Planning an Island Holiday in Andaman? The Best Time to Visit

It's hard to imagine that a place originally developed to inflict the harshest punishments on freedom fighters is now a tourist destination. The Andaman and Nicobar islands are a group of 572 islands, 37 inhabited, at the junction of the Andaman sea and the Bay of Bengal. The area is a union territory of India, with its capital at Port Blair.

Once infamous as Kaala Pani (Black Waters), the Andaman islands today are visited by numerous tourists. There are various interesting places to visit in Andaman, like the historic Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Naval Museum, etc. You can also visit some amazing beaches like Wandoor Beach, Havelock island’s Radhanagar beach, and many more.

How to Reach Andaman Islands?

Being an island, Andaman is accessible by air and sea only. Let’s look at them.

By Air:

There are many direct flights that you can take from Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc., to reach Port Blair. The flight time can range from 2-3.5 hours, depending on the originating city.

By Sea:

The sea route from Chennai can take 2.5 to 3 days to reach Andaman considering normal ship and weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit Andaman

Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive a significant influx of tourists in two seasons- Summers and Winters. Both these seasons offer a different flavour to the tourists.

Summer Season (April to June) 

The average temperature in Andaman is about 24°C - 37°C  in the summer season. The weather is pleasant during this period. Water sports and beach excursions are some things to do in Andaman during the summers.

Beach Festival

April can be the best month to visit Andaman in summer as the annual three-day Beach festival is held during this time. The Directorate of Tourism Andaman & Nicobar Administration organises this festival at Corbyn’s Cove beach.

Visitors can engage in various events, programmes, and activities during the festival. Apart from promoting crafts works, the festival is an excellent opportunity to indulge in seafood delectables.

Winter Season (October to March)

Winter in Andaman is quite pleasant, with the average temperature hovering around 20°C - 30°C. This is the best season to visit Andaman to indulge in water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling. Moreover, there is no uncomfortable winter chill. Therefore, it can be the best weather to visit Andaman for sunbathing on the beach, sightseeing, and bird watching.

Island Tourism Festival 

The Andaman and Nicobar administration organises Island Tourism Festival every year in January. It can be the best time to visit Andaman as the festival provides great entertainment opportunities for tourists and locals alike. While the main event is organised at Port Blair, small events are organised throughout the island at Wandoor, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Rangat, Campbell bay, and many other places. 

It is best to avoid the Monsoon season from July to September. This is because Andaman is an island, and excessive rainfall can hinder sightseeing and other outdoor activities. The weather is also very humid. However, some travellers may prefer this period as the island is less crowded during monsoon and there are chances of getting a good bargain on your bookings.

Where to Stay in Andaman? 

The following three Club Mahindra affiliate resorts in Andaman can be an ideal choice to relax and unwind with your family and friends.

1. Symphony Palms, Havelock Island
2. Symphony Summer Sands, Neil Island
3. Symphony Samudra, Port Blair 

Visiting the Andaman Islands requires some planning as the area is separated from mainland India by sea. However, you can now plan your itinerary as you know the best time to visit Andaman.