Andaman in Monsoon: Is It Worth Visiting from May to September?

The monsoon changes the Andamans, but it does not close them. Plenty of travellers visit between May and September and enjoy the green islands, empty beaches and lower prices. The key is to plan for flexibility, not for a perfect beach-and-diving itinerary.

What usually works in the rainy season

• Port Blair sightseeing. Cellular Jail, museums and the Light and Sound Show run on most days. See things to do in Port Blair.
• Hotel stays and spa time. Rooms are easy to find and rates are at their lowest.
• Short rain-free windows on Havelock and Neil. Beach time is still lovely when the sun returns.
• Photography. Dramatic skies and green forests suit photographers.

What can be disrupted

• Ferries. Rough seas can delay or cancel crossings. Read the ferry guide for how boarding and rebooking works.
• Water sports and boat trips. Scuba, sea walking, Elephant Beach and Ross Island trips are weather dependent. Operators stop them on rough days, and rules can change at short notice.
• Baratang. Road and boat conditions can be affected by heavy rain.

How to plan a monsoon trip

1. Keep the trip short and based mainly on Port Blair, or choose one night on Havelock at most.
2. Avoid tight onward travel. Leave at least a day before any flight home.
3. Book a package with a local team who can rebook ferries and adjust days for you.
4. Pack for rain: see the packing list.
5. Check the forecast a few days before and confirm activities on the day.

How much you save

Off-season rates are the lowest of the year. Our builder prices every night by its own date, so you can compare a monsoon date with a December date in seconds. Try it with the trip builder.

Who should avoid a monsoon trip

Travellers whose main goal is scuba, snorkelling at Elephant Beach or a fixed honeymoon beach-day schedule are usually happier between October and April. If your dates are fixed, talk to us and we will tell you honestly what to expect.