The best time to visit Pushkar depends on the type of experience you are looking for. A sacred town in Rajasthan, Pushkar is one of the most vibrant regions in the country. It is also a popular pilgrimage destination, with 52 ghats and around 400 temples! Every celebration here is larger than life, and this is a city that should definitely be on your bucket list. Read on to find out the best time to visit Pushkar.
Winter season in Pushkar (October to February)
Winter is the peak season for tourism in Pushkar. As the year moves towards November, the climate becomes cooler. Temperatures range from 8 to 24 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally quite pleasant and comfortable for being in the great outdoors.
Naturally, you will find large crowds of people during this time, as everyone wants to enjoy this ideal time exploring the beautiful city. Plus, this is the season when the Pushkar Camel Fair takes place in November. People from all over the world visit this festival to trade and participate in various cultural activities.
Makar Sankranti and the International Kite Festival also take place in Pushkar in the winter season, so you will definitely encounter more tourists during this time.
Visit the holy Pushkar Lake, with its 52 ghats and more than 400 temples surrounding it. Experience the spiritual vibe of the place. Take a camel safari across the sand dunes of Pushkar. This is also a good time for a hot balloon ride, or adventure activities like zip lining, zorbing, and quad biking. Check out the things to do in Pushkar in our blog.
Flights and accommodation prices also increase, so make sure you book everything in advance. Carry some light woollens with you, as it can get chilly at night.
Summer season in Pushkar (March to June)
Summers in Pushkar are intense, hot, and dry. This is not the best time to visit Pushkar. The temperatures often hover around 45 degrees Celsius, and there are water shortages in many parts of the region.
However, if you are on a budget and can withstand the heat, this can be a good time to visit Pushkar. For one, you will get good discounts on accommodations and tickets. Secondly, with fewer tourists around, you will have most of the tourist attractions to yourself.
The late evenings and nights are comparatively cooler, so it’s not as if you miss out on everything outdoors. Just try not to venture out in the peak afternoons.
You can stroll around Pushkar Lake during early mornings or late evenings. Catch a sunrise or experience the spiritual aarti that takes place at Varah Ghat in the evening. Go shopping for souvenirs at the markets of Pushkar.
The festival of Holi takes place in March, and Pushkar is one of the best places in India to celebrate this festival of colors.
Wear loose, breathable clothes and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid a heatstroke. Apply sunscreen generously and carry a cap or hat and sunglasses with you.
Monsoon season in Pushkar (July to September)
The monsoon season in Pushkar is from July to September. The landscape completely transforms into a verdant paradise, with overflowing lakes and waterfalls cascading from the Aravalli Hills. Pushkar in monsoons is truly a sight to behold.
The temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is pretty high. It is not the best time to visit Pushkar, but if you don’t mind the rains, you should definitely think about planning a trip during the rainy season.
The crowds are less, and you will get discounts on everything. You can even go for a luxury staycation at low prices during this season. Visit the temples around the ghats, or sit in one of the many cafes, sipping on some hot drinks while it rains outside.
Make sure to carry an umbrella or raincoat with you at all times. Also be prepared for delays and cancellations in plans, as rains tend to disrupt many itineraries. Stay hydrated and avoid street food during this season. Drink only bottled water.
Read more: Accommodations in Pushkar
Festivals and events in Pushkar
Makar Sankranti: Known as the Kite Festival, Makar Sankranti takes place on 14th or 15th January every year in India. Pushkar celebrates the festival with a kite flying competition, traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances, and camel races.
Pushkar Mela: The Pushkar Mela, or the Pushkar Camel Fair, takes place in Pushkar in October or November every year. The week-long festival sees thousands of tourists and traders flocking to Pushkar for this event. While primarily a camel trading fair, the event also has many cultural and traditional events, competitions, performances, and religious practices.
Holi: Holi, the festival of colors, is a vibrant celebration in Pushkar. Taking place in March every year, the festival features colorful processions, singing, and dancing. If you are traveling here in March, try to plan your holiday around the festival.
So, when will you be visiting Pushkar? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan personalized itineraries to India for you, based on your likes and dislikes. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
