Is December a Good Time to Visit Andaman?
Weather, Crowds, Prices & What to Expect
Wondering if December is the right month for your Andaman trip? A Port Blair local breaks down December weather, peak season crowds, surcharges, ferry availability, and what to expect during Christmas & New Year.
December — One of the Best Months, But Also the Most Crowded
December is one of the best months to visit the Andaman Islands for weather, underwater visibility, and calm sea conditions. However, it is also the most crowded and expensive time of the year.
If you travel during Early December (Dec 1 – Dec 18), you will experience clear skies, comfortable temperatures (20°C–30°C), and moderate crowd levels. If you travel during the Christmas and New Year period (Dec 20 – Jan 5), you must prepare for 100% hotel occupancies, peak season price surcharges (30% to 50% higher), mandatory festive gala dinner fees, and competitive inter-island ferry bookings.
From a purely climatic perspective, December is exceptional. The post-monsoon transition is complete, the skies clear out, and the Bay of Bengal settles into its calmest phase of the year.
However, travel experiences are defined by logistics, pricing, and density as much as weather. December presents two distinct faces to a traveler.
Pros & Cons — The Two Faces of December
- Stable, Sunny Weather: Minimal rainfall, predictable sunshine, and low storm risk.
- Peak Water Clarity: Underwater visibility ranges between 20 and 30 meters — ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Full Operational Status: All water sports, private catamaran ferries, speedboats, and forest trails operate at full capacity.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Island beach clubs, resorts, and markets carry an energetic, festive holiday vibe.
- Premium Pricing: Flight fares, resort room rates, and private cab rentals reach their annual ceiling.
- Strict Booking Policies: Peak fortnight bookings (Dec 15 – Jan 15) carry rigid non-refundable cancellation terms and mandatory 100% advance cut-offs.
- Crowded Key Highlights: Popular spots like Elephant Beach on Havelock or North Bay near Port Blair experience heavy daily footfall.
- Logistical Bottlenecks: Popular private ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) sell out weeks in advance for morning departure slots.
Typical December Weather — What to Expect on the Ground
Andaman Weather Summary (December)
Air temperatures range between 20°C at night and 30°C during mid-afternoon. Relative humidity drops to a comfortable 65%–75%, moderated by steady sea breezes. December evenings feel pleasantly cool for oceanfront dining and beach strolls.
The Northeast monsoon winds fade by late November. December records very low rainfall — typically 2 to 4 brief, isolated showers across the entire month that rarely disrupt outdoor plans. Sea surfaces remain smooth with minimal swell, allowing smooth inter-island transit.
With calm seas and minimal runoff, sea clarity peaks. Scuba divers and snorkelers experience optimal conditions across coral reefs in Havelock, Neil, and Chidiyatapu.
Crowds, Logistics & Peak Season Realities
Understanding how island logistics react to the December rush is crucial for avoiding travel friction.
Tourist arrival numbers double between November and December. Major hubs like Port Blair jetty, Havelock's Radhanagar Beach, and Neil's Laxmanpur sunset point see heavy gatherings between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
Peak Season Surcharge: Hotels and resorts across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil apply mandatory peak surcharges (often 20% to 50% above standard rack rates) for stays falling between December 15 and January 15.
Mandatory Gala Dinners: Mid-range to luxury 4-star and 5-star properties enforce mandatory Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec 31) Gala Dinner charges. These fees are billed directly to the guest regardless of whether they attend the event.
Inter-island travel relies heavily on private catamarans (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic). During December, morning sailings from Port Blair to Havelock (7:00 AM – 8:30 AM) and mid-day sailings from Havelock to Neil sell out weeks before departure. Relying on spot-booking at the jetty is a frequent point of failure for last-minute travelers.
Direct flights into Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru experience steep fare increases for December travel. Booking flight tickets 3 to 5 months in advance is essential to protect your travel budget.
Early December vs Christmas vs New Year — A Period-by-Period Breakdown
The experience of visiting Andaman on December 5th differs significantly from visiting on December 28th.
| Period | Crowd Level | Price Pressure | Availability | Best For | Planning Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Dec (Dec 1–15) | Moderate | Standard Peak | Good across categories | Value seekers, Photographers, Relaxed travelers | Medium |
| Mid Dec (Dec 16–22) | High | Moderate Surcharge | Moderate | Families, Early holiday travelers | High |
| Christmas (Dec 23–27) | Very High | Peak Surcharge + Gala Fees | Low | Festive lovers, Social vibe | Very High |
| New Year (Dec 28–Jan 2) | Extreme | Maximum Surcharge + Gala Fees | Extremely Scarce | Party goers, Year-end celebrators | Extremely High |
When it IS worth it: You have fixed year-end corporate leave, are traveling with school-age children on winter vacation, want ideal water visibility for scuba certification, or enjoy a vibrant holiday atmosphere on the beach.
When it IS NOT worth it: You are on a strict budget, dislike crowded beaches, or can travel in late January, February, or March. The weather during January and February remains equally dry and pleasant, but room rates drop by 20% to 40%, and ferry tickets are significantly easier to secure.
Island-by-Island Breakdown in December
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock is the center of December tourism in Andaman.
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) offers calm waters and sunset views. Elephant Beach is fully operational for sea walking, parasailing, and snorkeling.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island offers a slower pace than Havelock, though room capacity is limited.
Bharatpur Beach for shallow water sports and glass-bottom rides, Natural Bridge tide-pool exploration at low tide, and Laxmanpur Beach for sunset watching.
