Key Takeaways
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December is a popular time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with year-end holidays and festivities around the corner.
The weather is another reason to visit during this month, as the monsoon has mostly passed, bringing less rain and calmer seas for sightseeing and beach activities.
Here is everything you need to know about the weather, crowds, and top things to do in Andaman and Nicobar in December.
Andaman and Nicobar Weather in December
December is one of the drier months in the Andaman, making it a good time for beach visits, outdoor sightseeing, boat excursions, and water activities.
According to IMD’s 1991-2020 climatological records, Port Blair’s average December temperatures range from 23.9°C to 30.1°C, with around five rainy days.
Rain is usually brief, and humidity is lower than during the monsoon months. The sea is also calmer, but occasional changes in wind and sea conditions can still affect boat services and water activities.
Crowds and Prices in Andaman in December
December falls within Andaman’s peak tourist season, with visitor numbers rising further around Christmas and New Year. Flights and hotel rates are higher during this period, particularly in the second half of December.
Accommodation and ferry seats to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) can also fill up early, so book your flights, stays and inter-island ferries in advance.
Things to Do in Andaman and Nicobar in December
Clear December weather is best for beach visits, water sports, and boat trips to the islands’ most unique spots. December also brings cultural events such as the Island Tourism Festival.
Spend Time at Andaman’s Beaches
Havelock Island has several beautiful beaches, including Radhanagar, Elephant and Kalapathar. Radhanagar has a long stretch of sand and is a good place to watch the sunset, while Kalapathar Beach is best visited at sunrise.
Elephant Beach is a major spot for snorkelling and other water activities. Visitors can reach it by speedboat from the island jetty or by taking a forest trail.
The main sights on Neil Island include Bharatpur Beach for shallow-water activities and coral viewing, Laxmanpur Beach for sunset, and the Natural Bridge, which is accessible at low tide.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach in Port Blair has a coconut-lined shore and is easy to visit during a city sightseeing trip.
Try Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and Other Water Activities
Since December falls outside the main monsoon season, it is a suitable time for water activities. Snorkelling, sea walking, parasailing, and jet skiing are available at Elephant Beach.
A short boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair will take you to North Bay, where you can try glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling, scuba diving and sea walking. Kayaking is available at a few locations around North Bay and Port Blair.
If you want to see coral reefs and marine life without getting into the water, you can take a semi-submarine ride from Port Blair. The vessel has underwater viewing windows that give you a clear view of the reefs and fish below.
Neil Island also has scuba diving, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat experiences. Weather and sea conditions can still lead to cancellations in December.
Take a Day Trip to Baratang
Baratang’s main attractions include its mangrove creeks, Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano. A boat ride through the mangroves will take you to the caves, where you can see natural stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Mud Volcano is another unusual sight, with small craters where mud and gas bubble to the surface.
A trip from Port Blair takes a full day and involves travelling through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve in a police-escorted convoy. Stopping, photography and interaction with the Jarawa community are prohibited along this stretch.
Watch the Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail
Built by the British in 1906, Cellular Jail held many Indian freedom fighters, and it is now maintained as a National Memorial.
You can walk through the surviving prison wings and galleries to learn how the British used the jail to isolate and punish political prisoners. The evening Light and Sound Show recounts this history through narration, music and lighting.
Show Timings:
- Hindi Shows: 5:50 PM & 7:50 PM (Daily); 6:50 PM (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday)
- English Show: 6:50 PM (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Attend the Island Tourism Festival 2026
The Island Tourism Festival 2026 is scheduled to take place from 27th to 31st December. Organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the festival will include cultural programmes at different venues across the islands.
Local groups have been invited to present classical, semi-classical, traditional and folk dances, along with bhajans, qawwalis and folk songs. The main festival ground is ITF Ground in Port Blair, where visitors can expect food stalls and kiosks.
The final list of venues, performers and daily schedules is yet to be announced. Check further announcements from the Administration before planning your evenings around specific events.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Andaman
Christmas and New Year celebrations in Andaman mainly take place through church services and events organised by individual hotels and resorts, rather than large island-wide public celebrations.
In Port Blair, you can attend Christmas services, including midnight Mass and carol services, at local churches. Some hotels and resorts also organise private festive programmes.
Havelock Island has more options for travellers looking for organised Christmas events and lively New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Havelock Island Beach Resort, for instance, has announced a Tropical Christmas Carnival with beachside tree lighting, DJ-led carol remixes and a light show. They are also hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration, with a gala dinner, DJ party, midnight countdown and fireworks.
Neil Island, on the other hand, is a quieter choice for those who prefer a relaxed resort stay and low-key celebrations rather than large parties.
What to Pack for an Andaman Trip in December
- Lightweight cotton or linen clothes, T-shirts, shorts and casual outfits for warm daytime weather
- A light shawl or thin jacket for breezy evenings by the beach or on open boat decks
- Swimwear for beach days, snorkelling and scuba diving
- Waterproof sandals or flip-flops for beaches and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and Baratang
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or wide-brimmed hat
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch to protect your phone, camera and valuables during boat rides and water activities
- Basic medication, a quick-drying towel and a reusable water bottle
Conclusion
Apart from the crowds and higher prices, December is a good time to visit the Andaman Islands because the weather is usually pleasant and dry. With calmer seas on most days, you can plan beach visits, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and boat trips.
The Island Tourism Festival, organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, is a major event held in the Andaman Islands in late December with cultural performances by local groups and artists.
Christmas and New Year celebrations, however, are mostly held at churches, hotels and resorts rather than as large public events. To plan your December Andaman trip around the places and activities you want to include, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs About Andaman and Nicobar in December
1. Is December a good time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Yes, December is a good time to visit the Andaman Islands, as it is one of the drier months, with average temperatures ranging from 23.9°C to 30.1°C. The weather is suitable for beach visits, sightseeing and water activities. But December is peak tourist season, so expect higher flight and hotel rates, especially around Christmas and New Year.
2. Can you enjoy beach activities in Andaman during December?
Yes, December is a good time for beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking, jet skiing, and parasailing, as sea conditions are usually calmer. But daily sea conditions can still affect the availability of these activities.
3. What are the best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the Andaman Islands?
You can attend Christmas services, including midnight Mass and carol services at churches in Port Blair. Havelock Island has more options for resort-organised Christmas events and New Year’s Eve parties. Neil Island is best for those who prefer a relaxed resort stay and low-key celebrations.
4. Does the Island Tourism Festival take place in December?
The Island Tourism Festival 2026 is scheduled for 27-31 December. Organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the festival will include traditional and folk dance performances, music programmes and more. In addition to the ITF Ground in Port Blair, the festival will take place at venues across the islands.
