Bikaner Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons in the Thar Desert

Bikaner is situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, characterized by an arid subtropical climate with extreme temperature swings and minimal precipitation. The city experiences three distinct stages: a punishingly hot pre-monsoon summer, a brief and volatile monsoon, and a long, dry, and cool winter.

Seasonal Weather Trends

Summer (March to June)

Summers in Bikaner are formidable. Starting in late March, temperatures climb rapidly, reaching peaks that frequently exceed 45°C (113°F) by May and June. During this peak, the air is bone-dry, often resulting in humidity levels as low as 10-15%.

• The Loo Wind: A defining feature of Bikaner’s summer is the "Loo," a fierce, dust-laden, and scorching wind blowing from the west. It can cause temperatures to spike and poses a risk of heatstroke for those staying outdoors during peak daylight hours.
• Dust Storms (Kali Andhi): Toward late summer, the city often experiences violent dust storms known locally as Kali Andhi (Black Clouds), which can temporarily drop visibility to near zero as desert sands are whipped up by pre-monsoon turbulence.

Monsoon (July to September)

The arrival of the monsoon in early July brings a dramatic shift. While Bikaner remains one of India’s driest cities—averaging only about 290mm (11.4 inches) of rain annually—the moisture significantly alters the "feel" of the heat.

• Humidity Spike: Temperatures drop to a more manageable 30°C–35°C (86°F–95°F), but relative humidity rises sharply, making the air feel sticky and heavy even when the sun isn’t out.
• Landscape Transformation: Even with light rainfall, the arid desert scrub turns surprisingly green, providing a brief aesthetic reprieve from the usual golden hues of the landscape.

Winter (October to March)

Widely considered the most pleasant time in the region, the winter climate is crisp and clear. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 22°C–25°C (72°F–77°F), under bright, cloudless skies.

• Cold Waves: Because the desert floor radiates heat rapidly at night, temperatures can plummet to 5°C (41°F) or lower. In some years, occasional cold waves from the north push temperatures toward the freezing point, particularly in January.
• Morning Fog: While rare compared to the Gangetic plains, December and January mornings can occasionally witness dense desert fog that clears by mid-morning.

Daily Climate Behavior

In Bikaner, the most important rule is the diurnal variation—the difference between day and night temperatures. Due to the lack of vegetation and moisture to hold heat, the desert heats up quickly after sunrise and cools down just as fast after sunset.

• Day: Strong solar radiation makes outdoor activity best suited for early morning or late afternoon.
• Night: Even in the height of summer, nights can feel surprisingly cool compared to the stagnant heat found in tropical cities. In winter, the temperature drop can be as much as 20°C (36°F) within a few hours of sunset.

Historical Context & Local Adaptation

Historically, Bikaner was a critical caravan stop on the Silk Road, and its architecture reflects centuries of weather adaptation. Locals often utilize Khas (vetiver) screens on windows, which are kept damp to use the high evaporation rates for natural air conditioning.

During the summer, the city traditionally observes a "siesta" culture where bustling bazaars fall silent in the afternoon as residents retreat to the cool, thick-walled interiors of traditional havelis. Activity surges after 7:00 PM when the desert air begins to stir and lose the day’s intensity.