Let’s face it. When you are planning a holiday in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, September (the second month of the monsoon season) is rarely high on your list. It is not the peak season when the most number of tourists visit Andamans. You may be wondering if September offers the island holiday you are expecting or should you simply wait for better weather. We have worked with a number of travelers who have visited Andaman during the months of July to September and we know what your concerns are.
To be fair, in September, Andaman is completely different in terms of looks and feels. It has a distinct character when compared to the islands at the peak of the tourist season. But that does not mean that a September trip is a bad idea. On the contrary, we believe that it is one of the best months to visit Andaman and it offers a host of benefits for travelers willing to strike off during the off season.
In a nutshell, September is a good time to travel to Andaman for many reasons significant cost savings, lesser crowd, higher likelihood of receiving upgrades, and personalized attention from resort and restaurant staff, authentic local experiences and to name a few. The trick to making the most of September and to have an enjoyable Andaman holiday during this time of the year is in understanding the dynamics of the weather and how to make the most of it.
If you are planning a trip to Andaman in September, then this is the comprehensive guide you need to plan and execute it. In this blog, we will tell you everything there is to know about Andaman in September.
Weather in September in Andaman Islands
Temperatures during this time of the year are typically in the range of 24°C to 30-32°C. The weather is slightly different than the months of July and August. The intensity of rainfall has reduced and while there are bursts of heavy rain, there are a lot more dry spells. The weather pattern is somewhat predictable during the month of September. In fact, the mornings are generally dry and sunny. Afternoons, on the other hand, are usually marked with rainfall of short duration (1-3 hours), after which the evening sky opens up to one of the most stunning views you will see in Andaman.
On average, in September, there are 6 rainy days. This translates to having 24 dry days that offer a great deal of sun and possibility for engaging in a variety of activities that you wouldn’t be able to do if it was the peak season.
Rain also brings with it its own set of advantages. The most notable of which is the freshness in the air that results in the post-monsoon freshness of the islands. There is no better time to visit Andaman than when the islands have been washed down with fresh rainwater.
Advantages of Visiting Andaman in September
1. Cheaper Travel Costs and Higher Availability
September travel offers many advantages and the most compelling of which is the significant cost savings that you can realize if you book during this time of the year. The airfare is significantly lower and this also applies to accommodation and other activities.
Not only are rates much cheaper than what you would pay for during the peak travel season, you will also find better availability. Properties that are always fully booked months in advance during peak travel months are more readily available during September. You will also find that you are getting complimentary upgrades and greater personalized attention from resort and restaurant staff who have more time for your vacation needs.
2. Authentic Local Experiences
September is the perfect time to enjoy local Andaman culture if you are keen on getting into the local culture. This is primarily because fewer tourists means more time and attention from the locals.
If you are traveling during September, you might also get a chance to be invited to experience local festivals and traditions, along with taking part in local fishing expeditions, and eating at local family restaurants that typically do not cater to tourist crowds.
3. Photogenic Post-Monsoon Islands
The September islands of Andaman look stunning. The monsoon rains have left the islands lush and green and refreshed. The rainwater also makes for some great photos and it is not uncommon to get fantastic shots that you will not find during the peak travel season.
The other visual appeal that makes Andaman special is great marine visibility. While the water visibility can be hit and miss during this time of the year, it can be surprisingly good in between the rain showers. As the rainwater typically washes away the surface debris, underwater visibility can also be excellent on many occasions.
Points to be Careful About
1. Variability of Weather
A key point to bear in mind before booking a September travel to Andaman is the variability of weather. Water sports as well as some boat transfers to outer islands are often curtailed if the sea is rough on that day.
Diving and snorkeling trips are more conservative during this time of the year. Since most tours are more conservative about running tours in such conditions, a trip may be cancelled on the day.
2. High Humidity
Humidity is another aspect that you may not enjoy as a traveler from non-tropical climates. September humidity can touch 80-85% on most days.
Since it can be tougher to plan water sports and boat trips, it’s a good idea to have some indoor activity alternatives.
3. Reduced Transport
Another drawback of a September trip to Andaman is that inter-island transport has to be booked in a more flexible manner. Travel operators have to skip certain services if sea conditions are rough. For instance, while there is regularity between Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), other inter-island travel options may experience reduced services or face occasional delays.
To get around this issue, a smart traveler will build in some buffer days in their itinerary and remain more flexible in their plans. This often turns out to be a good thing as the best experiences sometimes turn up as a result of flexible travel plans.
Port Blair in September
The island of the Andamans and the state capital, Port Blair, in September is more than just simply sitting through the monsoon months. The Cellular Jail, Anthropological Museum and local bazaars can all be more pleasant in September due to more comfortable temperatures. The moderate temperatures are also ideal for taking on foot tours, strolling around the city and other such activities.
