Port Blair is the capital and gateway city of the Andaman Islands, offering abundant natural beauty and outdoor adventures that offer ample opportunities for relaxation. The warm tropical climate, incredible coastlines, brightly colored fish, and lush green landscapes give travellers countless reasons to explore this island paradise. When planning the Best Time to Visit the Andaman, Port Blair often becomes the first and most exciting stop.
Therefore, with proper planning, you can time your visit to match the best weather for your type of trip in Port Blair. Some visitors might be looking for good weather for sightseeing, while others may be looking for good conditions for snorkelling or scuba diving, while others may just wish to come to Port Blair during a less busy time of year.
This guide will break down the weather conditions and how the conditions change from month to month and season to season in Port Blair. This way, you can find the best time of year for you to visit Port Blair based on your own travel goals.
Overview of Port Blair’s Climate
The climate in Port Blair is one of those “predictable” Tropical Climates. As such, Port Blair’s weather is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Both the direction of the monsoon winds and the weather conditions associated with the ocean are what affect how your trip will be experienced.
Annual Climate Pattern
March – June (Summer): warm; sunny; a small amount of humidity
July – September (Monsoon): heavy rainfall; rough seas
October – February (Winter): cool breezes, calmer water, and the best visibility
The climate conditions experienced in Port Blair will have an impact on how ferries operate, the comfort and speed of travel, and how comfortable and safe it will be to engage in activities on the ocean.
Why Choosing the Right Season Matters
Port Blair is an accessible urban centre that serves as the primary entry point to the stunning Andaman Islands. It connects travellers to diverse natural wonders and popular tourist attractions across the region. Whether you choose relaxing beach days, thrilling marine adventures, or scenic national parks through well-planned Andaman tour packages, Port Blair ensures every journey begins with excitement.
From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to unique cultural sites and ocean exploration, the success of these experiences depends greatly on stable weather and safe sea conditions.
Why you need to consider when to visit:
- Water sports (including scuba diving, snorkelling and boat rides) are best enjoyed when the skies are clear, and the sea surface conditions are calm.
- Ferries and catamarans can also be cancelled due to bad weather.
- Sightseeing in low humidity with good visibility is much more pleasant than in high humidity and poor visibility.
- For budget travellers, seasonal demand for hotels and flights may greatly affect pricing.
- Wildlife and nature typically behave differently depending on the weather (rain and sunlight).
In summary, to maximise your time spent enjoying and your money spent on tourism, you need to choose wisely regarding the time of year to visit this incredible destination!
October to February: The Best Time to Visit
This period is widely considered the perfect time to travel to Port Blair. The monsoon has passed, leaving the island fresh, green, and incredibly photogenic. The skies remain clear, humidity stays low, and the sea is calm enough for uninterrupted sightseeing and adventure.
Why This Season Stands Out
– Pleasant temperatures ranging between 22°C and 30°C
– Excellent water clarity for scuba diving and snorkelling
– Smooth ferry rides to popular islands like Havelock and Neil
– A lively island vibe with festivals and events
– Ideal for families, honeymooners, and first-time travellers
Best Experiences During This Season
The clear skies and gentle waves make outdoor activities more appealing. You can enjoy luxurious sunsets at Corbyn’s Cove, experience light-and-sound shows at Cellular Jail, explore historical museums, or indulge in premium underwater activities. Wildlife sanctuaries and nature trails also remain accessible and lush.
Because demand is high, travel and accommodation should be booked in advance to avoid last-minute price spikes.
March to June: Summer and the Shoulder Travel Season
Summer brings warm temperatures, but this is also a rewarding time for travellers who want fewer crowds and competitive hotel rates. While the sun can feel intense during midday, mornings and evenings remain comfortable and scenic.
Summer Weather at a Glance
– Temperatures vary from 28°C to 35°C
– Humidity levels rise, but sea conditions remain largely stable
– Visibility underwater is still strong, though slightly less than in winter
Who Should Travel During Summer
This season is perfect for travellers who:
– Prefer quiet beaches and relaxed sightseeing
– Enjoy water sports without seasonal rush
– Want affordable hotel and flight options
– Don’t mind warm weather with occasional breezes
Experiences Worth Trying in Summer
Scuba diving and snorkelling remain popular, especially around North Bay and Jolly Buoy. Clear mornings are great for exploring Ross Island, Mount Harriet, Chidiya Tapu, and Marina Park. Evenings offer pleasant waterfront walks with fewer tourists around.
If you enjoy sunlit landscapes, this season provides some of the brightest coastal views of the year.
