Jaisalmer, often referred to as “The Golden City of India,” was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. What sets this city apart is its distinctive architecture, mostly characterized by the use of yellow sandstone, imparting a captivating golden hue to its buildings. Nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, near the India-Pakistan border, Jaisalmer is renowned for its vast stretches of golden sand dunes, adventurous desert safaris, magnificent Jain temples, and the historic Jaisalmer Fort. However, to make the most of your visit, it’s crucial to select the best time to visit Jaisalmer, as the climate remains hot and humid for the majority of the year.
Understanding the seasons and their impact on your travel experience can greatly enhance your trip. Whether you wish to explore the bustling markets of the old town, embark on a thrilling camel safari through the desert, or witness vibrant cultural festivals, the timing of your visit can significantly influence the quality of your Jaisalmer experience.
Let’s dig deeper into the climate and various travel seasons to discover the best time to visit Jaisalmer.
When is the Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer?
November to February is the best time to visit Jaisalmer, as the weather is perfect for experiencing a wide range of activities. During this period, Jaisalmer comes alive with its rich heritage, making it an ideal time for tourists. The main attractions during these months are the festivals, including Christmas, New Year, and the famous desert festival known as Maru Mahotsav. However, it’s important to note that this is also the peak tourist season in Jaisalmer, so you can expect large crowds and significant increases in hotel and flight prices.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer for Sightseeing
The best time to visit Jaisalmer for sightseeing is from September to March. During these months, the temperature ranges between 10 to 35 degrees Celsius, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you prefer a tranquil environment with fewer crowds, September, October, and March are ideal choices. On the other hand, if you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a bustling crowd, November, December, January, and February are the perfect months to experience Jaisalmer’s livelier side.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer for adventure lovers
Camel Safari, Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Desert Camping, Parasailing, and Quad Biking are some of the best things to do in Jaisalmer for adventure lovers. However, due to the hot, humid, and arid weather, you can’t enjoy all these activities throughout the year. The best seasons for indulging in these adventure activities in Jaisalmer are winter and monsoon. During these seasons, the cool and pleasant temperatures create an ideal environment for participating in outdoor activities.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer for honeymoon couples
The best time to visit Jaisalmer for a romantic getaway is from October to February. During this period, the daytime temperature ranges from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius, while it drops to around 5 degrees Celsius at night. However, it’s worth noting that from December to January, Jaisalmer tends to attract a high number of tourists. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter experience and want to avoid the crowds, the ideal months to visit are October, November, and February.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer for nightlife
In Jaisalmer, some of the best nightlife options include desert safari, night camping, camel safari, bar & pub hopping, and night shows. The ideal season to fully relish the nightlife in Jaisalmer is from October to March.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer for a Budget Trip
The best months for a budget trip to Jaisalmer are October, November, last 2 weeks of January, February, and March. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, and there are excellent opportunities to secure budget-friendly deals on hotels and flights. It’s advisable to avoid visiting in December and the first two weeks of January since these are the peak tourist months in Jaisalmer, leading to increased prices for both accommodations and flights. Consider planning your trip around the recommended months to make the most of your budget.
Jaisalmer Tourists Season
Peak Season (October to March)
From October to March, Jaisalmer receives the highest number of tourists. The pleasant climate, exciting activities, and vibrant festivals attract visitors to Jaisalmer during these months. With temperatures ranging between 5 and 26 degrees Celsius, it is an ideal time for outdoor activities. Days remain warm and comfortable, while nights can be a bit chilly.
Festivals – Christmas, New Year and 3 days of Jaisalmer desert festival (January or February) are the best festivals you can enjoy in Jaisalmer.
Best things to do
- Experience adventurous activities including camel safari, desert safari, desert camping, dune bashing and quad biking.
- Visit the historical Jaisalmer fort.
- Enjoy the scenic views of Gadisar lake.
- Admire the desert wildlife at Desert National Park.
- Visit the abandoned village, Kuldhara.
- Enjoy local cuisines.
What To Pack – As I said above the night can be a bit cold and the day can be warm so it’s good to pack some layers of woolen, full-sleeve shirts, good shoes, sunscreen, shawls, sunglasses, water bottles and a good camera.
Off Season (April to July)
April to July are the hottest months in Jaisalmer, with the sun at its peak and the weather becoming humid. During this period, due to excessive heat and humidity, these are the worst months to visit Jaisalmer. The average temperature hovers around 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, and at times, it becomes very hard to even step out of your room.
Due to the scorching heat, most outdoor activities are suspended during the summer months. Therefore, it is not advisable to visit Jaisalmer in the summer.
Moderate Season (August & September)
August and September are the best months to travel to Jaisalmer on a budget trip. During this time, the rain provides some respite from the heat, although with excessive humidity. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy outdoor activities, and the surroundings become lush. As it falls during the shoulder season, this is the perfect time to avoid crowds and secure the lowest deals on hotel and flight bookings. Additionally, most of the activities are open during these months, making it an excellent time to visit Jaisalmer.
Festival – Participate in Baba Ramdev Ji Ramdevra fair which is held every year in August and September at the village of Ramdevra – 102 KM from Jaisalmer. It is a 7-day fair. Due to its popularity, it is also known as the Kumbh Mela of Rajasthan.
