November represents the golden gateway to Andaman’s high season. The monsoon is a distant memory, the Northeast Monsoon hasn’t yet arrived in earnest, and the islands bask in near-perfect tropical conditions. Clear blue skies dominate daily, calm seas shimmer like glass, and underwater visibility reaches spectacular heights. Tourist numbers begin increasing but remain manageable compared to December-January peaks. Hotels transition from off-season to peak pricing, yet early November still offers reasonable rates. All tourism infrastructure operates at full capacity—water sports run continuously, ferries maintain reliable schedules, and every beach reveals its picture-perfect beauty.
November transforms the Andaman Islands into the tropical paradise featured in travel magazines. Expect consistently beautiful weather with temperatures hovering in the ideal 25-32°C range. Humidity levels remain comfortable at 70-75%, making outdoor activities pleasant throughout the day. Rainfall becomes minimal with only occasional brief showers. The sea achieves remarkable tranquility, creating perfect conditions for swimming, diving, and all water sports. Tourist numbers grow steadily through the month—early November feels pleasantly populated, while late November shows noticeable increases as peak season fully arrives. Accommodation availability shrinks, particularly at popular properties, making advance booking essential.
| Weather Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Temperature | 25°C – 32°C (77°F – 90°F) |
| Humidity Levels | 70% – 75% (very comfortable) |
| Rainfall | 100-200mm (minimal, brief showers) |
| Rainy Days | 5-8 days per month |
| Sea Conditions | Very calm, ideal for all activities |
| Sunshine Hours | 8-9 hours per day |
| Wind Speed | 10-15 km/h (gentle breeze) |
| Visibility | Exceptional, 25-30+ meters underwater |
November delivers consistently exceptional weather that defines the Andaman experience. The transitional period between monsoons creates a weather sweet spot—the Southwest Monsoon has completely withdrawn, and the Northeast Monsoon (typically affecting late December-February) remains distant. This results in stable atmospheric conditions with reliable sunshine, minimal precipitation, and comfortable temperatures. Any rain that occurs typically arrives as brief evening showers that quickly pass, often leaving spectacular rainbows in their wake. The consistent weather allows confident trip planning without significant cancellation concerns.
| Period | Characteristics | Rainfall | Tourist Levels | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Nov (1-10) | Perfect post-Oct conditions, minimal crowds | 30-50mm | Moderate, increasing | Best value, fewer tourists |
| Mid Nov (11-20) | Peak perfection, tourist increase | 30-60mm | Growing steadily | Balanced experience |
| Late Nov (21-30) | Continued excellence, peak season begins | 40-90mm | High, approaching peak | Full atmosphere, book advance |
Morning (6 AM – 11 AM): Glorious mornings with clear skies and temperatures around 25-27°C. Perfect visibility for underwater activities. Calm seas ideal for diving and snorkeling. Comfortable conditions for trekking and beach exploration. The best time for photography with soft, golden morning light.
Afternoon (12 PM – 4 PM): Warm with temperatures reaching 30-32°C, but gentle sea breezes keep conditions pleasant. Clear blue skies with occasional puffy clouds adding scenic beauty. Water activities remain comfortable. Beach relaxation at its finest. Occasional brief afternoon showers in late November (5-10% of days).
Evening (5 PM – 10 PM): Spectacular sunset conditions with vibrant orange and pink skies. Temperatures cool to 27-29°C. Perfect for outdoor dining, beach walks, and evening activities. Clear visibility allows magnificent stargazing after dark. Comfortable sleeping temperatures without excessive air conditioning needs.
Night (10 PM – 6 AM): Pleasant nights at 26-27°C. Clear skies showcase brilliant star displays. Low humidity ensures comfortable sleep. Ideal conditions for night kayaking and nocturnal wildlife activities. Minimal mosquito activity compared to monsoon months.