July to September: Monsoon and Off-Season Travel
Monsoon transforms Port Blair into a lush, misty world. While it’s not the ideal time for adventure sports, many travellers love the tranquillity, slow pace, and refreshing change this period offers. Rain showers can be frequent and unpredictable, but they paint the island in deep green hues.
Highlights of the Monsoon Season
– Landscapes become vibrant and full of life
– Hotel, activity, and flight prices drop noticeably
– Ideal for travellers seeking peaceful retreats
Limitations to Keep in Mind
– Water sports are often restricted for safety
– Ferry services may face delays
– Outdoor sightseeing can be interrupted by sudden showers
Despite these limitations, the monsoon creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to nature lovers and budget-conscious visitors looking for a calm getaway.
Month-by-Month Weather Summary
This chart provides an overview of weather and activities in each month so that you can plan your trip accordingly:
- January & February are typically mild and breezy. Perfect for all kinds of activities.
- March is warm but still a good temperature for many tourists.
- April & May are hotter than March, but excellent for underwater visibility.
- June is the transition into the monsoon season. Expect more rain showers during the day.
- July & August are the peak of the monsoon season. Lush green landscapes, along with fewer opportunities for water sports.
- September marks the end of the monsoon and the time when temperatures will start to stabilise.
- October is when many tourists arrive. Also see clearer skies.
- November & December are the best months for both adventure activities and travel.
Best Time for Water Sports and Island Activities
Port Blair is a destination that features a lot of scuba diving, sea walking, kayaking, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat rides. During October through April, the timing of these activities greatly impacts your visibility, safety, and travel access.
The best period to enjoy water sports is October to April, with peak visibility for coral & marine life between December and February, when the ocean is turquoise, the currents are steady, and all instructors are fully operational. Jolly Buoy, Havelock, and North Bay remain fully operational with safe access during these months.
Activities During Summer
While still available, early mornings and late afternoons are recommended for avoiding heat and ensuring clearer waters.
Monsoon Restrictions
Most underwater activities pause due to strong currents and reduced visibility. However, indoor attractions and scenic viewpoints remain open.
Best Time for Budget-Friendly Travel
Travelling to Port Blair can be economical if you travel during an ideal period of the year. Prices are affected by the number of tourists vacationing in the area, the climate of Port Blair, and any holidays or festivities.
- July through September is the monsoon season, and prices for hotels and airline tickets will be at their lowest level.
- March through May is considered summer, and prices will be moderately discounted, although there is nice weather to enjoy while there.
During these months:
– Hotels offer extended-stay deals
– Local transport becomes cheaper
– Flight fares drop significantly compared to winter
– Restaurants and operators provide relaxed, crowd-free service
If cost savings are your priority, the shoulder and off-season periods give you the best value without compromising the experience entirely.
Best Time for Sightseeing and Nature Exploration
In addition to numerous beaches, Port Blair has many other attractions, including National Parks, historical sites, scenic coastal drives, and forest trails.
- October to February is when the weather is perfect for walking around Port Blair, with cool breezes, relatively mild temperatures, and beautiful scenery.
- During these months, the popular tourist destinations such as Ross Island and Chidiya Tapu, as well as Wandoor Beach and the Cellular Jail, are also very good times for photography, as they will be relatively easy to access and photograph.
- November – April is the busiest time for visiting Port Blair for birdwatching, jungle hikes, and ocean trips.
- Monsoon season (July – September) is great for green spaces and breathtaking sea views, and is the best time for photographers and nature enthusiasts to experience the colourful and emotional surroundings of Port Blair.
Ferry Operations and Travel Practicalities
Exploring the Andaman Islands relies heavily on the ferry system to connect Port Blair with its major tourist spots, including Havelock, Neil and Ross Island. The availability of ferries and their comfort level change depending on the sea conditions for that particular month.
Ferry travel is best during October through May when sea conditions are typically calm, and ferries run on a reliable schedule, offering riders a smooth, comfortable journey. Although the summer months usually provide reasonable sea conditions, there could still be delays due to weather.
Ferry travel during July through September can be very challenging due to the monsoon season, where rough seas and unpredictable weather make it difficult to operate a ferry service.
Generally speaking, government-run ferries are usually still in operation during this time, while private ferry services often stop operating entirely for safety reasons. Those wishing to travel by ferry during this time should have a flexible travel plan.
Conclusion
Port Blair is one of the best places to visit between October and February, due to its ideal combination of weather, accessibility, lots of water sports, and beautiful scenery. The weather is warm and comfortable, ferry services are abundant, and visibility is excellent for both first-time visitors to Port Blair as well as seasoned travellers.
If you would prefer a more peaceful and affordable beachfront experience, March through June would be a good time of year to visit. You will experience the beauty, culture and charm of Port Blair throughout the year, no matter which month you visit.
