India › Best Time to Visit Jaipur
Updated: January 13, 2022
By Santorini Dave
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When is the Best Time to Visit Jaipur?
The best time to visit Jaipur is October to mid-December or mid-January to March-end. Temperatures average between 8°C and 35°C, usually on the cooler side, and there is no rain. Airfares and room rates peak in the high season, December-February.
- Best Time for Sightseeing: The climate is affected by its desert location, so it can be extremely hot or cold. However, Jaipur doesn’t suffer from the sort of smog found in Delhi, fog that obstructs the Taj Mahal in Agra, or rains that flood Mumbai. Average temperatures can peak to 40°C in April, May, and June before the rains, which finish by late September. So, the best time is the dry and cooler winter of October to March, but, if possible, avoid the peak period around Christmas and New Year.
- Best Time for Weather: From November to March, rain is negligible. The days are mild, even cool, and nights often get quite chilly, so come prepared. During the rest of the year, it’s either too wet and/or hot, which is made worse by desert winds and dust storms.
- Best Time for Honeymoons: October to March.
- Best Time for National Parks: October to April.
- Best Time for Nightlife: October to April.
- Best Time for Saving Money: May to September.
Jaipur Travel Seasons
- High Season (December to February): The endless mild and dry days, which can turn chilly overnight, understandably attract far more tourists than the hot and wet seasons. During the peak time from mid-December to mid-January, booking accommodations and train/plane tickets well before arrival is absolutely essential.
- Shoulder Season (March, October, and November): This avoids: (1) the hot season, when the desert winds, dust storms, and scorching temperatures can be really uncomfortable; (2) the wet season; and (3) the 2-3 weeks around the Christmas/New Year period. During these 3 months, the days are still pleasant, if a little warm and humid (even at night), and there may be some lingering rain in early October. Also, fewer tourists – and, therefore, lower hotel rates – make this the most comfortable time for traveling.
- Low Season (April to September): During the high heat in April, May, and June, average temperatures can reach 40°C, which are compounded by the warm nights, hot desert winds, and occasional dust storms. The heat recedes a little during the wet season, which peaks in July and August. By late September, the rain has mostly stopped, leaving the streets clean and gardens lush, but water-logging is not uncommon and can disrupt travel plans.
Jaipur Weather by Month
- Jaipur Weather in January: Popular time for festivals, markets, and weddings during day after day of dry and pleasant weather. It can be coolish during the day – about 20°C-22°C – and after dark, average temperatures quickly plunge to a bone-chilling 8°C. This is also the peak season, especially around Christmas/New Year.
- Jaipur Weather in February: The cool and dry winter continues, with rainfall rare enough to be a talking point among locals. Slightly warmer during the day and overnight, but don’t put away the jumper yet. Ideal month for traveling because of the numerous festivals and outdoor attractions, coupled with a substantial decrease in tourist numbers and, therefore, hotel rates.
- Jaipur Weather in March: Last month of perfect weather before the heat and rains dominate. The days are noticeably warmer – about 32°C on average – and the nights are still cool, rather than cold. Optimum time to visit, with still plenty to see across the city and state and another substantial reduction in tourist crowds (and hotel rates).
- Jaipur Weather in April: As average temperatures start rising to the high-30s (Celsius), so, too, does the humidity. Some rain will fail, but not enough yet to affect the dry and dusty conditions. The weather is made more uncomfortable by the hot desert winds, dust storms, and occasional dry thunderstorms.
- Jaipur Weather in May: Average temperatures quickly rise to 40°C or above, the highest for the year. The humidity becomes most apparent, so traveling is particularly uncomfortable. Not unusual for dry lightning storms on the horizon as the wet season looms and some rain falls. By now, most locals are fairly lethargic and some tourist businesses (including national parks) may close until September/October.
- Jaipur Weather in June: Average temperatures drop slightly, but some days it can still peak at 40°C or more, which is simply too hot for anyone to be outside. Overnight, it can still be 27°C. The good news is that some decent rain is due – the third-highest on average for the year. Most notable are the extreme humidity and increasing thunderstorms, which, for the first time in the year, may also bring rain.
