Travel time: Year-round
Jodhpur, famously known as the "Sun City," sits on the edge of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Its climate is classified as arid subtropical, defined by extreme temperature swings, minimal rainfall, and nearly year-round sunshine. Understanding the city's weather requires looking beyond the raw numbers to the unique desert dynamics that dictate daily life.
This is Jodhpur at its most intense. During these months, the city experiences "Loo" winds—hot, dry gusts coming from the west that can push daytime temperatures well above 40°C (104°F), often peaking near 48°C (118°F) in May. The heat is exceptionally dry, which can lead to rapid dehydration. Sandstorms, or andhi, are common occurrences, briefly turning the sky a dusty orange and significantly reducing visibility.
Unlike the coastal regions of India, Jodhpur receives limited monsoon rain. When it does rain, it usually comes in short, heavy bursts that provide temporary relief from the scorching heat. However, the primary shift during this season is the humidity. As the air becomes more saturated, the "feel-like" temperature can become quite oppressive, making the high 30s°C feel much hotter than the dry heat of May.
As the rains retreat, the sky clears completely. October is often referred to as a "second summer" because temperatures spike again, though the humidity drops. By November, the air softens, and the city enters its most pleasant phase, with warm days and rapidly cooling evenings.
Winter in Jodhpur is characterized by brilliant blue skies and sharp temperature drops after sunset. While daytime highs hover around a comfortable 24°C to 27°C (75°F–80°F), the desert floor loses heat quickly at night. Temperatures can plummet to 5°C (41°F) or lower, creating a dramatic diurnal range that requires adjusting to two different climates within a single 24-hour period.
In Jodhpur, the clock is the best indicator of weather behavior.
Historically, Jodhpur has been prone to droughts, which shaped its culture of water conservation and architecture. Locals have adapted to the heat through "cool corridors"—narrow, winding streets in the old city that remain shaded throughout the day. You will notice that traditional buildings feature thick stone walls and small windows (jharokhas) to minimize heat gain while allowing for cross-ventilation.
The sun in Jodhpur is described by locals as "sharp." Even on a cool winter day, the UV intensity is high, and the light can be blindingly bright against the desert landscape. The air is generally very still in the winter but can become turbulent and gusty during the pre-monsoon summer. In the heart of the city, the dense blue-washed buildings create a microclimate that can feel several degrees cooler than the exposed modern outskirts.