THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ANDAMAN FOR SCUBA DIVING
JANUARY TO MAY: THE PRIME DIVING SEASON
JUNE TO JULY: TRANSITION TO MONSOON
Conditions: June generally marks the transition period to the monsoon season. The summer heat creates low-pressure areas in the sea that bring the much-needed rainfall to keep the Andaman Islands lush and lovely. As long as the sea remains calm, diving is not affected by the rain showers. This period is ideal for new divers and those interested in getting their PADI license.
Sightings: Despite the changing weather, diving during this period can still be rewarding. Schools of snappers and fusiliers are often seen growing in numbers during this time. As the monsoon approaches, divers can experience plankton blooms, which attract various marine creatures. While the visibility may be on the lower side averaging 10 meters, this is a great opportunity for divers to get closer to the reef to spot or photograph smaller organisms like nudibranchs, seahorses, etc.
Sightings: Despite the changing weather, diving during this period can still be rewarding. Schools of snappers and fusiliers are often seen growing in numbers during this time. As the monsoon approaches, divers can experience plankton blooms, which attract various marine creatures. While the visibility may be on the lower side averaging 10 meters, this is a great opportunity for divers to get closer to the reef to spot or photograph smaller organisms like nudibranchs, seahorses, etc.
AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER: MONSOON SEASON
Conditions: The Southwest monsoon season from August to September is characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds on many days. Diving conditions may be less favorable during this time; however, on days when the sea is calm, dive trips do happen. Being the low tourist season, divers – especially newly certified and those who want to do a course – can take advantage of the many discounts and offers available during this period, not to mention the cheap flight fares. We recommend including buffer days if you travel to Andaman during the monsoon.
Sightings: Even during the peak monsoon months, marine life continues to thrive. This is when you can enjoy exclusivity by encountering fewer tourists and more marine life that prefer the cooler, nutrient-rich waters brought in by the monsoon currents. Bait balls that commonly feed on plankton are found in abundance and also invite predators like trevallies and barracudas. Octopuses and cuttlefish are also spotted regularly during this time.
October to December: Post-Monsoon Revival
Conditions: The weather improves from October onwards, marking the end of the monsoon season. The sea starts to calm down, and visibility gradually improves. The retreating Northeast monsoon brings occasional showers keeping the atmosphere cool with average air temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. The water during this time tends to be the coolest the Andaman Sea gets, still, it continues to be a pleasant tropical temperature between 28°C and 29°C.
Sightings: The post-monsoon period is a fantastic time to dive as the reefs are rejuvenated and the marine life is replenished. People can expect to spot a variety of marine species, including humphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasses, sharks, scorpionfish, butterflyfish, and various other reef fish. You can witness the coral growth caused by the nutrient-rich waters brought in during the monsoon season, enriching the underwater landscapes.
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