhanagar Beach timings, and scuba diving in Neil Island all operate at their best.
If you are visiting in March to May, conditions are still good but slightly warmer with thinner crowds. Avoid the June to September window if your plans depend on island-hopping or beach activities.
Matching your dates to your priorities makes a real difference in the Andamans. An extra week at the wrong time of year changes the entire experience.
If you are planning an Andaman holiday and want a customised itinerary built around the right season, islands, and stays, Holiday Tribe's travel advisors can help you put it all together.
