The Best Time to Visit Jodhpur, India

India › Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
Updated: January 13, 2022
By Santorini Dave

See Also

When is the Best Time to Visit Jodhpur?

The best time to visit Jodhpur is October to March, except during Christmas and New Year’s. Temperatures range between 10°C and 34°C, and it’s dry and cool. December to February see the highest airfares and room rates, so advance booking is advisable.

Illuminated fort on a rocky hilltop at dusk

Mehrangarh Fort illuminated at twilight in Jodhpur, India. The best time to visit Jodhpur is October to March.

  • Best Time for Sightseeing: The climate is affected by Jodhpur’s position in the desert, so it can be extremely hot or cold, but the city doesn’t suffer from the sort of smog found in Delhi, fog that obstructs the Taj Mahal at Agra, or monsoons that flood Mumbai. Temperatures can rise to 40°C in April, May, and June. Rains fall between June and September. So, the ideal time for sightseeing is the dry and cooler months of October to March, but, if possible, avoid the peak period around Christmas and New Year.
  • Best Time for Weather: October to March is when rain is negligible and the days are mild, even cool, and often quite chilly at night, so come prepared. During the rest of the year, it’s either too wet or hot and made worse by the desert winds and dust storms.
  • Best Time for Honeymoons: The drier and cooler months between November and March are ideal for exploring the city and state, but Christmas/New Year is busy.
  • Best Time for National Parks: October to April are the driest and coolest. Many national parks close during the wet season (especially July and August).
  • Best Time for Nightlife: October to April. There isn’t a great choice of things to do after dark, but visiting a rooftop cafe near the fort will obviously be best when it’s dry.
  • Best Time for Saving Money: May to September. Jodhpur is a popular destination, when rates and airfares rocket during the drier and cooler months and over Christmas/New Year, especially.

Jodhpur Travel Seasons

  • High Season (December to February): The endless mild and dry days, which can turn chilly at night, understandably attract far more tourists than the hot and wet ones. Over 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 unpleasant; (2) the wet season; and (3) the 2-3 weeks around the Christmas/New Year period. During these 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 extreme heat in April, May, and June, average temperatures can top 40°C, which are compounded by the warm nights, 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 common and can disrupt travel plans.

Jodhpur Weather by Month

  • Jodhpur Weather in January: Popular time for festivals, markets, and weddings during day after day of dry and pleasant weather: about 26°C on average. After dark, it can get very cold, quickly plunging to as little as 10°C. This is also the peak season, especially around Christmas/New Year.
  • Jodhpur Weather in February: The cool and dry winter continues, with almost zero rain. Slightly warmer during the day and overnight than the previous month, so it’s still ideal for travel – especially because of the numerous festivals and outdoor attractions, and substantial decrease in tourist numbers compared to January.
  • Jodhpur Weather in March: Final month of ideal traveling conditions before the extreme heat and rain dominate. The days are now noticeably warmer, averaging about 34°C, and the nights are mild, rather than cold. Still, plenty to see across the city and state, and a marked reduction in tourist crowds (and hotel rates).
  • Jodhpur Weather in April: As daytime temperatures start rising to the mid to high-30°C, so, too, do the overnight averages (23°C) and humidity. Still very little rain, and almost none for the past 6 months, so everything is incredibly dry and dusty. The uncomfortable weather is made worse by hot winds and dust storms from the desert and occasional dry thunderstorms, especially later in the month.
  • Jodhpur Weather in May: Average temperatures quickly rise to 40°C, the highest for the year, and the humidity becomes more apparent, so traveling is particularly uncomfortable. Not unusual for dry lightning storms on the horizon as the wet season looms, and with overnight averages of about 27°C, most locals by now are lethargic. Some tourist businesses (including national parks) may close until September/October.
  • Jodhpur Weather in June: Daily temperatures remain at about 40°C, while overnight it climbs to a year-high average of 28°C. Some days it may peak at 45°C, which is simply too hot for anyone to be outside. While some significant rain is usually recorded later this month, most notable are the extreme humidity and increasing thunderstorms.
  • Jodhpur Weather in July: The wet season should have arrived quickly as the heat and humidity subsides. It doesn’t bucket down like Mumbai, but water-logging is still common around the streets of Jodhpur, which may affect bus and train travel. Discounted accommodations are normal, but some businesses (including national parks) may close for the next 2 or 3 months.
  • Jodhpur Weather in August: This is the second month of the brief wet season, with continuing downpours – almost guaranteed daily – which could affect travel plans. Dusty roads from about 6 weeks before may now be ankle-deep in mud. Hotel rates continue to be low while some businesses (and national parks) have closed. Average daytime temperatures have fallen to about 34°C, but are still warm overnight at 26°C.
  • Jodhpur Weather in September: Oddly, a slight increase in daytime temperatures to about 36°C, but a little cooler overnight on average. The amount of rainfall eases significantly during September, but quagmire tracks and flooded streets may still affect travel plans.
  • Jodhpur Weather in October: Can still average in the mid-30s (Celsius), but the rain has virtually stopped 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 and overnight temperatures dropping to a mild 20°C on average, this is a fabulous time to visit.
  • Jodhpur Weather in November: Start of the cool and dry winter and tourist season. The days are pleasantly warm, rather than hot, at about 32°C on average, and falling to a coolish 15°C overnight. Increased visitor numbers lead to higher prices for hotels and flights.
  • Jodhpur Weather in December: More superb weather – cool dry days, with no rain, humidity, or uncomfortable heat, but bring a jumper because it can be surprisingly cold overnight – 11°C on average. From the middle of the month, it’s the peak part of the high season, especially with European visitors, so book ahead. Festivals, markets, and weddings are now common all over the city and state.

Jodhpur 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.

Jodhpur 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.
  • 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.

Jodhpur 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.
  • Holi (changeable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the start to spring. Almost everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – is doused with colored water and/or powder.

Jodhpur 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.

Jodhpur in April

  • Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival (early April) – Fascinating and unique festival held at the Mehrangarh Fort over 3 days.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Jodhpur in May

  • Jodhpur Foundation Day (mid-May) – Very colorful commemoration of the city’s creation. Lights, music, festivals, stalls, and free entry for all to the fort.

Jodhpur in June

  • Nothing notable, and the weather across this part of India precludes outdoor events.

Jodhpur 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.

Jodhpur 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.
  • 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.

Jodhpur 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. The 9th day is Dussehra.
  • 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.
  • Rajasthan International Folk Festival (changeable, September/October) – Music and other traditional events held over 5 days at Mehrangarh Fort.

Jodhpur 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.
  • Marwar Festival (changeable) – 2-day event showcasing the culture and art of the city and region. Mostly traditional dancing and singing; also a polo game with camels. At Mehrangarh Fort and some top-end hotels.

Jodhpur 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.

Jodhpur 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.

All Jodhpur Hotel Reviews

Read More

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio. Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece and recommend the best hotels, best neighborhoods, and best family hotels in top destinations around the world. We also make hotel maps and travel videos. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.