Exploring Andaman in July 2026: A Practical Monsoon Travel Guide

July is the deepest point of the monsoon season in the Andaman Islands. It is also the quietest month of the year for tourism — resorts run at 20–30% occupancy, beaches are empty, and the entire archipelago takes on a rain-soaked, dramatically green character that you simply cannot see at any other time of year. This guide covers what to realistically expect in July 2026, including the actual ferry schedule, what is open and closed, and how to plan a trip that works with the monsoon rather than against it.

Is July a Good Time to Visit Andaman?

The honest answer: July is a good time to visit if you know what you are getting into. It is not the right month for those who need guaranteed water sports or must-do bucket-list experiences that depend on calm seas. But for travelers who want to slow down, enjoy nature, experience the islands without crowds, and stretch their budget — July delivers.

July Weather in Andaman 2026

July is one of the wettest months in the Andaman Islands. The southwest monsoon is at full strength, typically peaking between late June and early August. Rain arrives in intermittent showers — not necessarily continuous all-day rain, but frequent and sometimes heavy bursts. You will see stretches of 2–3 sunny days followed by 2–3 heavy rain days. The islands are intensely green, the air is clean, and temperatures are actually quite comfortable for sightseeing — the challenge is the rain and sea conditions, not the heat.

Key Weather Statistics for July

• Rainy Days: 12–18 days in the month
• Sunny Days: 6–10 days
• Cloudy Days (no rain): 5–8 days
• Average Monthly Rainfall: 430–480 mm (highest of any month)
• Humidity: 80–90%

Temperature Table for Andaman in July

Temperatures in July are consistent across the islands — the cloud cover prevents extreme heat, keeping it comfortable for sightseeing even on rainy days. Below is a general climate overview:

Island-wise Average Temperatures in July

Temperatures vary slightly across the Andaman chain. The southern islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil) are slightly warmer than the northern islands (Diglipur) due to latitude:

Monthly Rainfall Comparison: Andaman Monsoon Season

To understand what July feels like, it helps to see how it compares to surrounding months. July is the wettest month of the year in Andaman:

July and August are comparable in terms of rainfall, but July tends to see slightly more rainy days. September offers significantly better conditions — which is reflected in the fact that ferry services start restoring their full schedule from mid-September.

July in Andaman: What Actually Happened in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025

Four years of real monsoon data show the range you can expect in July. Two of the last four years had above-normal rainfall. One year (2023) set records across the entire country. Here is what each year was actually like, based on IMD seasonal reports, local news archives from Andaman Sheekha and Andaman Chronicle, and official end-of-season monsoon reports.

July 2022: The First Full Post-COVID Monsoon

2022 was the first year Andaman operated with no pandemic-era travel restrictions. Resorts were back to full bookings, ferries ran their standard monsoon schedules, and visitors were returning in good numbers. The monsoon that year was broadly in line with the historical baseline.

Rainfall from June through mid-August ran about 20 to 23% above the seasonal norm for the region. No significant cyclone or depression passed through Andaman during July that year. Sea conditions followed the usual monsoon rhythm: two to three days of heavy rain, then a short calmer window, then another rain spell.

Ferries ran the reduced monsoon timetable without major disruption. Off-peak accommodation rates applied across all hotel categories. July 2022 was a manageable, close-to-average monsoon month. For travelers who had been waiting through the pandemic years to visit, it was a relief to see the islands back to normal.

July 2023: The Year Andaman Broke All Records

2023 was exceptional by every measure. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands received a 55% surplus over the Long Period Average for the full southwest monsoon season (June to September). That made Andaman the wettest region of any state or union territory in the country that year. The annual monsoon rainfall total hit 3,510 mm, compared to a historical norm of around 2,260 mm.

Part of the reason: Cyclone Biparjoy formed in the Bay of Bengal in early June 2023, then moved west toward Gujarat before making landfall there. Before it tracked away from the region, it pushed substantial atmospheric moisture into Andaman. By July, that residual moisture combined with the regular southwest monsoon to produce sustained, high-intensity rainfall across the islands.

