India, Asia

Rajasthan in December

Ideal sightseeing weather. Christmas to New Year is the busiest and most expensive stretch.

BestCool and clear, highs near 75F (24C), nights near 50F (10C)

Jaipur Amber Fort, Rajasthan — RajasthanPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Rajasthan. Ideal sightseeing weather. Christmas to New Year is the busiest and most expensive stretch.

Weather: Cool and clear, highs near 75F (24C), nights near 50F (10C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Rajasthan

December brings ideal sightseeing weather. Days are cool and clear, with highs near 75F (24C), and nights drop to about 50F (10C), colder in the desert. Crowds and prices are at their peak, especially from Christmas to New Year, the busiest and most expensive stretch of the year. Everything is open, and the soft winter light is lovely on the forts and palaces.

It suits families on school break, couples and first-timers who want the classic Rajasthan loop in comfort. Early December is the sweet spot for value and space. If you are traveling over the holidays, book hotels, trains and safaris months ahead.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Rajasthan this month.

Perfect fort weather

Cool days make climbing Amber Fort, Mehrangarh and Jaisalmer Fort comfortable from morning to evening.

Winter nights in the Thar

Desert camps near Jaisalmer offer campfires and clear starry skies, though nights are chilly.

Tiger safaris in cool air

Ranthambore game drives are pleasant, and the forest is open after the monsoon closure.

What to pack for December

A warm jacket for cold mornings and desert nights
Light layers for warm afternoons
A hat and gloves for early safaris
Comfortable walking shoes for fort climbs

Our timing tip

Travel in the first half of December, before the Christmas and New Year rush pushes prices and crowds to their highest.

Book Rajasthan for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Rajasthan
Opens a hotel search for Rajasthan in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Rajasthan
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Rajasthan
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Rajasthan for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Rajasthan

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

City Palace, Jaipur

The royal family still lives in part of it. Combine with the Jantar Mantar observatory and Hawa Mahal next door.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Udaipur and Lake Pichola

Take a sunset boat ride and visit the City Palace. The lakes are fullest after a good monsoon.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Ranthambore National Park

Book safari permits well ahead in peak season. Core zones close during the monsoon, roughly July to September.

Tickets and tours →

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Rajasthan?

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Rajasthan. Ideal sightseeing weather. Christmas to New Year is the busiest and most expensive stretch.

What is the weather like in Rajasthan in December?

Cool and clear, highs near 75F (24C), nights near 50F (10C).

Is Rajasthan crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Rajasthan; expect lines at the headline sights.