November seas rank among the year’s calmest and clearest. The Bay of Bengal transforms into a mirror-like surface on many days, with wave heights typically under 0.5-1 meter. Underwater visibility consistently reaches 25-30 meters, occasionally exceeding 35 meters at premier dive sites. Water temperature holds steady at 28-29°C—perfectly comfortable without wetsuit needs (though 3mm recommended for extended dives). Currents remain predictable and generally mild. Surface conditions allow even sensitive stomachs to handle ferry rides comfortably. These extraordinary conditions make November exceptional for all marine activities from beginner snorkeling to advanced diving.
November’s perfect weather enables the complete spectrum of Andaman activities:
Complete Water Sports Menu:
Land-Based Adventures:
Unique November Experiences:
Weather-Enabled Flexibility: November’s stable conditions mean you can confidently plan multi-activity days. Morning diving followed by afternoon island hopping, ending with sunset cruising becomes reliably feasible. Unlike monsoon months requiring backup plans, November allows executing original itineraries with minimal weather disruptions.
November offers a sweet spot for crowd levels:
Early November Advantage: The month’s first two weeks maintain October’s relaxed atmosphere. Beaches remain spacious, popular dive sites accommodate comfortable group sizes, restaurants serve without long waits, and attractions allow leisurely exploration. You experience peak weather without peak crowds.
Manageable Mid-to-Late November: Even as tourist numbers increase, November remains far less congested than December-January madness. Popular Radhanagar Beach stays navigable, underwater sites accommodate divers without overcrowding, and ferry rides don’t require aggressive boarding strategies.
Quality of Experience:
Compared to Peak Season: December-February sees beaches packed shoulder-to-shoulder, dive boats at maximum capacity, restaurants with hour-long waits, and accommodations charging premium rates. November provides similar weather while avoiding these crowds, especially early month.
November sunsets achieve legendary status among Andaman travelers:
Why November Sunsets Excel:
Crystal-Clear Horizons: Post-monsoon atmosphere offers exceptional clarity. Distant horizons appear sharp and defined. No haze obscures the sun’s descent. Every color displays vivid intensity.
Spectacular Color Displays: November’s atmospheric conditions create vibrant sunset palettes. Brilliant oranges, deep reds, vivid pinks, and purple hues paint the sky. Cloud formations (when present) add dramatic texture without obscuring the show.
Extended Twilight: November’s sun angle creates prolonged golden hour periods. The 30-45 minutes surrounding sunset offer consistently beautiful lighting for photography and romantic moments.
Reliable Viewing: Unlike monsoon months where clouds frequently obscure sunsets, November delivers spectacular displays most evenings. Count on 25+ excellent sunset days per month.
Prime Viewing Locations:
Chidiya Tapu Sunset Point: The undisputed sunset viewing champion. Elevated viewpoint provides unobstructed ocean horizons. Beach and forest setting add foreground interest. November crowds manageable compared to peak season.
Radhanagar Beach (Havelock): Asia’s top-rated beach showcases stunning sunsets. Wide beach allows spacing despite popularity. Perfect for romantic sunset walks.
Corbyn’s Cove: Close to Port Blair, convenient sunset viewing. Beach cafes provide comfortable viewing spots. Local favorite with good food options.
Laxmanpur Beach (Neil Island): Less crowded alternative. Beautiful rock formations add visual interest. Peaceful, intimate sunset experience.
Sunset Cruise Options: Evening boat tours position you offshore for unique perspectives. Watch the sun dip below the horizon with 360-degree ocean views. Romantic and memorable.
Photography Paradise: November sunsets create professional-quality photos with basic equipment. The combination of clear air, vibrant colors, and interesting foregrounds (palm trees, boats, rocks) ensures stunning images.
November showcases Andaman’s waters at their absolute finest:
Exceptional Underwater Visibility: November consistently delivers 25-30 meter visibility, with many days exceeding 30 meters at premier sites. This rivals or exceeds the world’s top diving destinations. Post-monsoon water has completely settled. Plankton blooms have subsided. The result: gin-clear water revealing every reef detail.
