Andaman Weather in May: Last Sunny Days Before the Monsoon
By Andaman Emerald Travels
The Indian monsoon makes its first landfall on these islands, and it usually does so in May. That single fact changes everything about planning a trip this month!
I have seen May go both ways. Some years, the first two weeks are bright, calm and wonderfully quiet. In others, an early system arrives and ferries stop. There is no way to promise which version you will get. What I can do is show you how the month typically unfolds, where the risks sit and how to protect your trip. This guide explains Andaman Weather in May in plain terms. Weather varies from year to year, so treat every figure as a typical range and check forecasts closely before you commit.
Andaman Weather in May at a Glance
Weather Factor
Typical May Conditions
What It Means for You
Daytime temperature
Around 30°C to 33°C
Hot and humid
Night temperature
Around 25°C to 26°C
Warm, with little cooling after dark
Rainfall
Rising through the month, with heavier spells later
Rain gear is essential
Humidity
High, often above 80 percent
Clothes and gear dry slowly
Sea conditions
Calm early, becoming rough as the monsoon approaches
Ferry and activity changes are likely later
Underwater visibility
Good early, dropping later
Best water days come first
Sunrise and sunset
Roughly 4:55 to 5:05 AM, and around 5:40 to 5:50 PM
Very early mornings and long evenings
These figures describe the usual pattern of Andaman Weather in May. The key word is “usual”. Early monsoon arrival is possible, and so is a delayed one.
Understanding the Monsoon Arrival
The southwest monsoon typically reaches the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around mid to late May, earlier than anywhere else in India. Before that, you may see thunderstorms and pre-monsoon showers. After it begins, expect frequent rain, stronger winds and rougher seas.
The Bay of Bengal can also produce cyclones in April and May. Follow the official weather department updates, and treat any storm warning seriously.
The Month in Three Windows
May isn’t one season. It is three small ones.
Window
Typical Conditions
Risk Level
Best Use
1 to 10 May
Hot, mostly dry, calm seas
Lower
Water activities and beaches
11 to 20 May
Hotter, more showers, seas becoming variable
Moderate
Short stays with flexible plans
21 to 31 May
Monsoon onset likely, rough seas, heavy rain spells
High
Only if flexible, with insurance and a strong buffer
Should You Go in May?
It depends on your priorities and how much uncertainty you can tolerate.
Your Situation
My Advice
You want guaranteed beach and water days
Choose winter months instead
You can travel in the first ten days
May can work well, with calm water and fewer crowds
You need fixed dates and tight flight connections
Avoid the second half of the month
You are travelling with young children or older relatives
Prefer early May only, with strong flexibility
You want lower prices and accept some risk
Consider early May with refundable bookings
Andaman in May: Travel Tips, Weather & more
If May is your only option, here is what I recommend.
Travel in the First Ten Days
Conditions are usually best before the monsoon front arrives. If dates are flexible, this is the safest window.
Book Refundable Options
Choose hotels with free cancellation and ferries with change options where possible. Rough weather can cancel sailings with little notice.
Buy Travel Insurance
Check that your policy covers weather disruption, delays and cancellations. Read the terms, because coverage varies.
Avoid Tight Connections
Never schedule an important flight on the same day as an island ferry. Add at least one to two buffer days before you fly home.
Keep Plans Flexible
Confirm ferries and activities each morning. Have an indoor plan ready for rainy afternoons.
Protect Your Gear
Humidity is high and storms can be sudden. Use a dry bag, a waterproof phone pouch and sealed cases for electronics.
What Works and What Doesn’t
Usually Works
Early-morning snorkelling and diving before the monsoon front arrives
Beach sunsets on clear evenings
Cellular Jail, the light and sound show and the Samudrika Naval Maritime Museum
Quiet stays on Havelock and Neil in early May
Often Disrupted
Ferries between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil in late May
Water sports, which operators restrict when seas turn rough
Baratang trips and trekking on wet, slippery trails
Remote travel to Diglipur
If you dive, avoid flying within 18 to 24 hours afterwards, and never ignore an operator’s safety decision.
For more ideas, read our guide to Things to do in Andaman, and for island highlights, see Places to visit in Andaman.
May needs careful planning. We pick dates, ferries and stays with weather risk in mind, and we help you choose flexible options. If conditions change, we adjust quickly. For wider planning, read our guides on the Best Time to Visit Andaman, Andaman trip cost, our Andaman travel guide, and the weather posts for October, November, December, January, February, March and April.
Final Thoughts
May is a month of trade-offs. Understand Andaman Weather in May, aim for the first ten days, book refundable options and keep spare days, and you can still enjoy calm water and quiet islands. If you need certainty, choose winter instead. Ready to plan? Message our team, and we will help you choose the right dates!
FAQ's
It is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures around 30°C to 33°C. Rain increases through the month as the monsoon approaches.
Early May can be good, with calm water and fewer crowds. The second half carries a higher risk of rain and rough seas.
It typically arrives around mid to late May, though the exact timing varies each year.
Mostly yes early in the month. Cancellations become more likely later, so keep buffer days.
Often in early May, subject to sea conditions and operator approval. See our Andaman Adventure Packages.
Usually yes, but school holidays can raise demand. Choose refundable options. See our Andaman Budget Packages.
It can work for flexible couples in early May. For guaranteed sunsets, winter is safer. See our Andaman Honeymoon Packages.
Early May can work with short transfers and indoor backups. See our Andaman Family Packages.
Yes, and check that weather delays and cancellations are covered before you buy.
Yes. Explore our Andaman Group Packages, Andaman LTC Packages and Andaman Tour Packages, and confirm LTC eligibility with your department.
How to reach
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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