- Jaipur Weather in July: The monsoon from July to September, that pummels the west coast, doesn’t affect Jaipur nearly as much. By now, the heat and humidity have subsided as rain falls most days during the year’s wettest month. No severe downpours like Mumbai, but flooded streets are common, which may affect bus and train travel. Discounted accommodations are normal but some businesses (including national parks) may close for 2 or 3 months.
- Jaipur Weather in August: The second-wettest month, with daily downpours lasting hours and likely to affect travel plans to some degree. Dusty roads from a few weeks before are now ankle-deep in mud. Hotel rates are at their lowest, but some businesses (including national parks) have closed by now. Significant decrease in average daytime temperatures to about 33°C, but still a warm and humid 24°C overnight.
- Jaipur Weather in September: Oddly, there’s a slight increase in average daytime temperatures, but it’s a little cooler overnight. Rainfall eases, which the locals may notice but visitors probably won’t. Quagmire tracks and water-logged streets may still affect travel plans as everyone is now praying for the cooler and drier winter.
- Jaipur Weather in October: Can still average in the mid-30s (Celsius), but the rain is one-seventh as much as July, and the humidity is markedly less oppressive. Businesses (and national parks) that closed during the hot and wet seasons will have re-opened. The weather in October is not as pleasant as the following few months, but the fields are green and desert flowers are blooming. With tourist numbers still low, this is a great time to visit.
- Jaipur Weather in November: The end of monsoon rains heralds the start of the dry winter and tourist season. The days are pleasantly warm, rather than hot, at about 29°C on average, but quickly fall to a chilly 13°C overnight. Increased visitor numbers lead to higher prices for hotels and flights.
- Jaipur Weather in December: More superb weather – cool, dry days with no rain, humidity, or uncomfortable heat. From the middle of the month, it’s the peak of the high season, especially with European visitors, so book ahead. Festivals, markets, and weddings are now common all over the city and state.
Jaipur Holidays, Events, and Festivals
India has the world’s second-largest population of Muslims (after Indonesia). Dates for these 4 major festivals change each year according to the Islamic calendar. Each is a public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Eid-al-Fitr – The end of Ramadan is celebrated with up to 3 days of feasts, music, and dance at mosques and homes.
- Eid Mulid-un-Nabi (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) – Celebrated with prayers and parades.
- Muharram/Ashura – Start of the Islamic New Year.
- Eid al-Adha/Zuha (Bakr-Id) – Celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Animals, mostly goats, are slaughtered and shared with families and the poor.
Jaipur Events in January
- New Year’s Day (1st) – Families and friends often visit each other and many enjoy a party.
- Lohri (13th) – Traditional harvest festival celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Makara Sankranthi (14th or 15th) – Makara Sankranthi is celebrated mostly in Western India, marking the end of winter. It features lots of kite-flying.
- Kite Festival (14th) – Popular event celebrating the imminent end of ‘winter’. Timed to coincide with Makara Sankranthi.
- Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates the adoption of the country’s constitution on January 26, 1950. Huge parades in Delhi, less restrained elsewhere. National holiday when all government offices and many tourist attractions close.
- Jaipur Literature Festival (late January) – Several days of cultural and artistic events drawing visitors and renowned authors, historians, actors, and poets from across the globe.
- Vasant Panchami (changeable, January/February) – Hindu ceremony where devotees dressed in yellow place books and instruments in front of Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, for blessings, and to celebrate the coming of spring.
Jaipur Events in February
- (Maha) Shivaratri (changeable, February/March) – Day of fasting as a dedication to Lord Shiva, with ceremonies in temples. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Elephant Festival (changeable, February/March) – Dramatic parade of the much-loved (and, yes, sometimes abused) creatures. Brightly decorated, they also participate in polo games and tug-of-war competitions with men. Day before Holi.
- Holi (changeable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the start to spring. Almost everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – is doused with colored water and/or powder.
Jaipur Events in March
- Chaitra Navaratri/Rama Navaratri (changeable, March/April) – The beginning of the new year as per the Hindu calendar. The 9th night is celebrated as Rama Navami.
