If you are looking for an international beach vacation experience right here in India, Andaman Islands should be your top choice. Its incessant coastline, cobalt waters, fine white sand and evergreen forests assure an unmatchable holiday. Feel your stress melt away while sipping on your favourite cocktail as the sun goes down or experience an adrenaline-pumping rush while trying out a new water sport – the choice is yours. Whatever you choose to do, you will definitely take a little Andaman with you when you leave.
Read more: Best beaches close to India
The best time to visit the Andaman Islands is from October to May. These winter and summer months are perfect for water activities, sight-seeing and trekking, thanks to the pleasant temperatures. While the island is promoted to be a year-around travel destination, the monsoon months of June to September are best avoided due to heavy showers, strong winds and a resultant disturbed sea. Let us, at Skyscanner, give you a detailed idea of how each season pans out in Andaman Islands.
March to May:
The summer season in Andaman Islands brings with it enjoyable temperatures, loads of activity options and blue skies. This season is perfect for making the most of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat ride, jet-ski ride and seawalk. Temperatures range between 25 and 35 degree Celsius. So, it is the ideal season to don your beachwear and accessories. Don’t forget to carry your sunscreen and sun glasses! Make sure you include gorgeous islands such as Jolly Buoy Island and Ross Island in your itinerary. If you are yearning to do something different, visit the enigmatic limestone caves at Baratang Island.
During April, you can enjoy the three-day Beach Festival comprising beach volleyball, tug-of-war and other such activities along with some lip-smacking food stalls and entertainment options. Mid-April also brings with it the island’s famous Flea Market (at Marina Park) – a perfect chance to have a tête-à-tête with the local culture and art and moreover, to shop your heart out and sample some delightful local dishes! Don’t miss it.
October to February:
During the winter months, the temperature in Andaman Islands oscillates between 20 and 30 degree Celsius. While you can expect a few post-monsoon showers during these months, they should not interfere with your itinerary. Apart from indulging in water sports and trekking, you can witness special festivals that enliven the atmosphere. If you visit Port Blair during January, you will be able to witness the 10-day-long colourful Island Tourism Festival at Port Blair marked by live music, delicious street food, exhibitions and water sport competitions. This festival attracts locals and tourists both.
June to September:
While the monsoon season isn’t the best time to visit Andaman Islands due to heavy rainfall and uncertain sea behaviour, there are some perks if you decide to travel during these months. Apart from getting some steal-worthy hotel deals, you will also skip the crowds. Include indoor activities that are not dependent on the weather to ensure minimum changes to your planned itinerary. You could visit the famous Cellular Jail, Samudrika Marine Museum or Anthropological Museum in Port Blair. Alternatively, you could enjoy the Monsoon Festival held for three days in the first week of August. Organised by the Tourism Department, this annual festival is highlighted by live music, food stalls, handicraft shops and fun competitions. Make sure you carry a sturdy umbrella or better a windcheater in case you are outdoors during heavy showers.
Andaman Islands is among the few destinations in India that can satiate a romance seeker, an adventure lover, a family fun chaser and a solitude pursuer equally. What are you looking for?
Read more: 10 cheap international trips from India
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Best time to book your flight to Andaman IslandsNow that you know when is the best time to visit Andaman Islands, let us give you some quick tips on booking the most economical flights. If you are someone who plans their trips way in advance, we are happy to tell you that if you book your tickets around 6 months in advance, you will get the cheapest rates to Port Blair. Else, the best period to book is around 3 months in advance, when the fares are relatively low.
Note: The best time to book data refers to the price paid against the average price for return flights for 1 person to Port Blair from across India during the time period 1st January 2015 – 31st December 2016.
You are now all equipped with all the information about the best time to visit Andaman Islands and how to get your hands on the cheapest air tickets. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book that trip! Book your flights, hotel or rent a car with Skyscanner today. You can do all of these on our mobile app too.