Perfect Diving Conditions: See entire reef systems in single views. Observe sharks and rays from remarkable distances. Coral details appear vivid and crisp. Photography becomes effortless with natural light penetrating deeply. Every dive feels like swimming in an aquarium.
Snorkeling Excellence: Surface-level visibility approaches diving quality. Even non-swimmers wearing life jackets observe detailed underwater scenes. Children delight in clearly watching colorful fish. First-timers gain confidence in transparent waters where they see everything around them.
Beach Water Clarity: Standing knee-deep, the sandy bottom appears as if no water exists. Graduating shades of turquoise, aquamarine, and sapphire blue create postcard-perfect scenes. Photos capture that iconic tropical water clarity showcased in travel magazines.
Marine Life Viewing: Clear waters reveal dolphin pods, sea turtles, and manta rays from boats. Glass-bottom boat rides showcase coral gardens in vivid detail. Even ferry journeys become wildlife viewing opportunities.
Safety and Confidence: Clear water provides excellent hazard visibility. Parents monitor children swimming with ease. Snorkelers and divers maintain visual contact with groups. The transparency creates comfortable, confident water experiences.
November represents the ideal time to experience Havelock, Andaman’s crown jewel:
Why Havelock Excels in November:
Radhanagar Beach: Consistently rated Asia’s best beach reveals why in November. Pristine white sand stretches endlessly, turquoise waters lap gently, and palm trees sway in gentle breezes. November crowds remain manageable early month. Swimming conditions approach perfection. Sunset views create magical moments.
Elephant Beach: Access by boat (20 minutes) or trek through jungle. November seas ensure reliable boat access. Snorkeling here ranks among Andaman’s finest—coral gardens teem with colorful fish, visibility approaches 25 meters, and diverse marine life includes occasional turtle sightings. Water sports operators offer jet skiing, banana boats, and parasailing.
Kalapathar Beach: Unique black rocks contrast dramatically with white sand. November brings photographers seeking perfect lighting conditions. Less crowded than Radhanagar. Excellent for sunrise photography. Peaceful walks along distinctive coastline.
Vijaynagar Beach: Serene, less-developed alternative. Beautiful coral formations near shore. Good for extended beach time without tourist crowds. November conditions perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Havelock Diving:
November delivers peak diving conditions:
Premier Dive Sites:
Lighthouse: Depth 8-12m, perfect for beginners. Colorful soft corals, clownfish families, anemone gardens. November visibility 25-30m.
Aquarium: Depth 10-15m, intermediate level. Impressive hard corals, lionfish, scorpionfish, moray eels. Healthy reef ecosystem.
Seduction Point: Depth 12-18m, intermediate. Regular shark sightings (reef sharks), eagle rays, massive fish schools. Dramatic underwater topography.
Jackson’s Bar: Depth 10-16m, drift dive. Strong current attracts pelagics. Barracuda schools, trevally, possible manta encounters.
Johnny’s Gorge: Depth 15-25m, advanced. Challenging site with rewarding encounters. Larger marine life possible. For experienced divers.
Havelock Activities:
Havelock Accommodation: November requires advance booking (7-14 days early month, 3-4 weeks late month). Beach resorts fill quickly. Budget options available but limited. Mid-range hotels offer best value. Luxury properties deliver exceptional experiences.
Getting to Havelock: Multiple daily ferries from Port Blair (1.5-2.5 hours). Both government (economical) and private (faster, comfortable) options. November seas ensure smooth sailings. Helicopter services available for premium travelers.
November offers exceptional birdwatching as winter migrants arrive:
Why November Excels for Birding:
Winter Migrants Arriving: November marks the arrival of numerous winter visitors escaping northern hemisphere cold. Waders, warblers, and other species join resident endemics, creating peak diversity.