Port Blair
The administrative capital serves as your entry, exit, and transit hub.
Cellular Jail National Memorial, Light & Sound show, and historical tours on Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep).
Baratang Island
Known for limestone caves and mangrove creek boat rides.
Early morning convoy drive through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve followed by a speedboat ride through dense mangrove canopies.
North Andaman (Diglipur & Ross & Smith)
For travelers seeking solitude away from December holiday crowds.
The twin islands of Ross & Smith, connected by a natural white sandbar that splits the sea at high tide.
Traveler Persona Breakdown — Who Should Go in December?
Cons: Privacy can be difficult to find at popular public beach points during sunset hours.
Expert Tip: Plan your trip in early December or choose secluded luxury resorts located away from main jetty strips.
Cons: Managing packed ferry terminals and waiting areas with young children or seniors during peak dates.
Expert Tip: Select properties with ground-floor rooms or easy beach access, avoid single-day island hops.
Cons: Premier category suites and pool villas sell out 4 to 6 months in advance for the holiday fortnight.
Expert Tip: Book 4–6 months ahead for the best suites and private dining experiences.
Cons: Single-occupancy room surcharges can make accommodation expensive during the festive peak.
Expert Tip: Look for hostels or shared accommodation options to offset single-supplement charges.
The Gallivanting Tours Decision Guide
- Want ideal weather, clear blue skies, and dry outdoor conditions
- Prioritize water clarity for scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography
- Enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year
- Have fixed winter leave schedules or kids' school holidays
- Are seeking budget-friendly rates or off-season discounts
- Prefer secluded, quiet beaches without tourist crowds
- Prefer making spontaneous, unstructured plans without advance reservations
⚡ Quick Reference Decisions
- If you want fewer crowds: Target December 1st to December 15th, or shift your travel dates to late January.
- If you want the festive holiday vibe: Book December 23rd to January 1st — and secure all logistics 4 months early.
- If you want the best financial value: Choose late November or mid-January.
- If you are travelling for a honeymoon: Choose early December or select resorts with private beachfronts.
- If you are travelling with elderly family members: Keep a relaxed 3-destination itinerary (Port Blair – Havelock – Neil) with zero double-ferry transit days.
Local Expert Advice — What Generic Websites Miss
As a local operator managing daily ground coordination in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil, here are operational realities that generic travel portals often overlook:
Who Should Avoid Andaman in December?
December Planning Timeline & Execution
To ensure a smooth, well-coordinated trip during peak season, follow this timeline:
December Booking Sequence
5 Days / 4 Nights: Port Blair (1N) + Havelock (2N) + Port Blair (1N)
7 Days / 6 Nights (Recommended): Port Blair (2N) + Havelock (3N) + Neil (1N)
9 Days / 8 Nights: Port Blair (2N) + Havelock (3N) + Neil (2N) + Baratang/Diglipur (1N)
Book Immediately: Flights, resorts, and high-speed inter-island ferry tickets.
Keep Flexible: Afternoon meals, casual market walks, and local beach leisure time.
Overpacking the Itinerary: Trying to cover Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, and Diglipur in a 5-day trip leads to exhaustion rather than relaxation.
Ignoring Jetty Distance: Booking hotels far from the ferry jetty without arranging private cab transfers in advance.
Skipping Pre-booked Water Sports: Expecting to get instant slots for scuba diving or sea walking at Elephant Beach without advance slot allocation.
"December can be a memorable time to experience the Andaman Islands — provided your logistics, ferry schedules, stay choices, and expectations are planned with precision."
28–30°C days, 20–23°C nights — clear skies and calm seas
20–50% surcharges + mandatory gala dinners (Dec 24 & 31)
Ferries sell out weeks in advance — book 2–3 months ahead
Darkness falls by 5:00 PM — plan activities for early morning
📚 Useful Resources for Planning Your December Trip
🗺️ Gallivanting Tours — Andaman Tour Packages ✍️ Andaman Travel Blog — Local Guides & Tips 🏛️ Andaman & Nicobar Tourism — Official Government Portal 🤿 Andaman Adventure Activities — Scuba, Snorkeling & MoreReady to Plan Your December Andaman Getaway?
Whether you're looking for an early-December honeymoon, a family holiday, or a premium island getaway, Gallivanting Tours specializes in handpicked stays, seamless private ferry connections, and custom itineraries designed around how the islands actually work.
Chat with a Local Specialist on WhatsAppFrequently Asked
Questions
Yes, December is a popular month for honeymoons due to pleasant weather, clear seas, and romantic evening conditions. To ensure privacy, travel during early December or book secluded resorts along quiet beach stretches in Havelock or Neil.
Rainfall in December is minimal. The monsoon recedes completely by late November. You may experience an occasional 10-minute pass shower, but prolonged rainstorms are rare.
For travel between December 22nd and January 2nd, book your flights and resorts 4 to 6 months in advance. Private ferry tickets should be booked as soon as operator schedules open (usually 30 to 60 days ahead).
Yes, all water sports — including scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, parasailing, and jet-skiing — are fully operational with excellent water visibility.
Most 4-star and 5-star resorts charge a mandatory fee for Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec 31) gala dinners. This cost is added to your hotel room bill automatically.
Yes, the ocean is calm during December, making inter-island catamaran travel smooth and comfortable for passengers prone to motion sickness.
Ready to plan your December escape?
Connect with our local island experts to request a personalized Andaman itinerary tailored to your dates, budget, and travel style.