India, Asia
Rajasthan in October
The season opens. Diwali often falls in late October or November, lighting up palaces and forts.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Rajasthan. The season opens. Diwali often falls in late October or November, lighting up palaces and forts.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 91F (33C) early, cooling later
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What October is like in Rajasthan
October is when the season opens. Early in the month highs are still near 91F (33C), but the air cools as the weeks pass, and nights turn pleasant. Ranthambore's core zones reopen, and desert camps start up again. Crowds and prices climb quickly. Diwali often falls in late October or November, lighting up forts and bazaars, and the Pushkar Camel Fair can land late in the month.
It suits most travelers, especially in the second half, when the heat eases. Families will find it comfortable from mid month. If you want the coolest weather and do not mind peak prices, November and December are even better. If you are coming for Diwali or the fair, book months ahead.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Rajasthan this month.
Diwali lights
In years when the festival of lights falls in late October, forts, palaces and bazaars glow with lamps. It is peak domestic travel week.
Ranthambore reopens
The core safari zones open again after the monsoon, with green forest and fewer vehicles than in winter.
Pushkar Camel Fair in some years
When the Kartik Purnima full moon falls in late October, thousands of camels and traders gather at Pushkar.
What to pack for October
- Light clothes for warm days
- A light layer for cooler evenings later in the month
- A sun hat and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes for fort climbs
Our timing tip
Check the Diwali and camel fair dates for your year, since both move with the lunar calendar and fill hotels months ahead.
Book Rajasthan for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in RajasthanOpens a hotel search for Rajasthan in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Diwali
Late October or November, set by the lunar calendar
The festival of lights, with forts, palaces, and bazaars illuminated. Peak domestic travel week.
Pushkar Camel Fair
October or November, around the Kartik Purnima full moon
Thousands of camels and livestock traders, pilgrims bathing in the holy lake, and a carnival atmosphere. Book camps and hotels months ahead.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Rajasthan?
October is a good month to visit Rajasthan. The season opens. Diwali often falls in late October or November, lighting up palaces and forts.
What is the weather like in Rajasthan in October?
Warm, highs near 91F (33C) early, cooling later.
Is Rajasthan crowded in October?
Rajasthan is busy in October, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Rajasthan in October?
Diwali (late october or november, set by the lunar calendar); Pushkar Camel Fair (october or november, around the kartik purnima full moon).
Keep planning Rajasthan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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