Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, exhibit a distinct Am (monsoon) climate under the Köppen-Geiger classification. Characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year, the region experiences a minimum of 24°C (76°F) in January, rising to an average of 27°C (82°F), and peaking at 30°C (87°F) in May. This tropical environment, coupled with seasonal monsoon rains, shapes the islands' unique ecosystems and influences local weather patterns, making it a pivotal area for understanding climate dynamics in the Indian Ocean.
The temperature patterns in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reveal a warm and stable tropical climate throughout the year. From January to March, minimum temperatures hover around 24-25°C (76-78°F), with average temperatures gradually increasing from 27°C (80°F) to 28°C (82°F) as the region transitions toward the warmer months. April marks the onset of noticeably higher temperatures, with averages reaching 28°C (83°F) and maximums climbing to 30°C (87°F), peaking in May. Following this warm peak, temperatures stabilize in the rainy season from June to August, maintaining averages around 28°C (82°F) and a consistent max of 29-30°C (85-87°F). As the year concludes, temperatures cool slightly, returning to a minimum of 24-25°C (76-78°F) and average highs around 29°C (84°F) in December, illustrating the region's consistent warmth amid subtle seasonal shifts.
Port Blair experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) recorded in January and peaking at 30°C (87°F) in May. This tropical climate ensures warm weather ideal for visitors seeking a getaway. For more detailed insights, you can check the monthly temperatures in Port Blair.
Precipitation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands showcases a clear seasonal pattern, with variability that reflects the tropical monsoon climate. The year begins with relatively low rainfall in January at 72 mm (2.8 in), gradually decreasing to just 9 mm (0.3 in) by March. However, April marks a significant uptick as monsoon conditions begin, bringing 79 mm (3.1 in) of rainfall, which swiftly escalates in May to a staggering 280 mm (11.0 in), signaling the onset of the monsoon season. This pattern continues into the following months, with June receiving 335 mm (13.2 in) and July slightly tapering off to 275 mm (10.8 in), illustrating the peak wet season.
The most substantial rainfall occurs in September, averaging 374 mm (14.7 in), a culmination of intense monsoon activity. Following this peak, precipitation levels remain elevated through October at 305 mm (12.0 in) and decline in November and December to 195 mm (7.7 in) and 137 mm (5.4 in), respectively. The number of rainy days also reflects this trend, peaking in the monsoon months with consistent rainfall over 26 to 28 days in May through October. In contrast, January through March are markedly drier, with only 3 to 10 rainy days, emphasizing the pronounced seasonal variation in precipitation across the islands.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience significant variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, reflecting the transitions of the seasons. Starting from January, where the islands receive 264 hours of sunlight, there is a gradual increase as the colder months give way to spring. February sees an uptick to 309 hours, followed by a peak in March with an impressive 348 hours of sunlight. This trend suggests that the early months of the year are the sunniest, providing ample daylight for both residents and visitors alike. Although sunshine slightly dips in April to 335 hours, it remains relatively robust as the region approaches the onset of the monsoon season.
As the monsoon sets in, sunshine duration experiences a noticeable decline. From May onwards, the hours of sunlight decrease, with June providing only 263 hours, the lowest of the year. Despite this reduction, July and August see a modest rebound to 297 hours and 258 hours, respectively, as the rainy season persists. However, the months following the monsoon, particularly October through December, indicate a resurgence of sunshine, with October recording 303 hours and December 324 hours. The overall trend underscores a seasonal peak in sunlight between January and March, contrasted with the diminished hours from May to August, illustrating the dynamic interplay between climate and sunlight in this tropical paradise.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consistently experience a high UV Index throughout the year, indicating a strong potential for skin damage from sun exposure. At the beginning of the year, January presents a UV Index of 11, categorized as extreme, with a brief burn time of just 10 minutes. This intensity rises to 13 in February and reaches a peak of 15 in March, emphasizing the critical need for sun protection during these months. Even as the climate transitions into April and May, the UV Index remains high at 14, maintaining the extreme exposure category. This consistent risk underscores the importance for residents and tourists alike to employ effective sun safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen regularly.
As the monsoon approaches, the UV Index exhibits only slight fluctuations, remaining between 13 and 14 from June to September, clearly designating these months as environments for extreme UV exposure. Following the monsoon’s end, October sees a minor decrease to 13, and November lowers to 11, yet still classified as extreme. In December, the UV Index drops further to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer safe exposure time of 15 minutes. These patterns highlight a need for ongoing vigilance regarding sun safety, particularly given the consistently extreme UV levels, which necessitate proactive measures throughout most of the year.
UV Risk Categories
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, highlighting its tropical geographic location. In the winter months of January and February, the islands experience about 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable light environment for daily activities. As the year transitions into spring from March through May, daylight increases slightly to 12 hours, allowing for more extended periods of natural light. This equilibrium in daylight hours reflects the region's proximity to the equator, where seasonal fluctuations are less pronounced compared to higher latitudes.
Following the peak months of spring and early summer with 12 hours of daylight, the duration remains stable during the monsoon season from June through September. This consistency ensures that both residents and tourists can enjoy ample daylight for exploration and outdoor activities, even amidst frequent rain. However, as the year draws to a close in October, daylight decreases once more to 11 hours, persisting at this level through November and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration underscores the unique climatic conditions of the islands, embodying a vibrant environment with relatively even light distribution year-round.
Bamboo Flat, India, experiences a warm tropical climate with minimal temperature variation throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in cooler months to around 28°C (82°F) in warmer months, peaking at 30°C (87°F) in April and May. The region receives significant rainfall from May to September, with July and September being particularly wet, accumulating over 275 mm (10.8 in) and 374 mm (14.7 in) respectively. Despite the rainfall, the area enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 348 hours in March. For more detailed information, visit Bamboo Flat climate.
Port Blair in India experiences a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Average daily temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) in January and December to a maximum of 30°C (87°F) in April and May. The region sees significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon months from June to September, with monthly precipitation peaking at 374 mm (14.7 in) in September. Despite the heavy rain, Port Blair enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine, particularly in March with 348 hours. For more detailed information, visit Port Blair climate.
In summary, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands showcase a remarkable climatic profile characterized by consistently warm temperatures, significant precipitation variability, and high UV indices throughout the year. With an abundance of sunshine and stable daylight duration, these tropical islands offer a conducive environment for outdoor activities and vibrant ecosystems. However, the extreme UV exposure, especially during the peak months of January to March, necessitates a proactive approach to sun safety. Understanding these climatic nuances not only enhances the experience for residents and visitors but also underscores the importance of protecting the islands' delicate environment as they face global climatic shifts. As a result, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain a captivating destination, blending natural beauty with an intricate climate that calls for both appreciation and respect.