Authored by Amit Sengupta

When considering the best time to visit Andaman Islands in India, most travelers choose to avoid the monsoons. The heavy southwest monsoons are usually over by September, so October generally marks the start of tourist season every year.

But what if you wanted to take an off-season vacation and visit during June, July and August to actually experience the monsoon? Sure, it will be raining heavily, but these incredible islands actually become more magical during the rainy season.

Picture this: a rain drenched experience amid tropical rainforests and ancient jungles, (because let’s be honest, sunning on the beach has become so terribly cliche!) where you’ll rub shoulders with elephants, and watch glorious flame-and-purple sunsets.

This is the Andaman Islands as you’ve likely never thought to see it: during the magical season that is the monsoon.

Magical Monsoons in the Andaman Islands

What to Expect

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are magical at any time of year, but this is especially so during the rainy season; the islands show their true character during the monsoon.

While the characteristics of the island become volatile (forests, roads and waves), this is a dramatic sight to behold. Sugar-white beaches attain a golden hue once the sun shines after the sheath of cloud cover passes away. And the droplets of rain on the vibrant flora throughout the islands will take your breath away.

While you’re there, pause for a moment. Watch life passing by. Soak in the epic monsoon views.

Those Epic Monsoon Views

Photo credits: Aravindan Ganesan, Amit Sengupta, Kai Hendry

Is it Safe to Visit During the Monsoon?

Contrary to popular belief, you can visit the Andaman Islands during the monsoons (May – September). However the weather means you will need to have a certain level of flexibility when it comes to your travel plans.

To allay your fears about visiting the islands during monsoons, yes it safe. Though it is important to understand that transportation like flights and ferries may experience cancellations or delays if the weather becomes extreme.

While many people travel to the Andamans during peak season for the beach and water activities, it’s important to realize that these may not operate during the monsoon, and it would be ill advised to head out on activities like sea walking and scuba diving if the weather is rough.

Traveling Anyway …

Once you have made peace with the above challenges, you are going to experience a breathtaking slice of nature that everyday tourists rarely see.

The locals are a ‘friendly mix of South and Southeast Asian settlers, as well as Negrito ethnic groups whose arrival here still has anthropologists somewhat baffled.’

And for those who travel with their camera, the drama of the weather against a pristine natural backdrop makes for truly incredible photography.

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This is the Andaman Islands as you’ve likely never thought to see it: during the magical season that is the monsoon.

This is the Andaman Islands as you’ve likely never thought to see it: during the magical season that is the monsoon.

Amit Sengupta is the co-founder of Blackboard, a travel blogger and filmmaker based in Kolkata, India.