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The climate of Rajasthan can be divided into four seasons: Pre-Monsoons, Monsoon, Post-Monsoon and Winter.
Pre-monsoon, which extends from April to June, is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32C to 45C.
In western Rajasthan the temp may rise to 48C, particularly in May and June.
At this time, Rajasthan only hill station, Mt Abu registers the lowest temperatures.
In the desert regions, the temperatures drops in night. Prevailing winds are from the west and sometimes carry dust storms (we call them andhi). |
The second season Monsoon extends from July to September, temp drops but humidity increases making it very un comfortable, even when there is slight drop in the temp (35C to 40C). We have about 90% of our rains in this period.
The Post-monsoon period is from Oct to December. The average maximum temperature is 33C to 38C, and the minimum is between 18C and 20C.
The fourth season is the winter or cold season, from January to March.
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 0C in some cities of Rajasthan, like Churu.
There is slight precipitation in the north and north-eastern region of the state, and light winds, predominantly from the north and north-east.
At this time, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning, and 25% to 35% in the afternoon. |
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Rajasthan Fair & Festivals
The first impression tourist have about Rajasthan is of a colorless and dull desert stretched to countless miles.
We have all sorts of fair and festivals like animal fairs, religious fairs and there are fairs to mark the changing seasons. These festivals offer splendid opportunity for you to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthani.
Other than the traditional fairs, recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races, dance and music have been specially organized for the tourists. We recommend you to plan your tour in a way that you are a part of any of the following fairs and festival to truly know the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.):
Essentially an cattle fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.
Kite Festival (held on 14th Jan of every year):
A festival with a difference - as kites take to the sky all over Rajasthan. In the evening, kites with lights in them and fireworks brighten the skies above. The main celebrations are in Jaipur and Jodhpur. If you like kite flying, you should be here.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.):
One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts even the much traveled visitor. Highly recommended. Be there.
Gangaur Festival , Jaipur (March-April):
A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April):
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April):
A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colors. A show is organized with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June):
Organized in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August):
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Processions, women dressed in bright colors and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur (October):
A festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.
Pushkar Fair, Ajmer (November):
The well-known and marked with largest participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event. Recommended.
Camel Festival, Bikaner (January):
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camel, race camel dance etc. here.
Rajasthan Attractions
Other attractions you might like to know when you plan your tour to Rajasthan.
Ranthambore National Park:
A National Tiger Reserve Project Park is the most picturesque game reserves in the world. Favorite place for wildlife buffs and professional photographers. You will also find Panthers here. Situated near Sawai Madhopur (27km) and is well connected by train and bus from Jaipur (113 km). best time to come from Oct to March.
Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary:
A home for 370 types of birds is one of its kind in the world. Some 115 are migrants flying from Siberia, Central Asia and China. Situated outside Bharatpur (4km) is well connected by bus and trains. Best time to come, Nov to Feb.
Shoppers Paradise:
Rajasthan is shoppers destination. From semi-precious stone & gold jewelry (Jaipur), wooden & marble handicraft items (Jodhpur, Jaipur), wooden furniture (Barmer), carpets (Jaipur, Jodhpur), wooden toys and miniature paintings (Udaipur), textile prints (Sanganer, Bagru), handmade paper (Sanganer) are some examples to quote.
Heritage Hotels:
Your chance to live in royal splendor, the way Maharaja's used to live in their lavish palaces. Most of the hotels are now converted into luxurious hotels and they are run by the families only, so you are treated as the personal guest.
Palace on Wheels:
Rated as one of the most luxurious train in the world, runs from Oct to mid April. The train starts from Delhi and takes you through the royal cities of Rajasthan. Your chance to see Rajasthan in one week on moving palace.
Our Suggestions
We suggest that the best time to come Rajasthan is from October to March.
You have best of all from Fairs and Festivals, weather, and Shopping.
But, if you plan to come in April - May, take proper precautions for the hot and dry weather. You loose on some best fairs and festivals (if they interest you), else you have the advantage of discounts in hotels and other places.
Mid May - June End, avoid Rajasthan in these months very hot temp rises to 44C. But if you can sustain heat, Welcome to Real Rajasthan.
July-Sept, Rainy season, so you might not be able to enjoy much because of the weather and very Humid (Humidity may touch 90%) making things very un comfortable.
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