Port Blair is the gateway to India's Andaman archipelago, a chain of tropical islands floating across the Bay of Bengal roughly 780 miles from Kolkata. The city wraps colonial history, coral-rich waters, and a multicultural food scene into one compact coastal destination. Cellular Jail, the infamous colonial-era prison turned national memorial, anchors the city's historical identity, while ferries radiate outward to some of South Asia's most pristine dive sites and white-sand beaches on Havelock and Neil Islands. The local dining scene leans heavily on fresh-catch seafood: coconut-laced fish curries, grilled lobster, peppery squid fry, and crab prepared a dozen ways at open-air stalls near Phoenix Bay and Aberdeen Bazaar.
Your ideal window for Port Blair runs from early January through early April, when dry skies, calm seas, and comfortable humidity make island-hopping and water sports reliably enjoyable. February is the driest month, with only about a 4% chance of significant rain on any given day, and it's also the least crowded month of the year, meaning better accommodation deals and shorter ferry queues. January coincides with the Island Tourism Festival, a multi-day celebration of tribal dance, folk music, handicraft exhibitions, and water sports competitions staged across the city. If you prefer a secondary window, late November into December works well too: the monsoon has retreated, seas are calming down, and the pre-holiday weeks still offer reasonable availability before the December peak-season rush.
Spring in Port Blair, India
March is the tail end of the ideal weather window, and it's a fantastic time to explore Port Blair's outdoor attractions. Seas remain calm enough for glass-bottom boat rides at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, where coral reefs and colorful fish are visible in excellent clarity. Mornings start warm at 76.2°F (24.6°C), perfect for an early ferry to Ross Island (now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) to walk through the atmospheric British-era ruins before the midday heat builds. Highs average 90.1°F (32.3°C) across the season, so lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.
By April, heat intensifies noticeably. Mid-April marks the peak of the year, with highs reaching 91.9°F (33.3°C) and overnight lows sitting at 77.6°F (25.3°C). Humidity creeps upward too, making afternoons feel stifling. This is still a good time for Chidiya Tapu, the bird-watching haven at the southern tip of South Andaman, but plan your visit for late afternoon when temperatures ease and the sunset views over the sea are spectacular. Rain remains infrequent through March and early April, with precipitation on roughly 0 to 3 days per month, though May flips the script with over a 50% daily rain chance as the monsoon approaches.
Spring is the slowest tourism season, which translates to accommodation deals and thinner crowds at Cellular Jail and other major sights. If you're visiting in March, you'll still catch the dry-season sweet spot. For May travelers, pack a compact rain jacket and expect afternoon downpours that can cancel boat trips on short notice. Carry plenty of water: the combination of tropical heat and high humidity drains energy fast, especially on the forest trails of Mount Harriet National Park about 15 kilometers from the city center.
Summer in Port Blair, India
June through August is full monsoon season in Port Blair, and the islands take on an entirely different character. Lush greenery explodes across every hillside and the rain-washed landscape looks dramatic, but heavy downpours arrive frequently, with significant rain falling roughly 3 to 5 days per week. Ferry services between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Islands often face delays or cancellations due to rough seas, which can derail even well-planned itineraries. Scuba diving and snorkeling visibility drops considerably, and many water sports operators at Corbyn's Cove and the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex scale back operations.
Highs average 85.9°F (29.9°C) while lows hover at 76.3°F (24.6°C), so the temperature itself isn't extreme, but humidity peaks above 85%, making everything feel heavier. Winds pick up too, with June bringing the strongest sustained breezes of the year. Despite the challenging conditions, this is surprisingly the busiest tourism stretch by volume, likely driven by school holidays on the Indian mainland. Accommodation prices rise accordingly, an odd combination of monsoon inconvenience and higher demand.
If you do visit during the monsoon, focus on indoor attractions. The Anthropological Museum in central Port Blair documents the cultures and traditions of indigenous Andamanese tribes like the Jarawa and Onge. Cellular Jail's powerful light and sound show runs in the evenings and is worth attending rain or shine. The Fisheries Museum and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum round out a solid rainy-day itinerary. Pack waterproof bags for electronics, sturdy sandals with good grip, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes thrive in the humid conditions.
Fall in Port Blair, India
September is the wettest month in Port Blair, with a 67% chance of significant rain on any given day, so the first half of fall still feels like an extension of the monsoon. Seas remain rough, and trips to Jolly Buoy Island and other Marine National Park destinations are often restricted. Highs sit at 86.8°F (30.4°C) with lows of 76°F (24.4°C), and humidity stays elevated through September before starting a gradual decline.
October brings noticeable improvement. Rain chances drop to around 43%, seas begin to settle, and ferry schedules become more reliable. By November, conditions have shifted enough to make beach days and snorkeling outings feasible again. This transitional stretch is one of the quieter times on the islands, with tourism volume well below the December peak, so you'll find lower accommodation rates and less competition for boat permits. The Durga Puja celebrations in Port Blair, typically falling in October, fill Aberdeen Bazaar with decorated pandals, cultural performances, and community feasts that reflect the city's strong Bengali community.
If you're targeting November, bring a light rain jacket for occasional showers (rain probability still sits around 34%) but expect plenty of sunshine between them. The improving weather makes this a reasonable shoulder-season option for budget-conscious travelers who want to avoid the December and January crowds. Just know that September is genuinely not recommended for most visitors, as canceled ferries and poor underwater visibility limit your options significantly.
Winter in Port Blair, India
Winter is the prime season for Port Blair, and for good reason. December through February delivers the driest, most comfortable weather of the year, with calm seas that open up the full range of island-hopping and water sport possibilities. The Island Tourism Festival, typically running for about two weeks from late December into January, transforms the city with folk music performances, tribal dance showcases, handicraft exhibitions, and water sports competitions staged at venues across Port Blair including the historic Cellular Jail grounds. It's the best time to experience the islands' multicultural identity on full display.
Highs average 87.2°F (30.7°C) with lows at a pleasant 74.5°F (23.6°C), the coolest overnight temperatures you'll find all year. February stands out as the driest month, with only about a 4% rain probability on any given day, and it's also the least crowded month. January and March are nearly as dry, at 7% and 9% respectively. These conditions make winter the ideal window for scuba diving at North Bay Island, snorkeling at Jolly Buoy, and taking the boat trip around Barren Island to see India's only active volcano from the water.
December is the busiest month overall, so book flights and ferries well in advance if you're traveling around the holidays. Accommodation prices climb during the December rush. January and February offer a better balance of excellent weather and manageable crowds. At Phoenix Bay and Aberdeen Bazaar, the evening street food scene peaks during these months: grilled fish, crab curry, and coconut-rich dishes taste even better in the relatively mild evening air. Pack light cotton clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat for midday sun protection.
At a Glance
Monthly weather, visitor crowds, air quality, holidays, and daylight hours to help you plan your trip.
Travel Tips & Safety for Port Blair, India
Port Blair is connected to mainland India by air through Veer Savarkar International Airport, with direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bengaluru taking roughly two to two and a half hours. Ferries and catamarans to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty, and booking these in advance is strongly recommended during peak season. Internet connectivity can be spotty across the islands, so download offline maps and confirm bookings before leaving the mainland.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, and when eating street food, choose stalls with high turnover and visible food handling. Carry cash for smaller eateries and local transport, as card and UPI payments can be unreliable when network connections drop. Mosquito repellent is essential year-round given the tropical humidity, and reef-safe sunscreen protects both you and the coral ecosystems that make this destination special.