September: 86 places at their best

India, Asia

Rajasthan in September

Monsoon eases, landscapes are green, and prices are still low. Heat can be heavy.

Quiet valueDrying out, highs near 91F (33C)
Jaipur Amber Fort, Rajasthan
RajasthanPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

September is a quiet, good-value month to visit Rajasthan. Monsoon eases, landscapes are green, and prices are still low. Heat can be heavy.

Weather
Drying out, highs near 91F (33C)
Crowds
2 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What September is like in Rajasthan

September is when the monsoon eases. Highs are near 91F (33C), the heat can still feel heavy, but rain becomes less frequent and the landscapes stay green. Crowds are light and prices still low, making it a value month before the season opens in October. Ranthambore's core zones stay closed until the end of the month, and desert camps are only starting to prepare for reopening.

It suits budget travelers and those who want forts and palaces with few other visitors, as long as they can handle warm afternoons. Families and first-timers should wait for October or November, when the weather cools and everything is open.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Rajasthan this month.

01

Green hills, few crowds

The countryside is still lush after the rains, and major sights like the City Palace in Jaipur are quiet.

02

Udaipur's lakes still full

Lake Pichola stays high after the monsoon, so boat rides and lakeside dinners are lovely.

03

Low prices before the season

Hotels are still at low-season rates, a good deal compared with November.

What to pack for September

  • Light, breathable clothes
  • A compact umbrella for passing showers
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Save outdoor sights for early morning and late afternoon, since September afternoons can still be hot and humid.

Book Rajasthan for September.

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Things to do in Rajasthan

Full guide
01

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 →

02

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 →

03

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 →

04

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 →

05

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 →

06

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Rajasthan?

September is a quiet, good-value month to visit Rajasthan. Monsoon eases, landscapes are green, and prices are still low. Heat can be heavy.

What is the weather like in Rajasthan in September?

Drying out, highs near 91F (33C).

Is Rajasthan crowded in September?

September 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.

  1. 01Rajasthan in AugustThe month before: Monsoon, highs near 90F (32C)Tradeoffs
  2. 02Rajasthan in OctoberThe month after: Warm, highs near 91F (33C) early, cooling laterGood
  3. 03Rajasthan in NovemberThe next best month: Pleasant, highs near 84F (29C), cool nightsBest

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