North Bay Island in May
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Skip — small-boat access from Port Blair restricted in monsoon swells; sea-walk and snorkeling operators close. Better window: November–April.
Peak crowds
May is one of North Bay Island's busiest months. The score rates conditions — weather, access, value — not how many people you'll share them with. Andaman water-sports island busiest Oct–May during calm seas and clear skies; Jun–Sep monsoon/cyclone season sees fewest divers and snorkelers.
May at North Bay is the last clean window before the southwest monsoon arrives. Underwater visibility starts dropping from 25m to 18-22m as currents shift and plankton density rises. Boats from Phoenix Bay still run on schedule for the first three weeks. Air 28-33C, water 29C. The 20-minute crossing is exposed - on calm days the trip runs as ever, on squally days that build from May 15 onward, sailings cancel with 6 hours notice. Sea-walk is the most weather-sensitive activity; a cancellation pushes you a day later. Glass-bottom can usually run choppier seas. Hotel rates at their cheapest of the open season. Plan for early May or accept the late-month gamble.
Why May scores 8.0/10
Weather
Last clean window. 28-33C. Vis 18-22m. Boats run first 18 days reliably. Squalls in last week.
PEAK ALERT · JANUARY
North Bay 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 North Bay Island this May
- 1Glass-bottom boat tour for non-swimmers
- 2Underwater helmet walk (sea-walking)
- 3Beginner scuba diving
- 4Coral reef exploration via snorkelling
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Budget beach tourists
- ✓Water sports enthusiasts
- ✓Day-trippers
Who should think twice
- ✗Those needing nightlife
- ✗Extended-stay seekers
- ✗Luxury-focused travellers
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0/10 | Peak. 24-29C, vis 25-30m. Glass-bottom and sea-walk daily. Boats fill 8-10am. |
| February | 10.0/10 | Driest month. 25-30C. Vis 30m. Sea-walk visibility maxes. Quieter post-Valentines weekday. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Late peak. 26-32C, vis 25-28m. Boats on schedule. PB hotel rates back 25 percent below January. |
| April | 8.0/10 | Hot 28-33C. Vis 22-25m. Boats on schedule, hotel rates 35 percent off January. Off-peak with full operations. |
| Mayviewing | 8.0/10 | Last clean window. 28-33C. Vis 18-22m. Boats run first 18 days reliably. Squalls in last week. |
| June | 2.0/10 | Southwest monsoon. 450mm rain, rough seas. Phoenix Bay sailings cancel daily. Skip. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Peak monsoon. 500mm rain. All operators closed. Sailings suspended most weeks. Skip. |
| August | 2.0/10 | Monsoon continues. 420mm rain. All operators still closed. Crossings unsafe. Skip. |
| September | 4.0/10 | Late monsoon. 270mm rain. Operators reopen last week. Vis 12-15m. Sailings still 30 percent cancellation rate. |
| October | 8.0/10 | Season opens. 130mm rain mostly first week. Vis recovers to 20-25m. Operators full menu by mid-month. |
| November | 8.0/10 | Strong shoulder. 60mm rain. 23-30C. Vis 25m. Diwali week packed. Otherwise smooth. |
| December | 10.0/10 | Peak. 23-29C. Vis 28-30m. Christmas-NY 50 percent premium. Sea-walk slots gone by 8:30am. |
What to pack for May
- ▸Snorkel gear or wetsuit
- ▸Sun protection and reef-safe sunscreen
- ▸Underwater camera
- ▸Towel and dry change
- ▸Light jacket for boat spray
- ▸Water shoes for rocky shore
Nearby in Andaman & Nicobar Islands scoring high in May
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