Endemic Species Highly Active: Post-monsoon conditions bring abundant insect populations, activating insectivorous endemic birds. November sees peak feeding activity for many species.
Comfortable Birding Conditions: Cool morning temperatures (25-27°C) make extended observation sessions pleasant. Clear skies provide excellent visibility. Dried trails allow quiet approach.
Endemic Birds to Spot:
Andaman Woodpecker (Dryocopus hodgei): Large, striking bird endemic to Andamans. Distinctive drumming sounds. Found in primary and secondary forests. Active November mornings.
Andaman Treepie (Dendrocitta bayleii): Colorful, gregarious species. Travels in noisy flocks. Curious and approachable. Excellent photography subject.
Andaman Serpent Eagle (Spilornis elgini): Endemic raptor. Often seen soaring above forest canopy. Distinctive call. November thermals provide excellent viewing conditions.
Andaman Drongo (Dicrurus andamanensis): All-black with forked tail. Acrobatic aerial hunter. Common across habitats. Vocal and active.
White-headed Starling (Sturnia erythropygia): Endemic starling species. Flocks on fruiting trees. Easily observed throughout islands.
Andaman Bulbul (Brachypodius fuscoflavescens): Common garden and edge bird. Melodious song. Active throughout day.
Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis): Ground-dwelling species. Deep, resonant calls. Grassland and scrub habitat. Larger than mainland relatives.
Migratory Species in November:
Best Birdwatching Locations:
Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island):
Mount Harriet National Park:
Madhuban Area:
Mangrove Areas:
Birdwatching Essentials:
Ethical Birdwatching:
November ranks as one of the absolute best months for diving in Andaman:
Why November Diving is Exceptional:
Peak Visibility: 25-30+ meters consistently. Some days exceed 35 meters at premier sites. See entire reef systems at once. Photograph without artificial lighting needs.
Calm Sea Conditions: Minimal wave action makes boat diving comfortable. Easy entries and exits. Surface intervals relaxing, not rough.
Perfect Water Temperature: 28-29°C feels bathwater warm. Comfortable with 3mm wetsuit or even without for shallow dives.
Abundant Marine Life: Post-monsoon feeding frenzy continues. Fish populations healthy and active. Shark and ray sightings common. Turtles frequently encountered.
Reliable Weather: Minimal cancellations due to weather. Confident advance booking. Maximum diving days per trip.
All Experience Levels: Conditions suit beginners through advanced divers. Discover diving programs run safely. Certification courses proceed smoothly. Technical diving when appropriate.
Premier November Dive Sites:
Havelock Island Sites (covered above in detail)
Neil Island Sites:
Margherita’s Mischief:
Junction:
Bus Stop:
North Bay Island:
Barren Island (Advanced):
Diving Courses in November:
Open Water Diver (3-4 days):
Advanced Open Water (2-3 days):
Rescue Diver:
Diving Costs November:
Safety Considerations:
November’s calm, clear conditions create magical night kayaking experiences:
What Makes Night Kayaking Special:
Bioluminescence: Under right conditions (dark, moonless nights), bioluminescent plankton create natural light shows. Each paddle stroke glows blue-green. Fish movement leaves trails of light. November’s dark nights optimize viewing.
Nocturnal Wildlife: Night kayaking reveals different island life. Fishing boats with lights. Nocturnal birds calling. Occasional marine life bioluminescence. Unique atmospheric experience.
Stargazing from Water: Clear November skies create spectacular star displays. Milky Way visible on dark nights. Unique perspective paddling under stars. Romantic and memorable.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Calm November seas eliminate daytime choppy conditions. Quiet night sounds (gentle waves, distant birds). Meditative paddling experience. Perfect for couples or contemplation.
