Andaman October to February Guide 2026: Weather, Events & Best Time to Visit
Quick answer: October through February is Andaman's dry season and the best window to visit. The monsoon tapers off by October, giving way to pleasant 27-30°C days, calm seas and very little rain through to February. October and November are shoulder months with thinner crowds and lower prices; December through February is the peak, with the best diving conditions, the Island Tourism Festival in January, and the busiest, priciest dates of the year. For a planned trip across this window, see our Andaman Tour Packages.
Why October to February Is the Best Window
Andaman's monsoon runs roughly June to September, and by October, the seas have settled and rainfall drops off sharply. From here through February, the islands see their lowest humidity, calmest water and clearest skies of the year, with rain chances falling as low as 4-7% a day by January and February. This stretch covers both the quieter shoulder season and the busy winter peak, so there's a window in here for almost every kind of traveller.
Andaman Weather by Month (October–February)
| Month | Avg. Temp (Day/Night) | Rain Chance | Crowd & Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 29-31°C / 24-25°C | Moderate, tapering | Low — shoulder season, good value |
| November | 29-30°C / 24-25°C | Low-moderate | Low-moderate — quieter, still great weather |
| December | 28-30°C / 24-26°C | Low-moderate | Peak — festive season, highest prices |
| January | 28-29°C / 22-23°C | Very low (~7%) | Peak — Island Tourism Festival, busy |
| February | 29-30°C / 22°C | Lowest (~4%) | High but easing — best value of the winter months |
Bottom line: October and November suit travellers who want great weather without peak-season prices or crowds. December and January are best if you want festive energy or the Island Tourism Festival, and don't mind paying more. February offers nearly ideal weather with smaller crowds than December-January, making it the best value inside the true winter stretch.
Andaman in October
October marks the real start of the dry season, as the last of the monsoon clears out. Rain becomes occasional rather than regular, seas start to calm, and this is genuinely one of the best-value months to visit — good weather, open water sports, and prices well below the December-January peak.
Andaman in November
By November, the weather is close to its winter best, but crowds and prices haven't yet caught up. This is a strong pick if you want calm seas and sunny days while still finding easier hotel and ferry availability than you would in peak season.
Andaman in December
December is Andaman at its most festive. Warm days, calm water and the New Year rush make this the most popular — and most expensive — month to visit. Hotels, ferries and popular tour slots fill up weeks in advance, so book early if you're travelling over Christmas or New Year.
Andaman in January
January brings the driest air of the year and some of the best underwater visibility for diving and snorkelling. It's also when Port Blair hosts the Island Tourism Festival, a 10-15 day cultural celebration with live music, handicraft exhibitions, food stalls and water sports competitions (the 2026 edition ran January 5-15). Expect similar peak pricing to December, easing slightly toward the end of the month.
Andaman in February
February quietly offers the best conditions of the whole season — the lowest rain chance, pleasant temperatures and calm seas — while crowds and prices start to taper from the January peak. If your dates are flexible, this is often the smartest month to book within the winter stretch.
Best Things to Do in Andaman, October to February
Snorkelling and scuba diving — Calm, clear water makes this entire window good for diving at Havelock and Neil Island, with visibility improving steadily from October through to its peak in January-February.
Beach hopping — Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar and Bharatpur are all pleasant throughout this period, with flat seas and sunny skies becoming more consistent as the season progresses. (See our full guide to Andaman's safest and most beautiful beaches.)
Island Tourism Festival (January) — A good reason to time a trip around early-to-mid January if you enjoy cultural events alongside your beach time.
Turtle nesting season — Begins around December and continues into February in North and Middle Andaman, a draw for wildlife-focused travellers.
Water sports — Jet skiing, banana boat rides, sea walking and glass-bottom boat tours all improve steadily as seas calm through the season, running at their best by December-February.
What to Pack
Despite the cooler-sounding months, Andaman never gets cold — pack as you would for a tropical summer, not a mainland Indian winter:
- Light, breathable cotton clothing
- Swimwear and a cover-up
- Reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses
- A light jacket or shawl for breezy evenings or air-conditioned ferries
- A light rain layer if travelling in October, when occasional showers are still possible
- Comfortable sandals and a pair of water shoes for rocky beach patches
- Insect repellent
Booking Tips
- October and November offer the best value — strong weather with lower prices and more availability than peak season.
- Book flights, ferries and hotels early for December-January, especially around Christmas, New Year and the Island Tourism Festival — this is the busiest stretch of the year.
- February is a smart middle ground — near-identical weather to the peak months, with easing crowds and prices.
- If you want the Island Tourism Festival, build your Port Blair dates around early-to-mid January specifically, since exact dates shift slightly each year.
- Confirm water sports and ferry schedules with your operator, particularly in early October, when the tail end of the monsoon can still occasionally affect plans.
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Andaman between October and February?
It depends on priorities: October-November for value and fewer crowds, January for the best diving conditions and the Island Tourism Festival, and February for the best balance of ideal weather and easing peak-season prices.
Is October a good time to visit Andaman?
Yes. The monsoon is tapering off, rain becomes occasional, and prices are lower than the December-January peak, making it good value.
Is Andaman cold in winter?
No. Even in the coolest months, daytime temperatures stay around 28-31°C and nights rarely drop below 22°C. Pack summer clothing, not winter wear.
When is the Island Tourism Festival in Andaman?
It typically runs for 10-15 days spanning late December into January; the 2026 edition ran January 5-15. Exact dates are announced yearly by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
When are prices lowest in this window?
October and November are generally the most affordable months in this stretch, before peak season begins in December.
Is this entire period good for diving and snorkelling?
Yes, conditions improve steadily through the season, with October offering decent visibility and January-February offering the clearest water and calmest seas.
Planning your beach days? Check our guide to Andaman's safest and most beautiful beaches for where to go once you land.
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