Things to do
- Explore famous tourist attractions including Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer War Museum, Tanot Mata and Jain temples.
- Go offbeat with Kuldhara village, Sam Sand dunes, Khoondi, and Desert National Park.
- Adventure seekers should try Desert camping, Camel Safari, Dune Bashing, Desert Safari and Parasailing.
- What To Pack – Light clothes, good shoes, sleepers, a good camera, sunscreen, a water bottle, an umbrella, a cap and tops to protect arms & hands.
Tips – Start your day by waking up early in the morning and exploring during the early hours or late evening. It’s advisable to skip the peak afternoon hours to avoid the intense sunburn and heat.
Climate of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, being a desert town and the driest city in India, experiences a hot and arid climate for most of the year. The temperature here fluctuates significantly from day to night. Summers are characterized by high temperatures and humidity, while winters bring pleasant and cool weather. During the summer months, temperatures can vary between 23 to 45 degrees Celsius, while in winter, they range between 5 to 20 degrees Celsius. Interestingly, the monsoon season has almost negligible impact in Jaisalmer. Now, let’s delve deeper and explore what each of these seasons has to offer in terms of climate and experiences –
Jaisalmer In Summer
Jaisalmer experiences scorching summer heat from April to June, with temperatures ranging between 23 to 46 degrees Celsius. This period is the least favorable time to visit Jaisalmer due to the unbearable heat of the sun, making it extremely difficult to engage in outdoor sightseeing activities. However, desert safaris and camel safaris are still common activities during this season.
Jaisalmer In Monsoon
The monsoon in Jaisalmer typically begins in July and lasts until October, making it the second-best season to visit this enchanting city. During this period, the average temperature fluctuates between 27 to 37 degrees Celsius.
While the region receives relatively little rainfall, it has a transformative effect on the surrounding landscape, turning it a lush green. The rain makes the weather pleasant, although humidity is present. Consequently, you can comfortably venture out to explore the city’s tourist attractions, but it’s advisable to avoid the peak afternoon hours.
One significant advantage of visiting during the monsoon is that it isn’t a peak tourist season in Jaisalmer, resulting in lower crowds and more affordable options for accommodations and flights.
Jaisalmer In Winter
October marks the beginning of winter in Jaisalmer, a season that lasts until March. Winter stands out as the best time to visit Jaisalmer due to its enjoyable and cool climate. During this season, temperatures typically range from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, occasionally dropping to as low as 0 degrees Celsius.
In the daytime, winter in Jaisalmer offers extremely pleasant conditions for sightseeing and engaging in various activities. As night falls, the temperature cools down, creating the perfect ambiance for sipping hot beverages and partaking in lively drinks. However, it’s important to note that this is the peak tourist season in Jaisalmer, so a significant influx of visitors is expected. To avoid last-minute hassles, I highly recommend booking your hotel and flight well in advance.
Jaisalmer Annual Weather
| Month | Avg. Temperature | Our Recommendation |
| January | 5 to 20 deg C | Best time to visit |
| February | 10 to 25 deg C | Best time to visit |
| March | 18 to 32 deg C | Best time to visit |
| April | 24 to 39 deg C | Not ideal |
| May | 26 to 41 deg C | Not ideal |
| June | 27 to 40 deg C | Not ideal |
| July | 27 to 38 deg C | Not ideal |
| August | 24 to 35 deg C | Good time to visit |
| September | 25 to 36 deg C | Good time to visit |
| October | 21 to 34 deg C | Best time to visit |
| November | 15 to 30 deg C | Best time to visit |
| December | 10 to 22 deg C | Best time to visit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best time to visit Thar Desert?
The best time to visit Thar Desert is from October to February. During these months, the climate becomes pleasant for exploration. The days become warm but bearable, while the nights can be cold.
Which month is best for Jaisalmer?
November and February stand out as the best months to visit Jaisalmer. Just before the peak season in November and after the peak season in February, you’ll find the perfect window of opportunity when the crowds are low, and hotel and flight prices are at their most affordable. Furthermore, during these months, you can fully indulge in the wide array of activities that this captivating city has to offer.
Which is the coldest month in Jaisalmer?
January is the coldest month in Jaisalmer. The temperature ranges between 5 to 20 degree Celsius.
How many days are enough for Jaisalmer?
To fully savor the best of Jaisalmer, you’ll need a minimum of three days. On your first day, explore the local attractions. Day two is perfect for indulging in adventurous activities, and on the third day, you can immerse yourself in offbeat attractions and shopping.
Is Jaisalmer expensive to visit?
The cost of visiting Jaisalmer depends on the individual’s preferences regarding expenditures on hotels, meals, and transportation. On average, the daily cost for a single person would be around 3000 INR, with approximately 1200 INR allocated for a hotel room for one day, and the remaining amount designated for food and transportation. Therefore, visiting Jaisalmer is not expensive on average, provided you can effectively manage your funds.
What is the special of Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer, known for its golden sandstone architecture, sand dunes, Jain temples, and the magnificent golden fort, is a city adorned with beautiful havelis. The city’s unique culture, thousand-year-old history, and delectable cuisines serve as the cherry on top, making it a truly enchanting destination.
Which is the best time to visit Jaisalmer sand dunes?
Winter (October to February) is the perfect time to visit Jaisalmer sand dunes when the climate becomes cool.