Where to Night Kayak:
Havelock Island:
Neil Island:
Mayabunder Mangroves:
Night Kayaking Details:
Duration: 2-3 hours typical (7-10 PM) Cost: ₹1,500-3,000 per person Booking: Through resorts or tour operators Experience: No previous kayaking required Safety: Life jackets, guides, safety protocols Best Conditions: Dark nights (new moon period) Group Size: 4-15 people typically Includes: Equipment, guide, safety brief
What to Expect:
What to Bring:
Safety Notes:
November marks the beginning of prime game fishing season:
Why November Excels for Fishing:
Calm Seas: November’s tranquil conditions allow comfortable offshore trips. Deep-sea fishing becomes accessible to those prone to seasickness during rougher months.
Active Fish: Post-monsoon feeding patterns bring numerous species near Andaman waters. November sees excellent catches across multiple species.
Perfect Weather: Comfortable temperatures for extended boat time. Clear skies for navigation. Reliable weather for all-day charters.
Species Targeting November:
Barracuda: Aggressive fighters, exciting catches. Common around reef areas. Surface and deep techniques work. November population healthy.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Spectacular acrobatic fighters. Beautiful golden-green colors. Excellent eating fish. November presence strong.
Tuna: Various species (Yellowfin, Skipjack, others). Deep offshore waters. Professional tackle needed. November active feeding.
Sailfish: Prized gamefish. Spectacular leaping fights. Catch-and-release encouraged. November good conditions though not peak season.
Giant Trevally (GT): Powerful reef predators. Enormous strength. Challenging fights. November excellent timing.
Snapper: Multiple species. Good eating fish. Reef and deeper water. Excellent November catches.
Grouper: Large, powerful fish. Bottom dwellers. Good eating. November healthy populations.
Fishing Techniques Available:
Trolling: Surface lures for pelagic species (Dorado, Tuna, Barracuda). Most popular technique. Exciting visual strikes.
Bottom Fishing: Targeting reef dwellers (Snapper, Grouper). Heavy tackle required. Good eating fish.
Popping: Surface poppers for GTs and other aggressive species. Exciting technique. Physical workout.
Jigging: Vertical jigging for deep species. Technical fishing. Very effective.
Charter Options:
Half-Day Charters (4-5 hours):
Full-Day Charters (8-10 hours):
What’s Included:
Booking and Tips:
Conservation Ethics:
Clothing:
Water Activity Gear:
Health & Safety:
Electronics:
Documents & Money:
Optional Useful Items:
1. Book Everything in Advance:
November requires earlier booking than previous months:
2. Budget Planning for November:
Cost Estimates (per person, 5-6 days):
Price Increases Through Month:
3. Timing Within November:
Early November (1-10):
Mid November (11-20):
Late November (21-30):
4. Weather Preparation:
Despite excellent conditions, prepare for:
5. Health Precautions:
Sun Protection Critical:
Food Safety:
Insect Protection:
6. Photography Opportunities:
November offers year’s best photography:
Best Times:
Subjects:
Equipment Care:
7. Sustainable Tourism:
Environmental Responsibility:
8. Cultural Sensitivity:
9. Safety Considerations:
General Safety:
Water Safety:
10. Making the Most of November:
Optimize Your Experience:
Q1: Is November the best month to visit Andaman? November ranks as one of the top 3 months alongside October and February. It offers perfect weather, exceptional water clarity, manageable crowds (early month), and full activity availability. Early November provides the best value before peak pricing begins.
Q2: What is the weather like in November? Consistently excellent! Expect 25-32°C temperatures, 8-9 hours daily sunshine, minimal rainfall (5-8 rainy days with brief showers), very calm seas, comfortable 70-75% humidity, and exceptional 25-30+ meter underwater visibility. Near-perfect tropical conditions throughout.
Q3: Is November crowded in Andaman? Moderately crowded compared to peak season (December-February). Early November feels pleasantly populated with manageable tourist numbers. Late November sees noticeable increases as peak season begins but remains far less congested than December-January. Much more comfortable than peak months.
