Honestly, if you’re planning to visit Kota, you’ve probably heard it's just another scorched spot on the edge of the Thar. People talk about Rajasthan like it's one big, never-ending heatwave. But the weather in kota rajasthan is actually a bit of a rebel compared to the rest of the state. It's technically "semi-arid," but because the Chambal River slices right through it, the air here doesn't always feel like a hairdryer on the highest setting.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, the city is in its "golden window." Today, January 16, it’s a crisp 71°F with a humidity of 50%. Basically, it's perfect. But don't let this breezy afternoon fool you. Kota’s climate is a game of extremes that can catch you off guard if you only pack for one version of the desert.
The Three Faces of Kota's Climate
Most people think there’s just "hot" and "not hot," but Kota actually cycles through three very distinct personalities.
The Winter Chill (November to February)
This is when the city is at its most polite. You’ll get clear blue skies and daytime highs that hover around 73°F to 80°F. It’s the kind of weather where you can actually walk through the Seven Wonders Park without melting.
But here is what most people get wrong: the nights. Because the desert doesn't hold onto heat, temperatures can plummet. Tonight, for example, it’s expected to hit 49°F. If you show up with just a light t-shirt, you’re going to be miserable by 9:00 PM.
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The Scorching "Loo" Season (March to June)
By late March, the vibe changes completely. This is when the "Loo"—those famous hot, bone-dry winds from the west—starts blowing. In May, the average high is a staggering 107°F.
Honestly, it's brutal. I’ve seen days where the mercury hits 113°F. The air is so dry it feels like it’s literally sucking the moisture out of your skin. If you’re coming for the "Kota Doria" saree shopping or to see the coaching hubs, do it in the early morning. By noon, the streets are basically a ghost town because the sun is unforgiving.
The Oppressive Monsoon (July to September)
Then comes the rain. Kota gets more rainfall than its western neighbors like Jaisalmer. August is usually the wettest month, averaging about 7.7 inches of rain.
The temperature "drops" to the 90s, but the humidity spikes to 80% or 90%. It’s sticky. It’s muggy. But the trade-off is that the Chambal River comes alive. The Garadia Mahadev lookout point, which usually looks like a dusty canyon, turns into this lush, emerald-green paradise that doesn't even look like Rajasthan anymore.
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What the Stats Don't Tell You
If you look at a climate chart, you’ll see averages. But averages are boring. What really matters are the anomalies.
For instance, Kota is part of a "Very Humid Region" in the context of Rajasthan. While Jodhpur is struggling for a drop of water, Kota’s problem is sometimes too much of it. In September 2019, heavy rains caused the Chambal to swell so much that thousands had to be evacuated. It’s a reminder that while this is a desert state, Kota lives by the rules of the river.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 73 | 54 | 1 |
| May | 107 | 87 | 2 |
| August | 90 | 79 | 14 |
| October | 92 | 73 | 2 |
Surviving the Weather in Kota Rajasthan
If you're heading there soon, here’s the deal. For the current January weather, layering is your best friend. You need the sunglasses for the 2:00 PM sun, but you’ll need a decent jacket the second that sun dips behind the horizon.
If you’re a nature lover, ignore the "off-season" warnings and go in late August. Yeah, you'll sweat. Your clothes will stick to you. But seeing the Chambal Garden or the Gaipernath Waterfall in full flow is a completely different experience than seeing them in the dry winter.
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Wait, what about the coaching students?
You can't talk about Kota without mentioning the lakhs of students. The weather actually dictates the city's rhythm. You'll see thousands of kids on bicycles at 6:00 AM during the summer to beat the heat. By the time the afternoon sun hits 105°F, they’re all tucked away in air-conditioned libraries. If you want to avoid the crowds, schedule your movements against that student tide.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Best Sightseeing Window: Aim for 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the winter (now).
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: In the summer, even if you don't feel thirsty, the dry wind is dehydrating you. Drink more water than you think you need.
- Check the Dam Gates: If you visit during the monsoon, keep an eye on local news for the Kota Barrage. When they open the gates during heavy rains, the view is spectacular, but certain riverside paths get closed for safety.
- Clothing: Stick to cotton. Always. Even in winter, the afternoon sun can be sharp enough to make synthetic fabrics feel itchy and hot.
The weather in kota rajasthan is more than just a forecast; it’s the heartbeat of the city. Whether it's the shivering winter mornings or the rain-soaked monsoon afternoons, each season gives the city a totally different face. Plan for the cold nights now, but keep a hat ready for the afternoon glare.
To prepare for your visit this week, pack a medium-weight jacket for the evenings when temperatures drop to the high 40s, and stick to light, breathable fabrics for the sunny 75°F afternoons. If you're planning a river safari, the current calm winds of 4 mph make for ideal water conditions.