In addition to the comfortable temperatures, another benefit of visiting Port Blair in September is the availability of fresh local produce during this time of the year. Local markets and restaurants also have a host of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights that are available and waiting to be tried.
Havelock in September
Havelock is one of the top Andaman islands to visit in September due to its natural raw beauty during this time of the year. The beaches become cleaner and the sight of long stretches of beaches is simply breathtaking and unrivaled.
While water sports and other water activities have reduced schedules during this time, the beaches of Havelock can be great for other activities like beach strolls, meditation, photography, sunsets and watching the skies with dramatic clouds that add to the ambience of the experience.
Land-based activities like trekking are also better in Havelock. The forested interiors of Havelock Island also offer trekking paths to visitors who wish to take them.
Ecotourism activities are also popular in Havelock during this time of the year.
Neil in September
Neil Island during September is a perfect expression of its inherent calm. The smaller crowds during this time of the year also mean that the beaches on Neil Island can become your own private sanctuary. Neil Island also offers more opportunities for locals to be seen at work, with tourists also getting an opportunity to see local farming methods and local crop harvests in full swing.
Cycling around the island, taking on guided tours of the island’s markets and simply enjoying the slow travel experience on Neil is ideal during September.
Activities and Alternatives During September
1. Water Activities
As mentioned above, water activities and water sports are at a reduced capacity in Andaman during the month of September. In addition to that, most water activities like snorkeling, diving and related trips operate in the morning hours, as seas are relatively more calm during the daytime.
While the key beach-based activities are limited due to conditions, many of these activities continue to be a good time during September. Swimming is another activity that is more or less hit and miss during September. However, you will also find that local staff are more knowledgeable about which locations and times are most conducive to water activities.
2. Land-Based Activities
Activities like trekking continue to remain popular in September due to the comfortable temperatures and occasional cooling rain showers. Bird watching also peaks around September as migratory species flock to the islands of Andaman. The island’s lush vegetation also means that visitors get to see wildlife as well.
Photography tours in September capture the island in a different mood than the more commercial, peak season shots that you will see online. The interaction of cloud, rain and light offers travelers a completely different kind of experience when visiting Andaman during September.
3. Cultural Activities
As the weather can often be unpredictable, a September visit is a great time for people to take part in indoor-based cultural activities. Cooking classes, craft workshops, guided tours and other such experiences are more detailed and informative during this time of the year.
Museums and historic and cultural sites are also a great experience during this time of the year. Your guides will also have more time to share information that will not be hurried or put on the backburner in favor of other priorities during peak season.
Value for Money and Travel Budget
Cost is one of the biggest reasons people look to visit Andaman during September. And this is true not just when it comes to overall travel costs but also value for money.
Value adds during September are much more frequent than during the peak travel months of December to March. These can range from complimentary upgrades and extension of activities to more personalized attention by all service providers, including hotels and restaurants.
Travel packages available during September are also more likely to offer travel companies providing various free add-ons during this time. Travel companies also have weather guarantees during this time of the year. This could include rescheduling of trips or part refunds in the event of inclement weather.
Recommendations from Travel Professionals
Pre-Travel Preparations
Travel preparations are slightly different if you are planning a September trip to Andaman as opposed to your regular holiday plans. For one, you have to pack accordingly. Along with light and quick drying clothing, waterproof clothing and other essential items are also a must.
Plan accordingly and allow for dry days to have outdoor activities that you may not otherwise get to enjoy if you travel during peak months.
Travel insurance is another aspect that is more important for people during September travel. This is primarily due to the fact that weather can play spoilsport during this time of the year.
Work with Local Travel Experts
To make the most of your September travel to Andaman, it helps to work with local travel experts who are familiar with conditions during the September-December window.
They will not only know when and where to run water activities and boat trips but will also have in-depth knowledge of alternative activities to ensure that your experience is at its optimum best.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Andaman?
To conclude, a September trip to Andaman is a good time for people who value authentic travel experiences, if your main motivation for visiting the islands during this time is to enjoy significant cost savings. Families and couples who are flexible in their travel plans and also enjoy less crowded destinations and fewer tourists, would also benefit from taking a September trip.
If guaranteed sunshine is your primary travel motivation and you are a person who prefers to plan things right down to the hour, a September trip to Andaman might not work for you.
The other primary difference between a September trip and an off season trip is in terms of mindset. If you are looking for September travel to be a direct replica of peak travel at a much lower cost, it is unlikely that you will be a happy camper during your September trip to Andaman. A September trip will only be as enjoyable as the way you perceive it.
If you like our content and want more information, you can always reach out to our travel experts and they will be more than happy to assist you. You can book with us directly, or simply get in touch with us via email or phone.