Q4: How expensive is Andaman in November? More expensive than shoulder months (September-October) but cheaper than peak season (December-February). Expect 10-35% higher costs than October depending on timing within November, but 15-25% savings compared to December-January peaks. Early November offers best value.
Q5: Can I see bioluminescence in November? Yes, good possibilities! November offers dark nights (especially around new moon) ideal for bioluminescence viewing. Calm seas make night kayaking comfortable for observing this phenomenon. Not guaranteed (natural occurrence) but November provides optimal conditions for sightings.
Q6: Is scuba diving good in November? Excellent! November ranks among the year’s best diving months. Visibility reaches 25-30+ meters consistently, seas remain very calm, water temperature comfortable at 28-29°C, and marine life abundant. Perfect conditions for all skill levels from beginners to advanced divers.
Q7: What should I pack for November? Pack lightweight summer clothing, multiple swimwear sets, strong sun protection (SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), water shoes, camera with underwater housing, light cardigan for air conditioning, casual evening wear, and basic first aid supplies. November’s warm, dry conditions make packing straightforward.
Q8: Are all water sports available in November? Yes, completely! November offers full water sports availability: scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, parasailing, jet skiing, banana boats, kayaking, speed boats, glass bottom boats, game fishing, and more. Calm conditions make it ideal for all aquatic activities with minimal cancellations.
Q9: When should I book my November trip? Book 3-6 weeks in advance for early November, 6-8 weeks for late November. Accommodation fills quickly, especially popular beachfront properties and mid-range hotels. Flights become expensive closer to travel dates. Early booking ensures availability and better rates.
Q10: Is November suitable for honeymoons? Perfect for honeymoons! Beautiful weather, romantic sunsets, crystal-clear waters, excellent beach conditions, full activity availability, and special experiences like night kayaking and sunset cruises. Early November offers more privacy with fewer crowds. Highly recommended honeymoon timing.
Q11: How reliable are ferries in November? Extremely reliable. November’s calm seas mean ferries operate on schedule with rare cancellations. Comfortable journeys between islands without motion sickness concerns. Both government and private ferries run regular services. Book advance tickets for preferred timing.
Q12: What is the sea visibility like in November? Outstanding! Underwater visibility consistently reaches 25-30 meters, frequently exceeding 30 meters at premier dive sites. Among the year’s best conditions. Crystal-clear water perfect for diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography. Surface water equally transparent and beautiful.
Q13: Can I go game fishing in November? Yes! November marks the beginning of excellent game fishing season. Calm seas allow comfortable offshore trips. Multiple species active including Barracuda, Dorado, Tuna, Giant Trevally, and others. Half-day and full-day charters available. Great timing for fishing enthusiasts.
Q14: What are the sunset times in November? Sunset occurs approximately 5:15-5:30 PM throughout November. Consistently spectacular with vivid colors and clear horizons. Popular viewing spots include Chidiya Tapu, Radhanagar Beach, Corbyn’s Cove, and sunset cruises. Plan evening activities around these beautiful displays.
Q15: Should I visit in November or December? Both excellent with tradeoffs. November: Better value (15-25% cheaper), fewer crowds (especially early month), similarly perfect weather, easier booking. December: Peak season atmosphere, more tourists, higher prices, holiday period energy. Choose November for value and manageable crowds, December if peak season excitement desired and budget flexible.
2nd Floor, 39, Above Kirti Club, DLF Industrial Area, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110015
Travel Tourister is a leading Travel portal where we introduce travellers to trusted travel agents to make their journey hasselfree, memorable And happy. Travel Tourister is a platform where travellers get Tour packages ,Hotel packages deals through trusted travel companies And hoteliers who are working with us across the world. We always try to find new and more travel agents and hoteliers from every nook and corners across the world so that you could compare the deals with different travel agents and hoteliers and book your tour or hotel with the one you have chosen according to your taste and budget.
Copyright © Travel Tourister, India. All Rights Reserved
Call
Enquiry