The best time to visit Bikaner depends on whether you’re planning around the cooler winter months or a festival. January and February have lower average daytime highs than March and April, while the Bikaner Camel Festival follows a regular January pattern and the Karni Mata Fair takes place twice a year.
- Cooler months: January and February have average daily maximums of 23.1°C and 26.9°C.
- Hotter spring weather: March and April average daily maximums of 32.8°C and 38.5°C.
- Bikaner Camel Festival: Held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of January.
- Karni Mata Fair: Held during two Navratras, in periods that fall between March and April and September and October.
Bikaner weather through the year
Bikaner’s average temperatures rise from January through April, so the earlier months are the cooler part of the period covered by the climate data. The India Meteorological Department’s Bikaner climatological table gives monthly averages for minimum and maximum temperatures and rainfall.
January averages a daily minimum of 7.7°C and a maximum of 23.1°C, with 4.9 mm of total rainfall. February averages 11.6°C at night and 26.9°C by day, with 7.7 mm of rainfall. These figures make January and February useful months to consider if you’re prioritising milder daytime temperatures.
By March, the average minimum reaches 17.4°C and the average maximum 32.8°C; mean total rainfall is 8.0 mm. April is hotter still, with an average minimum of 23.1°C, a maximum of 38.5°C and 7.9 mm of rainfall. If you’re planning sightseeing during these months, account for the warmer afternoons when arranging your day.
When is the Bikaner Camel Festival?
The Bikaner Camel Festival is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of January. Rajasthan Tourism describes it as an event dedicated to the camel, making January a natural choice if attending the festival is central to your trip.
The date shifts from year to year because it follows the second weekend of the month. Check the official site before you go for current festival details and timings, and confirm the dates for the year you plan to travel.
When is the Karni Mata Fair?
The Karni Mata Fair takes place twice a year at Karni Mata Temple, during the Chaitra and Ashwin Navratras. Rajasthan Tourism places the spring observance between March and April, and the autumn observance between September and October.
The dates follow the Hindu calendar, so the exact Gregorian dates vary. If you’re planning around the fair, confirm the relevant dates before setting out. You can also plan the temple visit itself with this guide to how to visit Karni Mata Temple from Bikaner.
Rajasthan Tourism gives the temple’s daily opening hours as 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. and states that there is no entry fee. Timings and admission details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Choosing dates for sightseeing and day trips
For a trip focused on sightseeing, January and February have lower average daytime temperatures than March and April in the available monthly climate figures. If you want to combine sightseeing with the Camel Festival, its annual January weekend gives you a recurring point around which to plan.
Tanisha Heritage Haweli is a hotel about a 4-minute walk from Junagarh Fort, making the fort an easy addition to a city sightseeing plan.
For the Karni Mata Fair, choose the spring or autumn Navratra period, then confirm the exact dates for your travel year. The fair is held at Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, so allow time in your itinerary for the temple visit as well as your plans in Bikaner.
To include a different kind of outing, the Gajner Palace and Lake day trip is another subject to consider while planning your Bikaner dates.
FAQs
Which months are cooler in Bikaner?
January and February have lower average daytime highs than March and April in the climate figures used here.
Does the Bikaner Camel Festival happen every year?
Yes. It is held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of January.
How often is the Karni Mata Fair held?
It is held twice a year, during the Chaitra and Ashwin Navratras.