The state of Rajasthan located in the western part of India has varying climate like its varying topography. The rocky Aravali, the western arid plains, the eastern fertile plains experiences different climatic conditions. The weather or climate of the Rajasthan can be broadly classified into four distint seasons.

They are -

• Pre-monsoon
• Monsoon
• Post-monsoon
• Pre-monsoon

This season is the most parched and sultry season of the year. It is actually the hot season that precedes the monsoon and extends from April to June. The temperature ranges from 32 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius. The desert in the west and the north west of the Aravali region becomes drier due to the scorching heat of the sun and the highest temperature is recorded about 45-48 degree Celsius during May and June. The sole hill station of the state - Mount Abu records the lowest temperature. In the arid regions however temperature falls steeply at night. Heavy winds blow from the western boundary and bring dust storms are known as Andhi.

Monsoon

The monsoon brings relief to the sultry and sun-baked terrain of Rajasthan during the month of June in the eastern region and mid- July in the western arid regions. The temperature drops from 40 to 35 degree. With the fall in temperature, humidity increases. The state receives maximum rainfall during this period. There is a second phase of monsoon that continues from July to September.

Post-Monsoon

This season is followed by the monsoon that commences from mid-September and continues till November. This season is once again characterized by heat and the average maximum temperature varies from 33 degrees C. to 38 degrees C. The average minimum temperature is between 18 degrees C and 20 degrees C.

Winter

The season with most favorable conditions is winter. In fact it is the beat time for the visiting Rajasthan. The glorious beauty of Rajasthan can only be experienced during this season. Winter in Rajasthan extends from December to March and January is the coldest month of the year. Temperature varies throughout the state and the lowest temperature recorded is 0 degree C especially in the Churu (city). There is slight rainfall in the north and north eastern region of the state. During this period, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning and 25% to 35%during noon time. On the average basis, winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F).

Average rainfall

The Average rainfall varies throughout the state. The western part that consists of the desert receives an annual rainfall of 100 mm (about 4 inches) .The South Eastern part of Rajasthan receives annually 650 mm (26 inches). The state receives a maximum rainfall during the monsoon season during the months of July to September.

The average temperature experienced by the state is

Geography

The Thar desert covers the western half of Rajasthan. The main geographic features of Rajasthan are the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range, which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other, for more than 850 km. Mount Abu is at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the West Banas River, although a series of broken ridges continues into Haryana in the direction of Delhi where it can be seen as outcrops in the form of the Raisina Hill and the ridges farther north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south.

The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry. Most of the region is covered by the Thar Desert, which extends into adjoining portions of Pakistan. The Aravalli Range intercepts the moisture-giving southwest monsoon winds off the Arabian Sea, leaving the northwestern region in a rain shadow. The Thar Desert is thinly populated; the town of Bikaner is the largest city in the desert. The Northwestern thorn scrub forests lie in a band around the Thar Desert, between the desert and the Aravallis. This region receives less than 400 mm of rain in an average year. Summer temperatures can exceed 45°C in the summer months and drop below freezing in the winter. The Godwar, Marwar, and Shekhawati regions lie in the thorn scrub forest zone, along with the city of Jodhpur. The Luni River and its tributaries are the major river system of Godwar and Marwar regions, draining the western slopes of the Aravallis and emptying southwest into the great Rann of Kutch wetland in neighboring Gujarat. This river is saline in the lower reaches and remains potable only up to Balotara in Barmer district. The Ghaggar River, which originates in Haryana, is an intermittent stream that disappears into the sands of the Thar Desert in the northern corner of the state and is seen as a remnant of the primitive Saraswati River.

The Aravalli Range adds diversity to the landscape of Rajasthan. The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are generally more fertile and better watered. This region is home to the Kathiarbar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion, with tropical dry broadleaf forests that include teak, Acacia, and other trees. The hilly Vagad region lies in southernmost Rajasthan, on the border with Gujarat. With the exception of Mount Abu, Vagad is the wettest region in Rajasthan, and the most heavily forested. North of Vagad lies the Mewar region, home to the cities of Udaipur and Chittaurgarh. The Hadoti region lies to the southeast, on the border with Madhya Pradesh. North of Hadoti and Mewar is the Dhundhar region, home to the state capital of Jaipur. Mewat, the easternmost region of Rajasthan, borders Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan is drained by the Banas and Chambal rivers, tributaries of the Ganges.

The Aravalli Range runs across the state from the southwest peak Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height, to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the northwest of the range and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Thar Desert. The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350 m above sea level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. In the south lies the hilly tract of Mewar. In the southeast, a large area within the districts of Kota and Bundi forms a tableland. To the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the Chambal River. Farther north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern Bharatpur district are part of an alluvial basin.

When to Visit in Rajasthan

Planning a trip to Rajasthan during monsoon that is from July to September will not be a bad idea. During this period, the state observes many fairs and festivals and gives you the opportunity to enjoy to the fullest.

The best way to visit rajasthan during the winter season. Sun basking in the winter months of Rajasthan can be an ultimate experience. Get indulged in outdoor activities, enjoy camel and elephant safari, and witness the fairs and festivals. Go shopping for colorful fabrics, ethnic jewelry, mojaris with intricate designs and traditional handicrafts for yourself or your loved ones. The chilled evenings and nights provide you with the opportunity to sit beside bonfires, enjoying local food and listening to folk music and tales of royal heroism, loyalty & love.