11 Essential Scuba Diving Tips for First-Timers in the Andaman Islands

2. Time your trip: pick the best months and watch the weather

Plan your Andaman diving between October and May when the seas are calmer, and visibility is better. These months usually bring clearer water and gentler currents, making shallow reefs easier to enjoy. Avoid the monsoon window from June through September; heavy rains and rough seas reduce visibility and can cancel trips. If you travel from North America, factor in international flight schedules and extra rest days; jet lag can affect your energy on diving days. Keep an eye on tide charts for specific sites—some reefs are best at slack tide when the flow eases. Local operators often know the microclimates around Havelock, Neil and North Bay, so ask them which days are optimal during your stay. Booking your dives earlier in the morning can also help; mornings usually deliver calmer conditions and more sea life sightings.