Best time to visit Rajasthan

If you are planning to visit India, you may have wondered about the best time to visit Rajasthan. One of the most beautiful states in India, Rajasthan has a lot to offer to tourists and travelers of every type. Read this article to find out the perfect time to visit the desert state of Rajasthan.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

Ideally, the best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to March, winter season in India. The climate is pleasant, a respite from the heat that Rajasthan is so well-known for. Sightseeing is much more comfortable.

Rajasthan brings a new flavor with every season. While it can get unbearably hot during summers, the monsoon season is surprisingly a very good time to visit Rajasthan! Read on to find out more about the climate of Rajasthan in every season and which is the best time to visit this stunning state in India.

Winter season in Rajasthan (October to March)

The temperature in Rajasthan during winters ranges between 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 2 degrees Celsius. Sometimes, it may even drop down to zero.

Winters in Rajasthan come with pleasant climate, blue skies, and chilly nights. You might also experience light rainfall. It is the ideal time to visit Rajasthan, and most of India – winter is the peak tourist season in India.

This is the perfect time to enjoy all the outdoor activities Rajasthan has to offer. Go on a desert safari and camp in the desert under the stars. Take a camel safari across the sand dunes of Jaisalmer.

Winter is also a good time to visit the national parks in Rajasthan. Monsoons make the landscape green and birdlife thrives in October. So if you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can visit Bharatpur National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ranthambore National Park.

There are also a lot of festivals that take place in winter. Pushkar Mela in November, Bikaner Camel Festival in January, Abhaneri festival and Navratri in September or October, and the Rajasthan International folk festival in October are just a few of the amazing festivals you can attend during winter in Rajasthan.

Best places to visit in Rajasthan during winter

Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Ranthambore, Bikaner

Desert camping – Chokhi Dhani

Summer in Rajasthan (April to June)

Summers are extremely hot in Rajasthan and the temperatures can go as high as 45 degrees celsius, sometimes even higher. The climate is dry or semi-humid, and there are often some sandstorms during the day. It becomes difficult to go sightseeing and visiting major attractions or to explore any outdoor activities.

However, some areas are cooler even during this season. You can visit Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh, or Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. The temperature remains between 24 and 33 degrees celsius in these regions.

Although it gets extremely hot, summer is the best time to encounter maximum wildlife in Rajasthan. Because of the scorching heat, all the animals gather around the watering holes. This means there is a very good chance of spotting wildlife. April is a great month to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore National Park.

It gets too hot to explore the outdoors, but because it is an off-season for tourism, you can get great rates and discounts on shopping and accommodations. This is a perfect time to go on a romantic or fun staycation in Rajasthan.

There are also many festivals that take place in summer in Rajasthan. Braj Holi in March, Mahaveerji Fair, Mewar Festival and Gangaur Festival in March or April, The Mount Abu Summer Festival in May, and Jaipur International Jazz and Blues Festival are a few festivals and events you can attend in summer in Rajasthan.

Best places to visit in Rajasthan in summer

Udaipur, Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur

Spot the Royal Bengal Tiger at Ranthambore National Park

Monsoon in Rajasthan (July to September)

Monsoon is one of the best times to visit Rajasthan. The hot and dry summer is replaced by the monsoon rain, turning the landscape green and making the climate much more bearable. You will need to carry raincoats and umbrellas if you visit Rajasthan during monsoons, but rainfall is moderate in Rajasthan, except for a few areas. It doesn’t rain every day, and when it does, it doesn’t last for long hours. Monsoon is off-season for tourism in India, so just like summer, there are many great offers and deals for everything. Cost of accommodation is low, and the crowds are minimal, making it perfect for couples looking for a quiet, romantic getaway, or groups who want a lowkey vacation. The temperatures are cool and you will find lush greenery everywhere.

