Middle Button Island National Park

Middle Button Island National Park is a protected area in India.

Middle Button Island National Park at a Glance

Location
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
12.276715, 93.025894
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Middle Button Island National Park

Nearest airport: Naval Air Station, 77 km away.

Nearest international airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), 78 km away.

Weather & Climate in Middle Button Island National Park

The warmest temperatures in Middle Button Island National Park occur in April, averaging 29.5°C (up to 32.3°C). The coolest conditions are in October at 26.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 25.6mm. Average humidity: 70.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (rainfall: 28.8mm)
  • February: 27.2°C (rainfall: 25.6mm)
  • March: 28.3°C (rainfall: 33.7mm)
  • April: 29.5°C (rainfall: 26.5mm)
  • May: 28.9°C (rainfall: 180.4mm)
  • June: 27.8°C (rainfall: 206.5mm)
  • July: 27.4°C (rainfall: 238.3mm)
  • August: 27.6°C (rainfall: 169.5mm)
  • September: 27.0°C (rainfall: 257.8mm)
  • October: 26.8°C (rainfall: 207.8mm)
  • November: 27.4°C (rainfall: 124.4mm)
  • December: 27.3°C (rainfall: 93.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Middle Button Island National Park

The best months to visit Middle Button Island National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.07°C, rainfall 28.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 70.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 27.18°C, rainfall 25.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 28.3°C, rainfall 33.7mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 29.52°C, rainfall 26.5mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 70.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 28.9°C, rainfall 180.4mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 27.76°C, rainfall 206.5mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 82.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 27.39°C, rainfall 238.3mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.57°C, rainfall 169.5mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.02°C, rainfall 257.8mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 26.82°C, rainfall 207.8mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 85.3%
  • November: Good, temperature 27.45°C, rainfall 124.4mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.34°C, rainfall 93mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 73.9%

Wildlife in Middle Button Island National Park

Home to 45 recorded species including 21 waterbirds, 12 iconic birds, 7 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Middle Button Island National Park

Based on average temperature of 27.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 78%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 28°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Middle Button Island National Park

4 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Middle Button Island National Park FAQs

What unique marine and terrestrial wildlife can I expect to encounter at Middle Button Island National Park?

Middle Button Island is renowned for its vibrant marine life, including various species of fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs, making it excellent for snorkeling and diving. On land, while large terrestrial mammals are less common, you might spot monitor lizards, fruit bats, and a diverse array of migratory birds, especially during winter months.

Considering its island location and low crowding, what's the best time to visit Middle Button Island National Park for an optimal experience?

The ideal time to visit is between November and April when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the seas are calm for boat transfers and water activities. This period also offers the best visibility for snorkeling and diving, allowing you to fully appreciate the park's uncrowded marine ecosystems.

How do travelers typically reach Middle Button Island National Park, and what are the logistical considerations for an island safari?

Access to Middle Button Island National Park is primarily by boat from Port Blair, requiring a permit from the Forest Department. Visitors should arrange their boat transfers in advance and be prepared for a journey that can take several hours, depending on the type of vessel and sea conditions.

Given its 1/5 crowding level, what kind of exclusive safari experience does Middle Button Island National Park offer compared to other Indian parks?

Middle Button Island National Park offers an exceptionally tranquil and intimate wildlife experience, far removed from the bustling crowds of mainland parks. Its low visitor numbers ensure a pristine environment for marine exploration and birdwatching, allowing for undisturbed encounters with nature.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, what specific health and safety precautions should visitors take when exploring Middle Button Island National Park?

Due to its remote island nature, visitors should carry sufficient drinking water, sun protection, and any personal medications, as facilities are limited. Always follow park ranger instructions, especially regarding swimming or snorkeling near coral reefs, to ensure both your safety and the preservation of the delicate ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.