Chidiya Tapu in May
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Peak crowds
May is one of Chidiya Tapu's busiest months. The score rates conditions — weather, access, value — not how many people you'll share them with. Busiest Oct–May during dry season; monsoon and cyclone months Jun–Sep see fewest visitors.
May at Chidiya Tapu splits the same way South Andaman does. The first fortnight is April extended - hot, dry, sunset point clear. From around the 18th, the southwest monsoon advance arrives as 4pm squalls; the sunset point becomes a coin-flip. Air 28-33C, humidity hits 84 percent in the last week. NH-223 South holds in dry-season form until the first heavy rain, usually the third or fourth week, and can flood at Manglutan within an hour of a downpour. Mundapahad surface stays passable but the canopy gets dripping after every shower. Plan trips for the first 18 days of the month or accept the gamble.
Why May scores 8.0/10
Weather
Last clean window. 27-33C. First half dry. Last 10 days squally. Trail safe through May 20.
PEAK ALERT · JANUARY
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What to do in Chidiya Tapu this May
- 1Very early morning walks during the first half of May
- 2Mangrove observation from sheltered viewing points
- 3Photography of pre-monsoon thunderstorms
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Committed birders willing to accept humidity
- ✓Photographers seeking dramatic monsoon skies
- ✓Off-season explorers valuing solitude
Who should think twice
- ✗Families with young children
- ✗Those uncomfortable above 33C and 80% humidity
- ✗Casual visitors seeking pleasant conditions
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0/10 | Peak birding window. 23-29C, dry, calm sea. Sunset point packed 4:30-6pm. |
| February | 10.0/10 | Driest month. 24-30C. Dawn birding crisp, mangrove walk dry. Quiet post-Valentines weekday. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Late peak. 25-32C. Trail dry, sunset clear. Hotel rates back in PB drop 25 percent. |
| April | 8.0/10 | Hot, humid 27-33C. Trail dry, sunset clear. Quiet weekday afternoons. Off-peak prices in PB. |
| Mayviewing | 8.0/10 | Last clean window. 27-33C. First half dry. Last 10 days squally. Trail safe through May 20. |
| June | 2.0/10 | Southwest monsoon. 420mm rain. NH-223 floods. Trail leech-thick. Sunset point unusable. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Peak monsoon. 480mm rain. Road washouts on NH-223. Trail closed by Forest Dept some weeks. |
| August | 2.0/10 | Monsoon continues. 410mm rain. Road patchy, trail muddy, sunset point clouded. Skip. |
| September | 4.0/10 | Late monsoon. 270mm rain. Road usable from mid-month. Trail reopens last week. Sunset still clouded. |
| October | 8.0/10 | Season opens. 130mm rain mostly first week. 24-30C. Trail dry by mid-month. Sunset clearing. |
| November | 8.0/10 | Strong shoulder. 60mm rain. 23-30C. Trail dry, migrants returning. Diwali week busier. |
| December | 10.0/10 | Peak. 23-29C, dry, sea calm. Sunset point packed Christmas-NY week. Birds at full strength. |
What to pack for May
- ▸Moisture-wicking full-coverage shirt
- ▸Humidity-resistant binoculars (lens coatings)
- ▸Lightweight rain jacket
- ▸Waterproof bag for optics
- ▸Cooling scarf or bandana
- ▸Insect repellent concentrate
Nearby in Andaman & Nicobar Islands scoring high in May
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