Travel time: Ajmeer shareef
Visiting Ajmer in late May means entering the final, most intense stage of the Rajasthani summer. This is a period defined by extreme heat, clear skies, and a landscape that feels like it is holding its breath for the coming monsoon.
May is historically the hottest month in Ajmer. Unlike the humid heat found in coastal India, the climate here is predominantly arid. By late May, the region is in a transitional phase; while the days remain punishingly hot and dry, there is a very slight, rapid increase in cloud cover towards the end of the month as the atmosphere shifts toward the pre-monsoon state.
A defining feature of May in Rajasthan is the 'Loo'—a strong, dusty, and hot summer wind that blows from the west. These winds can feel like a hairdryer held against your face. Occasionally, the interaction of high heat and atmospheric pressure leads to Andhi (dust storms), which can momentarily obscure the sun and drop the visibility, followed by very rare, brief pre-monsoon thundershowers that raise the humidity without significantly cooling the air.
While the relative humidity is quite low (around 22–30%), the heat is "oppressive" due to the sheer intensity of the infrared radiation. You won't necessarily feel sweaty because your perspiration evaporates almost instantly in the dry air, which can lead to dehydration before you notice it. The wind in May is also at its peak average speed for the year, which facilitates this rapid moisture loss.
Locals have lived with this climate for centuries, and you will see this reflected in the city’s architecture. The narrow, winding alleys near the Dargah Sharif provide natural shade and wind tunnels. Inside the marble complexes of the shrines, the white stone reflects the sun, though the surface can become very hot underfoot. In contrast, the areas near Ana Sagar Lake may feel slightly more humid, though the cooling effect of the water is minimal during the daytime peaks.