The Andaman Islands are beautiful year-round — but when you visit makes a big difference to your experience. This month-by-month guide covers weather, sea conditions, ferry availability, crowd levels, and hotel pricing so you can pick the perfect window for your trip.
The Short Answer
October to May is the best time to visit. The sea is calm, skies are clear, and all ferry routes are running at full capacity. December to February is the absolute peak.
June to September is monsoon season. Ferries get cancelled, diving visibility drops, and many resorts close. Visit only if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind restricted activities.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
October — ★★★★☆
The monsoon withdraws and the Andamans slowly come back to life. Early October can still be unsettled, but by mid-October the skies clear and the sea calms. A great time to visit — fewer tourists than the peak months and lower prices.
November — ★★★★★
Post-monsoon Andaman at its finest. Crystal-clear water, great diving visibility, and moderate temperatures. Slightly cooler than January. One of the best months to visit.
December — ★★★★★
Peak season begins in earnest. Radhanagar Beach is at its most beautiful. Ferries sell out quickly — book everything well in advance. Hotel prices are highest of the year but the experience justifies it.
January — ★★★★★
Arguably the best overall month. Calm seas, 28–32°C temperatures, and excellent diving conditions. High tourist traffic means you must book ferries and accommodation 1–2 weeks ahead.
February — ★★★★★
Very similar to January. Valentine’s week sees a spike in couple-focused bookings. Slightly cheaper than December but still firmly peak season.
March — ★★★★☆
Still excellent conditions. The sea starts to get marginally choppy towards the end of the month. Crowds thin out compared to December–February, and prices drop slightly.
April — ★★★★☆
Hot and humid but still a great time to visit. Sea conditions are mostly calm. Crowds are lower than peak season and hotels offer better deals. Excellent for budget travellers.
May — ★★★☆☆
The last month before monsoon. Weather is warm and increasingly muggy. Some rough sea days start to appear. Still manageable — ferry services mostly run. Pre-monsoon deals available.
June — ★★☆☆☆
Monsoon arrives. Rough seas lead to frequent ferry cancellations and schedule disruptions. Diving visibility drops significantly. Many resorts and hotels on the outer islands close. Not recommended for most travellers.
July — ★☆☆☆☆
Heaviest rainfall and most unpredictable weather. Ferry services are severely limited. The main appeal: near-zero tourists and rock-bottom prices. Only suited for seasoned travellers who can handle itinerary uncertainty.
August — ★☆☆☆☆
Similar to July. Some years are slightly better, but you’re at the mercy of the weather. Check sea conditions daily and have no fixed plans.
September — ★★☆☆☆
The monsoon starts to ease in late September. Prices are still low and crowds thin. If you’re flexible on dates, waiting for late September can give you decent conditions at off-season prices.
Ferry Availability by Season
| Season | Ferry Status |
|---|---|
| Oct–May | Full schedule, all operators running |
| Jun–Sep | Frequent cancellations, reduced schedule |
| Dec–Jan | Full schedule but sells out fast — book 7–10 days ahead |
Practical Planning Tips
Book ferries and accommodation simultaneously. During peak season (Dec–Feb), ferry seats and beach resort rooms fill up at the same rate. Secure both in one go.
Check the forecast before short hops. Even in peak season, a low-pressure system can ground ferries for 24–48 hours. Build flexibility into your itinerary.
Travel shoulder season for the best value. October–November and March–April offer nearly peak-season conditions at significantly lower prices — often 30–40% cheaper on hotels and better ferry seat availability.