Many national parks are closed during monsoons, so make sure to check before planning a trip to the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

The Phool Sagar Lake in Bundi is a sight to behold in September, as the entire lake gets covered in lotus flowers. The Teej festival and Kajari Teej festival are celebrated in August.

Best places to visit in monsoons in Rajasthan

Aravalli Hills, Bundi, Pushkar, Jhalawar

Aravalli Range

Festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan celebrates many festivals throughout the year, so any time you visit, there will always be something or the other happening. Here are some of the festivals celebrated in Rajasthan:

Pushkar Camel Fair: The Pushkar Fair, or Pushkar Mela, is one of the largest fairs for camels, horses, and cattle in the world. Taking place in November every year, the camel-trading fair is one of the major tourist attractions of Rajasthan. You will find camels and cattle decorated in vibrant colors, largest mustache competition, camel dance competition, and many other cultural events.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival: The Jaisalmer Desert Festival usually takes place in February every year in Jaisalmer. The events of the festival take place in the Thar desert and near the Jaisalmer fort. You can experience cultural and folk music and dance, puppet shows, turban tying, camel races, camel polo matches, and more.

Bikaner Camel Festival: The Bikaner Camel Festival takes place in January every year in the town of Ladera in Bikaner. Celebrating the ship of the desert, the camel, camel owners from all over the state come to this festival along with their camels. There are events such as a camel beauty pageant, camel fur-cutting competition, camel race, camel dance, and more! There are also folk music and dances, traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and local artworks for sale.

Nagaur Festival: The second biggest fair in India, Nagaur Fair is held in January or February annually. Popularly known as the Cattle Fair of Nagaur, cattle owners gather here to trade animals like bullocks, horses, and camels. The animals are decorated and the owners too dress up in colorful attire. Sheep, horses, and spices are also traded at this fair, and there are many fun cultural activities that take place here.

Kumbhalgarh festival: Kumbhalgarh Festival is celebrated for three days in December every year in Mewar, nestled in the Aravalli Hills. The festival takes place within the Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see renowned artists from all over the world perform at this festival, along with local artists. There are many cultural dances such as Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, and Bhavai. You will also find pop-up markets, or haats, that sell authentic Rajasthani artifacts you can take home as souvenirs.

Abhaneri Festival: Celebrated in the period between Kajli Teej and Jodhpur’s Marwar festival in September or October, the Abhaneri Festival is a 2-4 day festival that celebrates the culture of Rajasthan. Camel cart rides, cultural evenings, Raas Leela, puppet shows, and arts and crafts exhibitions are held at this festival. 

Bundi Festival: The Bundi Festival, or Bundi Utsav, takes place in October or November of each year. This cultural extravaganza showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Bundi. You can witness Shobha Yatra, which is a cultural parade, exhibitions, folk music and dances, and a display of fireworks at this beautiful festival.

Navratri: Navratri, a nine-day festival that takes place in September or October, is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In Rajasthan, Navratri is celebrated with folk dances and songs. People make traditional delicacies and offer flowers to Goddess Durga, to whom the festival is dedicated.

Pushkar Camel Festival

Tips to enjoy your trip to Rajasthan

• Pack light, breathable clothes. If you are visiting during the winter season, carry a shawl or jacket, since nights can get quite chilly. During the monsoon season, carry an umbrella, just in case. During the summer season, carry scarves, caps, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the extreme heat.
• Wear a lot of sunscreen and stay hydrated all the time.
• Try to experience at least one of the festivals when you visit Rajasthan.
• If you are on a budget, visit Rajasthan during the off-season. You will be able to get a lot of discounts, plus lesser crowds during this time.
• For the most authentic experience, visit a rural village in Rajasthan, or stay at a homestay to get a glimpse into the daily life of locals in Rajasthan.

So, did this article make you excited to visit Rajasthan? Let us know, and we will help you plan the perfect trip to India! At India Someday, we plan personalized trips to India for you based on your preferences and interests. Contact us and let’s get this trip started!