Long Island in January
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Go in January — weather and sea conditions are ideal, visibility for snorkeling is excellent, and crowds remain minimal on this remote island.
Peak crowds
January is one of Long Island's busiest months. The score rates conditions — weather, access, value — not how many people you'll share them with. Peak Nov–Mar for dry season; Jun–Sep monsoon keeps the island nearly empty.
Long Island in January is the calm-water hub at full reliability. Air 23-29C, sea state glass-flat, the directorate of shipping ferry from Yerrata jetty (north of Port Blair by road, then ferry) runs 3-4 weekly sailings on the 2-hour crossing. Lalaji Bay - the headline beach, ranked 7th from Lonely Beach - is at year-best with reef-break diving in 5-8 metres of clear water. The two small accommodations (Pristine Beach Resort, Blue Planet Backpackers) run at 1,500-2,500 rupees per night. There is no ATM, no Jio or Airtel, and BSNL signal only at the jetty. Most travelers come for 2-3 nights as a quieter alternative to Havelock - daily life is dinghy rides, walks, hammock reading.
Why January scores 10.0/10
Weather
Peak. 23-29C, sea glass-flat. Yerrata ferry 3-4 weekly. Lalaji Bay reef-break clean. Two homestays open.
PEAK ALERT · JANUARY
Long Island is at its best in January.
Save it to your shortlist and we'll help you catch January before it fills up.
What to do in Long Island this January
- 1Boat to Lalaji Bay (pristine white-sand beach)
- 2Snorkel Lalaji Bay reef
- 3Experience Forest Rest House settlement
- 4Digital detox in complete isolation
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Digital-detox seekers
- ✓Island explorers
- ✓Snorkel enthusiasts
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Anyone needing constant connectivity
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 10.0/10 | Peak. 23-29C, sea glass-flat. Yerrata ferry 3-4 weekly. Lalaji Bay reef-break clean. Two homestays open. |
| February | 10.0/10 | Driest, calmest. 23-30C. Ferry on schedule. Lalaji Bay snorkeling at year-best visibility 25-30m. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Late peak. 25-31C. Ferry on schedule, Lalaji Bay clean, homestay rates 25% off Feb. |
| April | 6.0/10 | Hot 27-32C. Yerrata ferry on schedule. Lalaji Bay clean. Heat is the planning constraint. |
| May | 4.0/10 | Pre-monsoon. First 18 days workable. Ferry cuts to 2 weekly. Squalls cancel after May 20. |
| June | 2.0/10 | Monsoon. Ferry from Yerrata cancels routinely. Both homestays shut. Lalaji Bay dinghy off. Skip. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Peak monsoon. Ferry suspended. Both homestays shut. Skip. |
| August | 2.0/10 | Monsoon continues. 460mm rain. Ferry off, homestays shut, Lalaji Bay inaccessible. Skip. |
| September | 4.0/10 | Late monsoon. 320mm rain. Ferry resumes mid-month. Homestays still shut until October. |
| October | 6.0/10 | Recovery. 180mm rain. Ferry 2 weekly. Homestays reopen Oct 5-12. Last 3 weeks workable. |
| November | 8.0/10 | Properly open. 70mm rain, 24-30C. Ferry 3 weekly, Lalaji Bay reef clean, homestays at 1,500-2,200. |
| December | 10.0/10 | Peak. 23-29C, sea glass-flat. Lalaji Bay reef visibility 30m. Christmas-NY 35% premium, 2-week lead. |
What to pack for January
- ▸Snorkel gear (or rent at Lalaji Bay)
- ▸Water shoes
- ▸Hat and sunglasses
- ▸Waterproof camera bag
- ▸Lightweight jacket
Nearby in Andaman & Nicobar Islands scoring high in January
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