Best Time to Visit Jodhpur

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama was angered by the sea god and was about to punish him by aiming a destructive arrow. At the last moment he changed his mind and sent his arrow towards present day western Rajasthan.

This basic paraphrasing of a mythological incident will allow you to comprehend the parched, arid Thar Desert that lies along the western Rajasthan. Jodhpur’s lakes, citadels, and palaces transform this arid stretch into a traveller’s dream. There is a lot to do here and in order to make the most of your holiday, you need to pick the best time to visit Jodhpur. The winter and monsoon months are your best bet for a good time.

The current Jodhpur district used to be the largest Rajputana kingdom of Marwar. The capital city was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, and it slowly grew into a major cultural centre of Rajasthan. The Mehrangarh Fort stands tall as testament to a once-glorious kingdom. This bastion is best explored for its sweeping architectural delights constructed atop a rocky outcrop. An ancient wall (now crumbling), dating to the 16th century, separates the old quarter of the city where the houses are ocean-blue, giving Jodhpur its moniker.

The Blue City is always active and first-time travellers will be positively overwhelmed by the brisk pace of Jodhpur. The royal relics and kaleidoscopic street markets are a joy to behold, and so is the street food. The trick is to take it all in your stride and let Jodhpur wash over you. Travellers land up here for a variety of reasons— to get a glimpse of history, explore rustic village life, or simply discover western Rajasthan. No matter what the reason, you’re bound to have a rollicking time in Jodhpur.

1Winter in Jodhpur (October to March)

The average Jodhpur weather is a bearable 28°C in October when the tourist season kicks off. If you want to take advantage of discounted hotel rates, October is a good time to land up. The pleasant weather makes outdoor excursions all the more fun and a visit to Jaswant Thada, royal cenoptaphs, is a must. An October panorama of the Mehrangarh Fort from Jaswant Thada is a sight to behold. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival signals the tourist season in October and is an aural/visual cultural feast.

You can feel the desert winter trickling in during a November visit to Jodhpur. The average temperature is around 23°C, making the outdoor weather all the more enjoyable. Tourist buses to and from Jodhpur increase in number around this point.

December is when tourists really start landing up in Jodhpur to enjoy the perfect weather coupled with the city’s numerous historical attractions. This is a great time to go zip-lining over Mehrangarh Fort. Spend the day taking a stroll around the Clock Tower area and find the blue houses that lend Jodhpur its moniker. Day trips in December are the best if you’re visiting the Osian Temples, 90kms from Jodhpur. The average December weather is a cool 19°C. December is our personal best time to visit Jodhpur.

If you’re landing up in January, make sure you plan your visit in the second week when the Jodhpur Kite Festival takes place. The average temperature is a nonchalant 17°C and all the sights and sounds of Jodhpur are in full swing.

The Nagaur Cattle Fair is a week-long affair that needs to be witnessed by all February Jodhpur travellers. The median temperature is just above 20°C, and the fair is a must for those looking for an immersive Rajasthani experience. Camel and horse dances aside, there are also a number of folk performances.

March is when the tourist crowd starts thinning out. The average temperature is in the mid-20s (°C), making your trip just about bearable. If you’re planning a Jodhpur trip in March, make sure you land up in the first couple of weeks to beat the heat.

2Monsoon in Jodhpur (July to September)

The three month monsoon season is best suited for budget travellers. The temperature is in the mid-30s (°C) and the sporadic rainfall increases the humidity in the region. However, the Marwar Festival sometimes takes place towards the end of September, making it an ideal time to witness the culture of Jodhpur minus the tourist crowds.

3Summer in Jodhpur (April to June)

Jodhpur experiences scorching heat with the temperature rarely going below 33°C. This makes the summer season absolutely unbearable in Jodhpur. Even the locals stay away from the heat, and if you’re planning a trip during these three months you’ll have to spend most of your time within the confines of your air-conditioned hotel room. Evening walks are a good idea but the air is still heavy with heat. Like most of Rajasthan, April to June is not the best time to visit Jodhpur.

Your Jodhpur trip is best planned between October and March. This allows you to explore the Blue City like a local without working on your tan!