Nationally, July 2023 was a very heavy rain month across India (113% of the Long Period Average). For Andaman, this meant most of July had persistent, heavy rainfall. Streams and jungle trails that are dry in normal years were running full. Scuba visibility was very poor on most days, with monsoon sediment and runoff reducing underwater clarity significantly. Some inter-island ferry sailings faced disruptions during peak rain events.

If you visited Andaman in July 2023, the islands were at their most dramatic and most saturated. It was an exceptional year for forest walks, waterfall spotting, and rain photography. It was not a good year for diving visibility or predictable sea crossings.

July 2024: Monsoon as a Tourism Selling Point

2024 was notable not just for the weather but for a policy shift in how Andaman positioned July to travelers. The tourism department launched the Monsoon Tourism Festival 2024, held on July 12, 13 and 14 at Corbyn’s Cove in Port Blair. The three-day event had live music, cultural performances, water sports demonstrations, food stalls, a Rain Dance Arena, and beach volleyball. The tagline was #rhythmoftherains.

The administration’s message was deliberate: Andaman in July is a valid destination and the monsoon is an experience in itself, not a reason to stay away. The event drew solid attendance and has been continued as an annual fixture, with the Monsoon Tourism Festival becoming a regular part of the July calendar.

On the weather side, 2024 was an above-normal year nationally. India received 107.6% of the Long Period Average for the full southwest monsoon season. August 2024 was particularly heavy nationally (115% of LPA). For Andaman, the Diglipur area in North Andaman saw some heavy rain events with partial flooding in villages. Inter-island ferry services ran the reduced monsoon timetable with no widespread disruption on most days.

July 2025: The Fastest Monsoon in Recent Memory

The 2025 southwest monsoon arrived over South Andaman on May 13, seven days ahead of its normal date of May 20. It reached Kerala by May 24 (eight days early) and covered all of India by June 29, which was 16 days ahead of the standard July 15 completion date. It was among the fastest-advancing monsoons in recent years.

By the time July 2025 began, the monsoon had already been running over the Andaman Islands for nearly seven weeks. The islands were deeply saturated before the month even started. Waterfalls and streams that usually peak in August were already running strongly from mid-June. The forest reached maximum green much earlier in the season than typical.

India’s 2025 monsoon season delivered 107.9% of the Long Period Average overall, another above-normal year. For Andaman, July 2025 had consistent, well-distributed rainfall across the islands rather than isolated extreme events. It was a wet month, but conditions were manageable on most days and ferry services ran without major disruption.

What This Pattern Means for July 2026

Three of the last four years delivered above-normal to record monsoon rainfall over the Andaman Islands. The recent trend is toward wetter-than-average Julys. A July 2026 visitor should treat rain as the baseline condition, not the exception.

That said, 2022 showed that near-normal years still happen. And even in the record year of 2023, there were clear mornings and calm sea windows that allowed beach visits, ferry travel, and outdoor activities. The monsoon is not a wall of non-stop rain. It is a rhythm of rain spells and breaks that a flexible itinerary can work around effectively.

The practical takeaway: plan for wet conditions as your baseline, keep your day-by-day schedule flexible, front-load sea-dependent activities to morning hours, and build one buffer day before your departure flight from Port Blair.

Ferry Timings for July 2026 (Off-Season Schedule)

Ferry schedules in July follow the off-season timetable (same as June and August). Some operators reduce services or suspend specific sailings during this period. Below are the confirmed operating sailings for July 2026:

Port Blair to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Not operating in July: Nautika (regular service) is fully suspended from May through August. Makruzz’s 08:45 AM and 02:00 PM sailings are also not running. Total journey time on Makruzz or Nautika Pro is about 1 hour 25 minutes. Government vessels take 2 hours and are the most budget-friendly option at Rs 770 per seat.

