Jaipur or the Pink City of India is by far my favorite city on the planet. The entire damn world hasn’t compared to this gem where my dad was raised. Maybe it’s the history I have with this place or just the general feeling of belonging. Jaipur is an urban adventure filled with incredible things to do, loud people, sneaky monkeys, an occasional camel and the best food you have ever tasted. To have the most amazing trip make sure you know what the best time to visit Jaipur is.
Weather in Jaipur now
JAIPUR WEATHERWhen to visit Jaipur?
The best time to visit Jaipur is between the months of October and February. The weather ranges between 5 degree celsius at night and 25 degree celsius during the day. The weather in Jaipur is arid and dry during these months. These months see a lot of festivals taking place including the kite festival, Diwali and the Jaipur Literature festival. Summers in Jaipur are unbearably hot. Temperatures average above 45 degree celsius and it’s impossible to go sightseeing during the day. Monsoons have torrential rain all throughout Northern India which also make it hard to travel properly.
Weather in Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is an arid desert region with dry lands for most of the area. The temperatures here are higher than the rest of the country. This makes it impossible to visit the area during summer. It is literally impossible to step out of the house during summer months. The temperatures reach above 45 degree celsius on average. You will be dripping with sweat within a few seconds. The good thing about Jaipur is that even during monsoons the rain lets up during the mornings so if you are a budget traveler then its possible to travel during monsoons.
Monsoon weather
Jaipur is situated in the arid Thar Desert which causes an area of low pressure during summers. This draws in the air from the Arabian Sea to the south-west with high levels of moisture. Monsoon in northern India is from July to September. Indian rain is torrential and relentless with rains lasting the whole day. Rajasthan however gets a little luckier and the rain lets up during the day. Evening showers are common and they bring respite from the humid hot weather during the day. The thunderstorms are actually amazing and nature turns lush and gorgeous. Rajasthan is one of the only regions of India which can be visited during monsoons. If you are a budget traveler this is the perfect time to get low prices.
Summer weather
The summer season begins in March and lasts until June. The heat during the summer is unbearable and makes sightseeing impossible. Temperatures regularly reach to 45 degree celsius. Jaipur is also situated in the middle of the Thar desert which makes it one of the hottest areas in the country. Heat stroke is a danger when stepping out during the day. If you find yourself in Jaipur during the summers make sure to drink lots of water, keep cool in the shade and try to only step out during the evenings.
Winter weather
Lasting from October to February, winters are the best time to visit Jaipur. The days have an average temperature of 25 degree celsius and the nights are cold with temperatures dropping to 5 degree celsius. This makes it ideal weather to sightsee during the days and cuddle next to the fire at night. Another reason winter is the best time to visit Jaipur is the neighboring Ranthambore National Park is open for safaris. Carry heavy woolens to make sure you don’t get cold since India doesn’t have central heating. Jaipur and most of northern India have dense fog during the morning which causes regular disruptions to flights and trains. Keep this in mind when booking travel.
Festivals in Jaipur
Some of the most amazing festivals in the country take place in the state of Rajasthan. Teej, the Elephant Festival, Makar Sankranti, Gangaur, Holi, Camel festival, Dussehra and Diwali all take place between October and March which is peak tourist season.
Opening season for national parks
Another reason the best time to visit Jaipur is during winters is that the neighboring Ranthambore National Park is open again after the monsoons. You can take a safari to see tigers, buffalos and other animals in the wild. It is one of the top things to do in Jaipur.
Kite Festival
Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated throughout North India. It is a Hindu festival honoring the sun god. From this day forth the sun begins its journey north and days get longer. It is celebrated in different ways across India. In Jaipur the auspicious day is celebrated with a kite festival. The sky is filled with hundreds of kites and kiters try to cut each other’s kites and then run to steal them.
Markets everywhere are filled with kites of a thousand colors. Expert kiters like my uncle go out days earlier to buy good kites and get good string. The kids are then taught how to tie the strings on kites to make them the most stable and how to launch kites. It is the most amazing feeling when you launch your first kite and it successfully goes up in the air.
From 14th to 16th January every year the International Jaipur Kite festival is held at the Jaipur Polo Ground. You can see the most gorgeous huge kites in every color possible light up the sky. The festival consists of a Kite War and a friendly kite flying series. At the end of the 3 days the prizes are distributed in the Umaid Bhawan Palace’s royal gardens.
Jaipur Literature Festival
The Jaipur Literature Festival is the world’s largest literary festival held each year during January. It is attended by over half a million people and more than 250 renowned authors such as Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee make appearances. The festival is a melting pot of culture, literature and unique experiences of people across the world. Eminent personalities like His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Oprah Winfrey, Amartya Sen, Thomas Piketty, Amitabh Bachchan and Pulitzer winner Dexter Filkins regularly give talks.
The Jaipur Literature Festival is held each year at the gorgeous Diggi Palace Hotel. Panels are held inside the gorgeous Hall of Audience and throughout the gardens of the palace. Weekdays are the best days to go. You can enjoy good Indian food in the soft winter sun.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Jaipur is during either October when you can experience Diwali or during February with festivals like the kite festival and the Jaipur Literature festivals taking place in the city.
