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 :

The correct answer is Option B. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.

Statement 1 is correct: Situated in the Bay of Bengal near the equator, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience a classic humid, tropical coastal (maritime) climate. The surrounding ocean moderates extreme temperature shifts, maintaining a consistently warm profile (ranging between 23°C and 32°C year-round) coupled with high mean relative humidity (typically hovering around 80%).

Statement 2 is correct: Due to their strategic geographical location, the islands intercept both major monsoon systems of the Indian subcontinent. They receive robust rainfall from the South-West monsoon, which typically arrives in May and lasts until September. Subsequently, they also receive significant rainfall from the moisture-laden North-East monsoon winds between October and December. This dual-monsoon influence results in a high annual rainfall average of roughly 3,000 mm.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The period between December and May does not record the maximum precipitation. In fact, the bulk of the islands' rainfall occurs from May to November. The window from late December through April constitutes the relatively dry season (serving as the peak tourist season) which receives minimal rainfall, with February traditionally being the driest month.

Takeaway: A helpful way to remember the climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is to link its dual-monsoon exposure (South-West and North-East) to its heavy rainfall from May to November, leaving the December to May window as the dry, sunny season.