Best Time to Visit Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a whirlwind experience that will see you explore exquisite palaces, gargantuan forts, tranquil lakes, quaint hamlets and lush jungles. The desert state’s appeal is majorly historical, but your memories will be tinged with much more than just royal attractions. A desert safari in Jaisalmer or Bikaner will see you live the life of a nomad, your taste buds will experience an explosion of flavours that is Rajasthani cuisine, and the friendly locals you bump into will leave lasting impressions. Rajasthan is the land of maharajas and a holiday here is a kaleidoscopic mix of historical exploration and cultural involvement.

A memorable trip to Rajasthan can be planned on a shoestring budget, or you could splurge and live like a maharaja, albeit temporarily. Whether you’re staying in a dormitory or putting up at a heritage hotel, your Rajasthani adventure will be exciting, to say the least. The best time to visit Rajasthan is between September and March. The winter months are perfect for sightseeing, especially if you want to beat the heat, while the post-monsoon months see the lush vegetation come to life. No matter when you plan your trip to Rajasthan, the chances of having a great time are always high. If you’re travelling during the peak tourist season, make sure you book your accommodation in advance. Rajasthan awaits all those who are out for a desert adventure and much more!

1Winter in Rajasthan (October to March)

As autumn begins to set in around October, Rajasthan receives its first batch of travellers. The occasional showers and post-monsoon lushness attracts a number of tourists who want to explore a different side of Rajasthan, minus the touristy crowds and hotel rates. October is also the month when a number of national parks open their gates to wildlife enthusiasts. Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, and many others come alive because of the recent monsoon and it’s the perfect time to spot more than a fair share of wild animals.

Rajasthan in November sees an increase in tourist traffic because of the cooler nights and warm days. A number of curious travellers head to Pushkar for the Camel Fair and rightfully so. The town comes alive with the trading of camels (and other animals) and an overall festive atmosphere that includes cultural performances and hot air balloon rides.

Depending on the lunar movements, your October or November trip to Rajasthan could coincide with the exuberant Hindu festivals of Dussehra and Diwali. Make sure Kota is part of your itinerary if you want to witness Dussehra on a massive scale, where towering effigies of Ravana are set alight amidst folk songs and dances. No matter where you are during Diwali in Rajastha, you’re bound to experience Diwali, the festival of lights, in all its glory.

Personally, the best time to visit Rajasthan is in December. Birdwatchers land up during the last month of the year to view flocks of migratory birds that descend at the various sanctuaries and national parks around the desert state. The days are pleasantly warm, making outdoor excursions as enjoyable as possible. Overall humidity is at an all-time low making the nights extremely cool. December is also a great time to plan a camel safari around Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Make sure you carry woollens to keep you warm during freezing open desert nights.

The western winds ensure the night temperatures reach 2°C in some places like Bikaner and Mt Abu, while the daytime temperatures average out at around 15-20°C, depending where you are in Rajasthan.

The first month of the year sees Rajasthan come alive with a number of fairs and festivals. The weather is still extremely agreeable in January and Jaipur’s Makar Sankranti (Kite Festival) is a brilliant experience for the curious traveller. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a cultural spectacle spread out across the golden Sam Sand Dunes, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for January travellers.

The festival season is still in full swing during February in Rajasthan. The weather is pleasant and places like Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Udaipur are beautiful during the shortest month of the year. The Jaipur Elephant Festival is a great celebration to take in first-hand.

March signals the end of the tourist crowds in Rajasthan. The summer is putting feelers out but the days are bearable and you can enjoy your sightseeing without sweating too much. The average temperature starts moving towards 30°C, but the heat is not in full swing. This is a great time for animal sightings as they make their way more frequently to watering holes and tanks in the various national parks and sanctuaries.

2Monsoon in Rajasthan (July to September)

In a state that receives minimal rainfall, the monsoon season comes as a much-needed respite. Travellers looking for cut rates on accommodation land up in July when the desert state enjoys the heat taking a back seat when its pouring down. Bundi, the city of step wells, is a great place to be during the monsoon.

The rainfall is intense in the month of August though it can get quite muggy during the days and nights. The moisture in the air does offer some relief from the heat and places like Keoladeo National Park turn into real life paintings of natural settings. The Kajli Teej festival is best witnessed in Bundi around this time. If birdwatching is your passion, head to Khichan in western Rajasthan during August to catch the beautiful demoiselle cranes.

The monsoon month of September sees the rains beginning to wane though daily temperatures are still quite high. A traveller arriving in Rajasthan during the last month of the proper rainy season will experience clement days, though the nights could be humid. Daytime excursions are not impossible.

The southern Rajasthan city of Udaipur is a joy to behold during the monsoon season. The Fateh Sagar Lake is pretty as a picture and so is the City Palace and Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace).

The monsoon temperatures range between 21-35°C depending on which part of Rajasthan you’re visiting.

3Summer in Rajasthan (April to June)

There’s no denying the searing heat of the summer season in Rajasthan. April onwards, the temperature makes an upward climb reaching close to 50°C in some places during the day. The nights offer no respite and even mad dogs find any shade they can during these unbearable three months.

That being said, Mt Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station enjoys balmy days and is the perfect destination for summer travellers. Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur in southern Rajasthan are also bearable during the summer months.

As you can tell, the best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months. This is when day trips are easily done. The monsoon months are for those who are looking for a budget trip and want to experience Rajasthan through a rain-drenched prism.