India, Asia
Rajasthan in April
Heat arrives in force. Ranthambore tiger sightings improve as animals gather at water, but midday is brutal.
The straight answer
April is a month of real tradeoffs in Rajasthan. Heat arrives in force. Ranthambore tiger sightings improve as animals gather at water, but midday is brutal.
- Weather
- Hot, highs near 99F (37C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What April is like in Rajasthan
April is when the heat arrives in force. Highs are near 99F (37C), and midday is brutal, so sightseeing shrinks to early mornings and evenings. Crowds thin out and prices drop. Many desert camps near Jaisalmer close for the season from about April. The one bright spot is Ranthambore, where tiger sightings improve as animals gather at water holes.
It suits wildlife lovers focused on Ranthambore and budget travelers who can handle heat and plan around it. It is not a good month for families with young children, since the heat can be dangerous. For comfortable sightseeing, come between October and March.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Rajasthan this month.
Tiger sightings at Ranthambore
With water scarce, tigers gather near the lakes and water holes, making sightings more likely on early drives.
Lower hotel rates
Heritage hotels offer better prices as the season winds down.
Quiet forts at opening time
Amber Fort and Mehrangarh are calm first thing in the morning, before the heat builds.
What to pack for April
- Loose, light cotton or linen clothes
- A wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- A large refillable water bottle and electrolyte packets
- A light scarf to cover your neck and head from sun
Our timing tip
Take the first safari slot of the day at Ranthambore, when it is coolest and the animals are most active.
Book Rajasthan for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in RajasthanOpens a hotel search for Rajasthan in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in RajasthanWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in RajasthanTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Rajasthan for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Rajasthan
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Go at opening to beat the heat and the tour buses. Walk up or take a jeep rather than an elephant ride.
City Palace, Jaipur
The royal family still lives in part of it. Combine with the Jantar Mantar observatory and Hawa Mahal next door.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
One of India's most impressive forts, with an excellent audio guide. Sunset from the ramparts over the blue city is unforgettable.
Udaipur and Lake Pichola
Take a sunset boat ride and visit the City Palace. The lakes are fullest after a good monsoon.
Jaisalmer Fort and the Thar dunes
A living fort with homes and shops inside, and desert camps at the Sam or Khuri dunes. Best from November to February.
Ranthambore National Park
Book safari permits well ahead in peak season. Core zones close during the monsoon, roughly July to September.
Beat the crowds
- Hit Amber Fort, Mehrangarh, and City Palace at opening time. By 10am in season the tour buses from Delhi have arrived.
- February and early March have excellent weather with fewer crowds than December's holiday rush.
- Avoid Diwali week and Christmas to New Year for the big cities unless you book months ahead. Domestic travel peaks and prices can double.
- Stay in smaller towns such as Bundi, Chittorgarh, or Kumbhalgarh to break up the circuit and see forts without crowds.
Know before you go
- Ranthambore's core safari zones close for the monsoon from roughly July 1 to September 30. Some buffer zones stay open.
- Many desert camps near Jaisalmer close from about April to September because of heat.
- Some heritage hotels reduce services or close wings in the summer low season.
- During Holi, many shops close in the morning and the streets can be rowdy. Wear old clothes and keep your valuables safe.
Rajasthan in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Rajasthan?
April is a month of real tradeoffs in Rajasthan. Heat arrives in force. Ranthambore tiger sightings improve as animals gather at water, but midday is brutal.
What is the weather like in Rajasthan in April?
Hot, highs near 99F (37C).
Is Rajasthan crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Rajasthan; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Rajasthan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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