Important monsoon caveat: Even operating sailings can be cancelled on any given day if the Andaman Sea becomes too rough (typically happens during or immediately after a cyclonic system). Always have a buffer day in Port Blair before your departure flight. Never book a direct Havelock-to-airport flight connection.

Havelock Island to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Note on Havelock to Neil in July: Makruzz runs only 1 sailing (10:00 AM) on this route in off-season, compared to 3 in peak season. The 10:45 AM and 02:30 PM Makruzz sailings are suspended June–August. Plan your Havelock to Neil transfer in the morning window. We can assist with ferry bookings as part of your package — call us at +91 70639 50125.

Why Visit Andaman in July?

1. Truly Empty Beaches: July is perhaps the only month when you can have Radhanagar Beach almost entirely to yourself. This alone is worth the trip for some travelers.

2. Lowest Prices of the Year: Hotel off-peak rates are in effect. Resorts that cost Rs 8,000–10,000 per night in December cost Rs 5,000–6,500 in July. Activities are discounted too.

3. Maximum Greenery: The Andaman forests and beaches are at their lushest in July. The combination of turquoise water, dramatic skies, and vivid green forest is genuinely unlike the dry-season experience.

4. Unique Experiences: Bioluminescence Kayaking at 3:30 AM, scuba diving at sunrise, and watching rain fall on a deserted beach from your resort veranda are experiences you cannot replicate in peak season.

5. Relaxed Pacing: With fewer tourists, resort staff give better attention to each guest. Guides have more time for you. The islands operate at a slower, more genuine pace.

What’s Closed or Restricted in July?

• Jolly Buoy Island: Closed June to October. This is a national park regulation. The island reopens in November every year.
• Elephant Beach: Can be closed on rough sea days. On calm days it operates normally. Check with your hotel or activity provider each morning.
• North Bay Coral Park: Sometimes restricted during heavy weather.
• Scuba diving visibility: Reduced in July compared to October–April due to monsoon sediment. Morning dives (05:00–07:00 AM) have better visibility than afternoon dives.
• Glass-bottom boat rides: Suspended on rough sea days — the boat cannot operate safely in high waves.

Best Places to Explore in Andaman in July

Check weather each morning and plan accordingly. Most places remain accessible — the key is building flexibility into your day rather than pre-booking everything tightly.

1. Port Blair

Port Blair is the best base for a July trip because most of its key attractions are sheltered, historical, or all-weather. The capital city does not close for monsoon.

• Cellular Jail and Light and Sound Show: Open year-round. The evening show (5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, or 7:30 PM) runs regardless of weather.
• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: A full day’s worth of Andaman history, marine life, and tribal culture. Ideal for a rainy afternoon.
• Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island): Best visited in the evening between showers for bird watching and sunsets.
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): British-era ruins accessible by boat from Water Sports Complex. Open year-round on calm days.
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach: A Port Blair beach that stays accessible even in monsoon. Good for an evening walk and the annual Monsoon Music Festival.

2. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock is the crown jewel of any Andaman trip and remains fully accessible in July. The beaches are at their most dramatic — rough sea bringing big waves to Radhanagar, vivid green forests behind Kalapathar, and a complete absence of the tourist chaos of peak season.

• Radhanagar Beach: Frequently ranked among Asia’s finest beaches. In July it is almost empty. Sunset views are exceptional when the cloud breaks.
• Kalapathar Beach: Rocky shoreline with turquoise water — particularly photogenic in monsoon light.
• Bioluminescence Kayaking: One of the most unique experiences in Andaman, running at 3:30 AM year-round. Not affected by rain. Tickets: Rs 2,000 per person.
• Deep Sea Scuba Diving: Available at 05:00 AM pickup. Best visibility in the early morning before wind picks up. Suitable for first-timers (minimum age 10). Tickets: Rs 3,800 per person.
• Elephant Beach: Available on calm days for snorkeling and activities. Check status each morning with your hotel or operator.

3. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island is a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Havelock. In July, the island is even more tranquil than usual. The beaches are calm enough for swimming on most days.

• Bharatpur Beach: Good for swimming and snorkeling on days with moderate sea conditions.
• Laxmanpur Beach: Famous for its natural rock formations and beautiful sunsets.
• Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): A unique natural rock arch formation, worth the short walk.
• Stargazing at Laxmanpur: Clear nights in July (between rain spells) give excellent dark sky visibility — one of the best stargazing spots in India.

4. Baratang Island

The Baratang day trip (4 AM or 6 AM start from Port Blair) is typically accessible in July on days without cyclone alerts or heavy forest-area rain. The limestone caves and mud volcanoes are a unique experience. The convoy through the Jarawa Reserve is particularly atmospheric in the monsoon — the forest is dense and green. Cab: Rs 4,000. Permit/boat: Rs 930 per person.

Budget for a July 2026 Trip to Andaman

July is peak off-season — the best time of year for a budget-conscious trip. Hotel prices are at their lowest under the off-peak pricing bands. A rough estimate for two people for 5 nights:

Our guided packages start from Rs 6,500 per person for a 4 nights 5 days trip covering Port Blair and Havelock (off-season pricing). Browse all Andaman tour packages here.

Recommended Accommodation for July

For July, beach-facing cottage resorts give the best monsoon experience — you can sit on the veranda and watch rain fall over the sea. Concrete hotels in Port Blair are a better choice for those who want shelter from heavy rain.

Havelock Island (off-peak rates apply, July):

• Ocean Tree Beach Resort (4★) — beachfront, off-peak from Rs 5,500/night
• White Coral Beach Resort (3★) — off-peak from Rs 4,800/night
• Haywizz Resort (3.5★) — off-peak from Rs 5,000/night
• El Dorado Beach Resort (2★) — off-peak from Rs 2,800/night (budget pick)

Port Blair:

• Hotel Atlanta (3★) — off-peak from Rs 3,200/night
• Beyond Blu (3.5★) — off-peak from Rs 3,300/night
• Mansha Palace (4★) — off-peak from Rs 5,700/night

Travel Tips for Visiting Andaman in July

1. Pack for Rain: Waterproof sandals, a compact rain jacket, and a dry bag for your phone and camera are non-negotiables. Leave expensive electronics that you cannot risk getting wet.

2. Plan Day-by-Day: Do not pre-book all activities in advance. Book activities 1–2 days ahead based on the weather outlook. Experienced local operators will tell you honestly whether a water activity is safe that day.

3. Keep Last Day in Port Blair: Never schedule your departure flight on the same day as a Havelock or Neil ferry arrival. If the ferry is cancelled due to rough seas, you need a buffer night in Port Blair.

4. Morning Activities First: In July, mornings are typically calmer than afternoons. Schedule sea-dependent activities like Elephant Beach, scuba diving, and inter-island ferries for the morning. Save Port Blair sightseeing and resort time for afternoons when seas tend to roughen.

5. Stay Safe at Sea: Follow lifeguard instructions at all beaches. Avoid entering the sea on days when waves are high or when lifeguards have raised warning flags. Rip currents are stronger in monsoon.

6. Carry Mosquito Repellent: Standing water from rains increases mosquito activity on the islands in July. A good repellent is essential, especially for evening outings.

How to Reach Andaman in July

By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Flight prices in July are generally lower than October–April peak season. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance for best fares.

By Sea: Government ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (50–60 hours). Ships run on a fixed monthly schedule. Sea conditions in July can make the voyage rough — confirm the schedule at the Directorate of Shipping Services before planning.

Plan Your July Trip With Us

Dekho Andaman is a Port Blair-based tour operator specializing in both peak and off-season Andaman trips. We know which days activities are likely to be available, which resorts handle monsoon best, and how to structure an itinerary that works around the July weather — not against it.

Call us: +91 70639 50125

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