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 :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Why the answer is (b)
• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie between 6° and 14° N in the Bay of Bengal, so temperatures stay warm (23–30 °C) and humidity high all year — a humid tropical coastal (maritime) climate; statement 1 is correct.
• Being in the path of both monsoon systems, the islands get rain from the South-west monsoon (May–September) and the retreating North-east monsoon (October–December) — statement 2 is correct.
• Statement 3 is wrong: the wettest months are May to December; January to April is the relatively dry season, so 'December to May' is not the peak.
• Annual rainfall is about 3,000 mm, with no real winter.
• Hence 1 and 2, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: both monsoons bring rain to the islands.
- (c) 2 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong: December-May is the drier part of the year.
- (d) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong and statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.