Barren Island (Andaman Islands)Barren Island (Andaman Islands) at a Glance
About Barren Island (Andaman Islands)
Barren Island is a small volcanic island in the Andaman Sea, part of the Andaman Islands of India, and is the only historically active volcano in the region. The island has produced intermittent eruptions in recent decades and is geologically notable within the Andaman archipelago.
The island is uninhabited and visits are restricted because of volcanic risk and remoteness; nearby liveaboard and research vessels occasionally approach the island for observation. The island’s fresh lava flows and barren slopes contrast with the forested Andaman main islands.
Barren Island’s eruptions have been recorded in the 21st century and it is monitored by geological authorities in India. No permanent settlements are present and the island is primarily of interest to volcanologists and maritime observers.
The island lies in the southeastern Bay of Bengal, east of the main Andaman group, and is reached only by boat from larger islands and mainland ports with appropriate clearance.
- Volcanic status: It is the only confirmed active volcano in the Andaman Sea and the only historically active volcanic island of the Indian subcontinent.
- Access: Uninhabited and restricted for safety; boat access is controlled and generally limited to scientific or authorised visits.
Best Time to Visit Barren Island (Andaman Islands)
Visits depend on volcanic activity and government permissions; the dry season often offers more stable sea conditions.
Weather & Climate near Barren Island (Andaman Islands)
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (3875 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 26° | 27 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 30° | 19 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 89 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 432 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.6h |
| June | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 686 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| July | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 646 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| August | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 665 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 695 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 324 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
How to Get to Barren Island (Andaman Islands)
Barren Island is reached by boat from Port Blair (Andaman Islands) on scientific or government-authorized voyages; private tourist landings are generally not permitted due to safety and conservation concerns.
Tips for Visiting Barren Island (Andaman Islands)
- Barren Island is an active volcanic island - approach only with experienced guides and permission from the Indian government.
- Flights and boat trips are rare and typically arranged for scientific or monitoring missions; tourist visits are not routine.
- Keep a safe distance from vents and comply with all safety orders; volcanic gases and sudden eruptions are risks.