Andaman in September sits at the tail end of the monsoon. Expect showers and rough seas in the first half, then clearer skies and calmer water by the last ten days. You get big hotel discounts and near-empty beaches, but book morning ferries and always keep a buffer day.
Is September a good time to visit Andaman?
Short answer: yes, if you travel for quiet beaches and low prices rather than water sports. September is the tail of the monsoon, so crowds are thin and resorts across Port Blair, Havelock and Neil run monsoon offers of up to 35 percent off (as of September 2026). The islands look their greenest, and the light after a shower is lovely for photos.
The trade-off is real. Rain and rough seas dominate the first two weeks, ferries get cancelled in the afternoons, and most dive centres pause boat trips. If scuba is the whole point of your trip, come from mid-October instead. For couples, families on a budget and birdwatchers, September works well.
What is the weather like in Andaman in September?
Temperatures stay between 24 and 31 degrees Celsius, with high humidity. The month splits cleanly in two. Frequent showers and choppy seas run until around the middle of September. Then longer sunny spells and calmer water arrive in the final ten days, which often feel close to early October.
| Period | Weather | Sea & ferries | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 1 to 15 | Frequent showers, humid, short sunny gaps | Rough water, afternoon cancellations common | Discounts, indoor heritage sites, birdwatching |
| Sept 16 to 30 | Clearer spells, occasional rain, calmer feel | Calmer sea, more reliable morning ferries | Beaches, some shore diving, island hopping |
Rain here comes in bursts, not all-day downpours. You can usually plan outdoor time around the clearer morning hours. Carry a rain poncho, a dry bag for your phone and quick-dry clothes.
Will ferries run to Havelock and Neil in September?
Ferries run all year, but the monsoon changes the odds. Government ferries and private cruises like Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean sail daily from Port Blair, with the first departures around 6 am. Morning sailings are far less likely to be cancelled than afternoon ones, so book the earliest slot you can.
Government ferry fares on the Port Blair to Havelock route run roughly Rs 630 to Rs 920, while air-conditioned private cruises cost about Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,800 depending on class (as of September 2026). Book private ferries online a few days ahead. Keep one buffer day in your plan in case the sea turns rough on your travel date.
Can you scuba dive and snorkel in Andaman in September?
Partly. Many operators suspend boat dives through the July to September monsoon because of rough water and poor visibility. On calmer days in the second half of the month, some Havelock centres still run shore dives straight from the beach. A single fun dive costs from about Rs 2,500, and a beginner Discover Scuba dive around Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 (as of September 2026).
Snorkelling is hit or miss. Boat trips to the Marine National Park zones, including Jolly Buoy, do not run during the monsoon, and Elephant Beach snorkelling depends on the day’s sea. Ask your operator the night before instead of pre-paying.
What can you actually do in Andaman in September?
Plenty, if you lean towards land and heritage over open water. These sights hold up whatever the sky does:
- Cellular Jail National Memorial in Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram): entry Rs 30 for Indian visitors, open Tuesday to Sunday. The evening light and sound show costs Rs 300 for adults and Rs 150 for children (as of September 2026). Both are covered, so rain does not spoil them.
- Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island) near Port Blair for birdwatching and sunsets. The monsoon brings out migratory and endemic species.
- Radhanagar Beach on Havelock for long walks. Swimming is often restricted when red flags are up, so check before you wade in.
- Corbyn’s Cove and Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) for easy half-day outings close to town.
Skip Baratang and its limestone caves on heavy-rain days. The road and boat legs turn miserable, and the caves are not worth soaking.
How much does an Andaman trip in September cost?
This is the month’s biggest draw. Off-season flights and rooms fall sharply, so a mid-range couple can plan five days across Port Blair and Havelock for noticeably less than in December, mostly saving on hotels and flights. Budget stays start low, and even sea-facing resorts drop their rates during the monsoon. Activities that do run, like the light and sound show or a short island tour, stay cheap.
If you are starting from up north, comparing Andaman tour packages from Delhi early lets you lock the low monsoon rates before flights fill up. Carry cash either way, since card machines and ATMs are patchy once you leave Port Blair.
Andaman in September FAQ
Is September a good month to visit Andaman?
It suits budget travellers, couples and birdwatchers who want quiet beaches and low prices. Crowds are thin and hotels run monsoon discounts. It suits divers less, because rough seas pause most boat trips until the second half of the month. Plan around land sights and keep a buffer day for ferries.
Does it rain all day in Andaman in September?
No. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts with sunny gaps, especially in the first half. By the last week of September, clearer days are common. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and keep a poncho handy for the sudden showers.
Are ferries cancelled in September?
Afternoon ferries get cancelled more often than morning ones when the sea is rough. Government and private ferries still run daily from Port Blair. Book the earliest departure and keep a spare day so a single cancellation does not wreck your whole plan.
Can you do water sports in Andaman in September?
Some, on calmer days. Shore-based scuba at Havelock may run in the second half of the month, but boat dives and Marine National Park snorkelling trips are often suspended. Confirm with the operator a day ahead rather than booking far in advance.
Is Havelock worth visiting in September?
Yes, for the beaches, walks and lower room rates. Radhanagar stays beautiful even under clouds. Just accept that swimming may be restricted on rough days and some boat activities will not run at all.
What should I pack for Andaman in September?
A rain poncho, a waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry clothes, sandals with grip and basic medicines. Carry cash too, as ATMs and card machines are unreliable once you leave Port Blair.
Is September cheaper than December in Andaman?
Yes, clearly. Monsoon is the low season, so flights and hotels cost much less, with resort discounts of up to 35 percent. The savings come with a catch: fewer water sports and less guaranteed sun through the first half of the month.