Jaisalmer is a sprawling city in the western part of Rajasthan and it is one of the most culturally important as well.  Those who are visiting Rajasthan for the first time and want to experience true Rajasthani culture, will find that Jaisalmer offers you most of it. This is because Jaisalmer, which was once a very important center of trade and commerce with the western countries, is situated deep in the Thar Desert. This is why it had evaded many invasions in the past whereas Chittor had always been repeatedly attacked. Invaders just could not come this far into the desert most of the time because they could not withstand the dryness and aridity. Hence, many age old traditions and cultures are still followed here. Read on to find out about the best season to visit Jaisalmer:

Jaisalmer summers

Summers in Jaisalmer can be really very scorching. If you are not used to the heat, if you have a tendency to get heat allergy when out in the sun, or you are prone to getting sun strokes, then you should avoid Jaisalmer during the months of April to June. It is no secret that deserts are very hot and considering Jaisalmer is located in the more remote, dryer part of Rajasthan, right in the heart of the Thar Desert, it can really get very hot here. The temperatures around noon easily crossed 45 degrees.

However, the heat is an encumbrance only if you are trying to spend your time outdoors and you have not taken adequate measures. Keeping yourself hydrated and be sure to take extra water bottles with you when you are out traveling. Carry your sunglasses and wear light colored, cotton garments. Have a car to move around, and if it is air- conditioned, then all the better. Most of the heat is generated from the scorching sand underneath, and be sure to wear thick soled shoes to avoid the heating from getting to you. Very hot breeze, called the loo, blows during the noon and you would do good to stay away from it.

Once you have taken these measures, then it becomes a lot easier to easier to combat the heat. It is advisable to start very early in the mornings, at 5:30 am or so and have a look around and then return to your hotel by 10 am. Next, start for sightseeing again after the sun has gone down after 6 pm. In the summers, most of the action takes places after sundown and the night air is much cooler. You can enjoy the Jaisalmer Festival at night which takes place near the foothills of the Jaisalmer fort. It is a magnificent light and sound show and the entire culture of Jaisalmer comes alive. You can also opt for night camping, and you can sleep under the stars. Night desert safari an also be arranged for if you want to do something truly exciting and your tour operator could arrange it for you, depending on the availability of vehicles. Many hotels and restaurants here also arrange for rooftop dinners and you can have a wonderful and authentic Rajasthani dinner in the open, enjoying the cool night breeze and while gazing at the Jaisalmer fort at the distance.

The early morning tours could be dedicated to the exploration of the fort itself and the surrounding villages to see how the local people go about their daily rituals and prepare for the day ahead. You will find quite a few stalls selling cold lassi and you should make good use of it.

Jaisalmer in Monsoons

Once the heat starts to subside a little after mid- July, the time for the monsoons set in. Jaisalmer is very dry and arid and in some years, the monsoons skip the city entirely even if other areas in Rajasthan receive a little rainfall. Yet, the heat is considerably lower than in summer. Monsoons arrive in Jaisalmer in September and lasts only for about a month till October. There are drizzles every now and then, which help to bring down the temperature a little more. Occasionally, when there are burst of heavy rainfall, which is very rare, almost everyone comes out to the streets to enjoy in the rain. Such a sight is quite a novelty here and that makes it all the more special.

A note to the visitors would be that since it is such a dry and arid land, do not waste any water. If you are in luck, then the skies will be overcast with clouds, which is a very pleasant relief from the scorching sun, shining on the sands. This would be the ideal time to go for a sightseeing expedition. Exploring the Jaisalmer in the monsoons, will be quite a different experience. Everyone is mostly used to seeing the fort in bright sunlight that renders the yellow limestone façade in a bright golden hue, but it is quite a sight to see it outlined against the black clouds, with rain falling on it.

The monsoons will help you go around the bazaars without much difficulty and will offer you a taste of some of the fruits and vegetables that are not at all available at other times of the year, because of lack of water in the region. Try to get your hands on some succulent dates. The rustic people living around Jaisalmer consider dates with a drink of camel milk, a very healthy and nutritious breakfast. If you are there to experience a bout of rainfall, then do not fail to follow it up with a cup of masala chai along with a plate of pakoras.

If you happen to be in Jaisalmer around October and in time for Diwali, you will see the most amazing Diwali of your life for sure. The Jaisalmer Fort lights up and the firework display on the top of the fort is a marvel. The streets and alleys are all lighted with Diyas and will take you back to the bygone era.

Jailsalmer winters

Most consider winters as the ideal time to visit Jaisalmer and not without a reason. The geographical location and condition makes the season ideal to go for your day sightseeing in the city. This is because, the sand that became scorching hot during the summers, now seems to be comfortably warm. Winters in Rajasthan, especially in remote areas like Jaisalmer, which have very extreme climates, can be very cold. At night, the temperatures can drop below 10 degree Celsius with ease. You should carry adequate warm clothes and jackets for your day sightseeing.

There is no better time than from the months of November to February to explore Jaisalmer. The skies are crystal clear and you will have a very pleasant weather. Do not forget to start your say with a cup of Masala chai. There is no need to carry a flask of tea with you because you will come across shacks selling masala chain quite frequently, along with a number of delicacies like pyaz kachori. The bazaars of Jaisalmer seem to come alive and you will be able to go for your shopping trips with a very happy frame of mind. If you want to experience any of the outdoor activities here, like camel safari, paragliding or sand dune bashing, now is the time to indulge in it.

The nights in Jaisalmer can get very cold during winters so it is advisable to plan most of your activities during the day. However, if you are traveling with a group of friends, then you can light a bonfire in the desert and get cozy under blankets, while a local musician could sing for you. Be careful so as not to catch a cold. Visit the Jaisalmer tourist places are always crowded at this time.

The winters are also the best time to experience the mouthwatering, royal meals of Rajasthan. Everyone knows that it is not possible to eat a lot during the summers due to the heat, but the winters will give you a lot of energy for go out and enjoy and the royal meal will be ready for you as you return. The famous Laal Maas of Rajasthan is simply mouthwatering, and other items like Dal Bati Churma, a variety of samosas and sweet dishes like Ghewar are prepared at this time.

So no matter what time of the year you visit Jaisalmer, this city will not fail to amaze you.

Rebecca John