Official UPSC Format

With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct ?
1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.
2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.
3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.
Select the answer using the code given below :

1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.

2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.

3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands feature a humid, tropical coastal climate. Uniquely positioned in the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago receives rainfall from both the South-West and North-East monsoons. However, the maximum precipitation occurs during the South-West monsoon (May to September), making December to May the drier tourist season.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option B
Let's review the climatology of the archipelago based on India Meteorological Department (IMD) data:
  • Statement 1 is Correct: Situated near the equator and surrounded by the ocean, the islands naturally exhibit a classic humid, tropical coastal climate. The region experiences high relative humidity (above 80%) and uniformly warm temperatures year-round, with virtually no distinct winter season.

  • Statement 2 is Correct: The geographical position of the islands in the Bay of Bengal means they intercept both major Indian wind systems. They are the first to receive the South-West Monsoon (usually arriving by late May) and also intercept the retreating, moisture-laden North-East Monsoon winds during the winter months.

  • Statement 3 is Incorrect: The statement flips the seasonal reality. The period from December to May constitutes the relatively calm, dry season (which is why it is peak tourist season). The maximum precipitation occurs heavily during the South-West monsoon window, spanning from May to September.
    • Conclusion: Statements 1 and 2 accurately describe the island climatology.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner swaps the wet and dry seasons in Statement 3. Because winter is freezing in North India, candidates might assume 'December to May' is a harsh, extreme season everywhere, forgetting that this period is actually the calmest, driest, and most popular tourist window for the tropical islands.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    During which months does the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago receive its maximum precipitation?

    Between May and September (during the South-West Monsoon).

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Has Climate Type
    Humid Tropical Coastal
    Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Receives Rain From
    South-West Monsoon
    Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Receives Rain From
    North-East Monsoon

    Logic Quest

    "Why does Andaman receive rain from the North-East monsoon?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Equatorial and Oceanic Climate Dynamics through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Indian Geography questions for your upcoming Prelims.