UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

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 the South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon. 
3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.
   
   

Select the answer using the code given below:

Explanation:  

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a maritime tropical climate because of their island location in  the Bay of Bengal. The climate is generally warm, humid and equable, with heavy rainfall and high relative  humidity. The islands are influenced by both the South-west monsoon and the North-east monsoon, but the main  rainy period is associated with the monsoon months rather than the December - May period.  

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience a humid tropical coastal climate due to their proximity  to the sea, high humidity, abundant rainfall and absence of extreme temperature variations. The  official Andaman and Nicobar Administration describes the islands as having a tropical climate that is  warm, moist and equable. So, statement 1 is correct. 
• The islands receive rainfall from both the South-west monsoon and the North-east monsoon. The  official description of the islands notes that they experience both these monsoonal systems, which is a key  feature of their rainfall pattern. So, statement 2 is correct. 
• Maximum precipitation is not between December and May. The heavier rainfall is associated mainly  with the South-west monsoon period, while the North-east monsoon contributes rainfall later in the year.  December to May broadly includes relatively drier months and the pre-monsoon period, so it cannot be  described as the period of maximum precipitation. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.