India, Asia

Rajasthan in January

Cool, clear, and peak season. The Jaipur Literature Festival draws a crowd late in the month.

BestSunny, Jaipur highs near 72F (22C), nights near 46F (8C)

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Rajasthan. Cool, clear, and peak season. The Jaipur Literature Festival draws a crowd late in the month.

Weather: Sunny, Jaipur highs near 72F (22C), nights near 46F (8C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Rajasthan

January is peak season in Rajasthan, and for good reason. Days are sunny and cool, with Jaipur highs near 72F (22C), but nights drop to about 46F (8C), and the desert gets colder still. The light is clear and golden for photos of forts and palaces. Crowds and prices are high, and Jaipur hotels fill during the Jaipur Literature Festival late in the month.

It suits nearly everyone: first-timers, families, couples and photographers. It is the best time for desert camps near Jaisalmer, as long as you pack warm layers for the nights. Book early. If you want similar weather at slightly calmer levels, early March is a good alternative.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Rajasthan this month.

Jaipur Literature Festival

One of the world's biggest free literature festivals, late in the month. Book Jaipur hotels early for that week.

Desert camps near Jaisalmer

Cool days make camel rides and nights at the Sam or Khuri dunes comfortable, with bright stars overhead.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival in some years

When the festival falls in late January, expect camel races, folk music and turban-tying contests near Jaisalmer.

What to pack for January

A warm fleece or down jacket for cold mornings and desert nights
Light layers for warm afternoons
A scarf or shawl, useful for temples and dusty drives
Comfortable walking shoes that slip off easily at temples

Our timing tip

Reach Amber Fort right at opening, before the tour buses, and walk up or take a jeep rather than an elephant ride.

Book Rajasthan for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Rajasthan
Opens a hotel search for Rajasthan in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Jaipur Literature Festival

Late January

One of the world's biggest free literature festivals. Jaipur hotels fill that week.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Late January or February, around the full moon of the month of Magh

Camel races, folk music, and turban-tying contests in the desert near Jaisalmer.

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Rajasthan?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Rajasthan. Cool, clear, and peak season. The Jaipur Literature Festival draws a crowd late in the month.

What is the weather like in Rajasthan in January?

Sunny, Jaipur highs near 72F (22C), nights near 46F (8C).

Is Rajasthan crowded in January?

Rajasthan is busy in January, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Rajasthan in January?

Jaipur Literature Festival (late january); Jaisalmer Desert Festival (late january or february, around the full moon of the month of magh).