CLIMATE OF RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan lies to the north west of India, just above the Tropic of Cancer. The climate of Rajasthan greatly varies throughout the state. In the west, Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile; this area includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. The Aravalli Hill ranges tower over the Thar Desert. They are famed for the hill station of Mount Abu that is home to the famous Dilwara Jain Temples. The presence of the desert makes the summer days very hot and nights very cold. Nighttime temperatures in winters can reach -1°C, as happened recently in Churu district in north Rajasthan. Jaisalmer and Barmer districts also lie in the western Rajasthan, and every winter tourists flock to these districts to take camel rides on the shifting sand dunes. Jaisalmer is known for its peculiar yellow sandstone, which was used to construct the "golden" Jaisalmer Fort. The maximum daytime temperatures in summers can reach 45°C. However, winters in Rajasthan are more or less pleasant, and is the best time to visit this state.

The southern districts of Udaipur and Chittor are more or less fertile. Infact, Udaipur is known as the Lake City because of its many lakes and canals that reminds one of Venice. The Mewar region, also to the south of the state, was the scene of many battles during the Mughal rule.

The Chambal River runs through the rocky northeastern region. The deep gullies and ravines of Chambal were once hideouts of the infamous bandits of Chambal. However, now they are a quiet tourist destination for people from around the country.

Best time to travel to Rajasthan

The best time to travel to Rajasthan is during the winter, or cold season, which extends from December to March. January is the coolest month of the year and temp may drop to 0 degree C in some cities of Rajasthan, like Churu. It is advisable to avoid your trip during summer season as you might face the worst climate of Rajasthan. You can plan your trip during the Monsoon season that extends from July to September; there is slight drop in the temperature.

Seasons of Rajasthan

The climate of Rajasthan can be divided into four seasons: Summer, Monsoon, Post-Monsoon and winter.

A summer, which extends from April to June, is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32 degree C to 45 degree C. in western Rajasthan the temp may rise to 48 degree C, particularly in May and June. At this time, Rajasthan's only hill station, Mt Abu registers the lowest temperatures. in the desert regions, the temperature drops at night. Prevailing winds are from the west and sometimes carry dust storms (we call them aandhi).

The second season Monsoon extends from July to September, temp drops, but humidity increases, even when there is slight drop in the temp (35 degree C to 40 degree C). 90% of rains occur during this period.

The Post-monsoon period is from October to November. The average maximum temperature is 33 degree C to 38 degree C, and the minimum is between 18 degree C and 20 degree C.

Here begins the fourth season that is winter or the cold season, from December to March, where you can actually explore the majesty of the royal abode. There is a marked variation in maximum and minimum temperatures and regional variations across the state. January is the coolest month of the year. And temp may drop to 0 degree C in some cities of Rajasthan, like Churu. There is slight precipitation in the north and northeastern region of the state, and light winds, predominantly from the north and northeast. At this time, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning, and 25% to 35% in the afternoon.

Temperature and Rainfall

January to March
50F - 80F
10 degree C - 27 degree C
4MM - 7MM

April to June
75F - 105F
24 degree C - 45 degree C
11MM - 30MM

July to September
70F - 95F
21 degree C - 35 degree C
100MM - 165MM

October to December
55F - 85F
13 degree C - 30 degree C
3MM - 8MM

These are average temp and rainfall of Rajasthan, and may vary for each city.