- Rama Navami (changeable, March/April) – Celebrates Lord Rama’s birth. 9 days of music, dance, fasts, and feasts, and reading of the Ramayana (epic). One day is a public holiday when most government offices and some tourist attractions may close.
- Mahavir Jayanti (changeable, March/April) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the most revered teacher of Jainism. Rajasthan has the second-highest population of Jains in India. Colorful festivities in temples and offerings to the poor. Public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Easter (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated by the Christian minority. A few businesses may close on Good Friday.
- Gangaur Festival (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated earnestly with parades, particularly by women devoted to Gauri, the incarnation of Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva). Also, linked to the onset of spring and the hopefully abundant harvest.
- Sheetla Mata Fair (changeable, March/April) – Week of offerings to Goddess Sheetla Mata to avoid incurring her wrath, believe to be in the form of diseases. Also, cattle sales. In almost all Rajasthan villages, but the main fair is held near Chaksu, 20 miles from Jaipur.
Jaipur Events in April
- Vaisakhi (usually 13th or 14th) – Another festival related to the onset of spring, as well as the start of the New Year according to the Sikh calendar. Abundant music, dance, wrestling, and wearing of traditional costumes.
- Ambedkar Jayanti/Bhim Jayanti (14th) – Celebrates the birth of late Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a leading historical figure. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Banganga Fair (changeable, April/May) – Once a traditional ceremony where devotees bathed in the Banganga river, this 200-year-old festival is now a major cultural event. Near Bairath, about 50 miles from Jaipur.
Jaipur Events in May
- Vesak/Buddha Purnima (changeable, April/May) – Solemn festivals at temples marking the birth and death of Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
Jaipur Events in June
- Nothing notable, and the weather across this part of India precludes outdoor events.
Jaipur Events in July
- Raksha Bandhan/Rakhi (changeable, July/August) – Hindu festival marking the importance of families, especially siblings. Commonly called Brother and Sister Day, where sisters tie colorful strings (Rakhis) on their brothers’ hands, and brothers give gifts in return.
Jaipur Events in August
- Independence Day (15th) – Celebrates India’s independence from Britain in 1947. The Prime Minister gives a rousing speech from the Red Fort. Patriotic time, with government buildings suitably decorated and ceremonies held, especially in Delhi. Also, a time for families to get together. National public holiday when all government offices and many tourist attractions close.
- Parsi New Year (17th August) – Celebrated by Parsis who follow the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism.
- Janmashtami (changeable, August/September) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with offerings, fasting, and decorations on buildings. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (changeable, August/September) – Up to 10 days of celebrations for the birth of the highly-revered elephant-headed God, Ganesha.
- (Haryali/Hartalika) Teej (changeable, August/September) – 2-day celebrations for the arrival of the monsoon and marriage of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva. Lots of dancing and praying, mostly by women and girls.
Jaipur Events in September
- Navaratri (changeable, October/November) – Nine days of passionately celebrating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon, or Lord Rama over Ravana. Some celebrate with traditional dancing, others by fasting. In Kolkata, with fireworks, colorful parades, and cultural events.
- Dussehra (changeable, September/October) – Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the general battle of good over evil. Praying at temples, offerings of special food, and burning of Ravana’s effigies. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
Jaipur Events in October
- Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2nd) – Sombre occasion commemorating the birthday of the country’s founding father, Mahatma Gandhi. National holiday, when all government offices and many tourist attractions close.
- Karaka Chaturthi/Karva Chauth (changeable, October/November) – Venerating Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati, it’s a social occasion for families and friends. Also, fasting and other special ceremonies among married women to wish for long and healthy lives for their husbands.
- Diwali/Deepavali (changeable, October/November) – Major 5-day festival of lights, candles, and fireworks. Busy time for travel because it’s celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. One day is a public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
Jaipur Events in November
- Guru Nank Jayanti (changeable) – Celebrates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and is marked by prayers and parades for 3 days. Public holiday.
Jaipur Events in December
- Christmas Day (25th) – Celebrated by all Christians and most tourists. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated by most Indians and all tourists. Dinners and parties in high-end restaurants and hotels.
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