About
Kota is a city located on the banks of the Chambal River by which Rajasthan’s other touristic beauties like Jodhpur, and Jaipur beat it. But Kota has its own charm and attraction, at least as far as its glorious history as well as prominent forts, temples and spots are concerned.
Most famous for being an educational hub in India, Kota has a large number of coaching institutes of India that lay their magnetic attraction on the students across the country as it is. However, beyond the classroom and the closed academic setting, Kota also boasts of natural landscapes, architectural grandeur and a plethora of activities that are yet to be explored.
In order to enjoy the best of Kota, it is essential to know when to visit. As Rajasthan is desert climate, weather changes quite a lot in the year, your experience will vary upon the season you pick. Here we break the best time to visit Kota as per the weather, local festivals, and individual interests.
The Top Attractions in Kota as per season
Winter (Oct–March)
- Kota Garh (City Palace)
- Chambal Garden and Kota Barrage
- Garadia Mahadev Temple
- Jagmandir Palace
Monsoon (July–Sept)
- Garadia Mahadev Temple (monsoon clouds)
- Chambal River cruises
- Local fairs and festivals (Tej, Raksha Bandhan)
- Nature walks in lush areas
Summer (April–June)
- Visits to temples and gardens in the early morning.
- Local markets and food exploration
- Indoor museums and art galleries
Final Verdict: When to Visit Kota?
If you have to pick one time to come visit Kota, it strictly depends upon what you want to do and where you want to go.
For sightseeing, history, and outdoor activities: October to March is the best time to visit, for sightseeing, history and outdoor breaks. The city is most accessible and the weather is perfect.
For nature lovers and secluded experiences: July to September is a relevant time, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds where photographers and people searching a place with few people will find their destinies.
For budget-conscious travelers: April to June (especially from April to May) can be good budget friendly time, although can be very hot.
Conclusion
However, Kota does not have its own space in Rajasthan tourism as Kota might not be the first city to pop into your mind. Kota is dotted with historical forts and palaces and with serene riverside spots that provide you a rewarding experience. When you do decide to explore Kota from an educational side or a natural avenue, you should choose your time wisely and let the city impress you.
Summer Season
Temperature Range: 30°C to 45°C. Weather: Hot, dry, and sunny. Suitable For: Budget backpackers, early bird doesn’t count you among the people who go to sleep at 9 pm, want to avoid the detours during the rush hour traffic on an early morning. Why Summer is Challenging: In Kota, summer season can be hard as the heat is so intense. It’s almost unbearably hot in the city, where the temperatures often go well above 40°C, making the outdoor exploration most uncomfortable for the visitors. But if you are a budget traveler and can tolerate heat, then the summer is really very good. This can lower Prices: As summer is an off peak season there are extremely low hotel prices and lesser crowds. If there is no problem with the heat, this could be the chance to visit the city when you don’t break your wallet. Morning Exploration: Hence, if you are sightseeing during the course of summer, it is highly advisable to make your first cut at it, starting from morning 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. It is therefore an ideal time to make a trip to the forts and temples in Kota as the temperatures are still relatively bearable and you can visit them before the midday sun gets too intense. Sporadic Sightseeing: Outdoor activities (visit gardens, lakes and the like; boat ride), if not a chartered tour related, are limited during the afternoon’s heat. Yet, activities like visiting Kota’s museums, temples etc. are wonderful substitutes for when it’s raining. Cultural Experience: Even if hot, in summer, due to the close summer time, you get to see the local life more authentically. The city will be less crowded, markets, temples and streets will be less crowded giving you the chance to observe the city at its most serene. Travel Tips: Stay inside during the hours between 12 PM and 4 PM. Drink plenty of water and wear fitting light and breathable clothing. Also, stay in accommodations with good air conditioning to be more comfortable.
Monsoon Season
Temperature Range: 22°C to 30°C. Weather: Humid, rainy, and refreshing. Best For: Nature lovers, photography, offbeat travelers. Why Monsoon Can Be a Good Time to Visit: On the one hand, the monsoon season could hardly be described as a time of outdoor sightseeing in the normal sense, but it has its own special beauty. The rains give the city a green color to become perfect season for nature lovers and photographers. Lush Landscapes and Nature Walks: Rain brings lush landscapes and nature walks in Kota; parks, gardens as well as areas outside Kota assume a lush green or beautiful landscape. The city transforms into a total green where someone who is a true nature lover can visit Chambal Garden, Garadia Mahadev Temple, and Kota Barrage to experience the best. Chambal River Cruises: The river Chambal during the monsoons swells with water and offers a beautiful view to the cruise lovers. With a romantic, serene atmosphere, beautiful photos can be taken in front of the monsoon clouds. Quiet and Peaceful Experience: In terms of being quiet and peaceful, there are fewer tourists in terms of monsoon season so if you are a kind of person that would like to be in quiet and peaceful ride, this is the time to go. There is no hustle and bustle of large crowds for you to explore the city and its attractions. Offbeat Discoveries: A monsoon season is also the time when you can discover the city in another light which is referred to as the Offbeat Discoveries. You may want to visit the Garadia Mahadev Temple, which is on a cliff and is surrounded by green valleys and visit a few of Kota’s lesser known temples and heritage sites too. Local Festivals: In the monsoon months the local festivals such as Teej, Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami are observed with great enthusiasm. Local festive celebrations, processions and traditional dances are witnessable in how you can see Kota’s cultural side. Travel Tips: Carry a jacket you can put on (with some first aid) and an umbrella, as there can be a sudden downpour. Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on slippery paths. For instance, plan outdoor activities around the weather forecast as some activities may be affected by heavy rains.
Winter Season
Temperature Range: 8°C to 22°C. Weather: Cool, pleasant, and comfortable. It is a best place for: Sightseeing, outdoor activities, historical sites. Kota is a perfect destination to visit during winter season because: One is sure to get the best to enjoy when visiting Kota during the winter season. The weather is best to visit from October to March, where you can sight see and enjoy outdoor activities. Summers subside with hot and dry winds while the temperature drops to a rather manageable range, making it the best time for travelers to explore the city and its surroundings. Comfortable Exploration: Kota’s historical places like Kota Garh (City Palace), Jagmandir Palace and Keshavrao Khade Ganesh Mandir will be comfortably explored with the pleasant weather. It is also a great time for visiting the picturesque Chambal Garden or taking a boat ride along the Chambal River, with the cooling breeze. Kota Garh (City Palace): A trip to Kota Garh (City Palace) of Kota is a pleasant affair thanks to the cool weather. Its beautiful courtyards, art collections and intricate architecture reveal a bit of the city’s regal past. The historic walls of old city enhance the beauty as winter sun peeks through. Chambal River and Gardens: Chambal Garden and Gardens surrounding the Kota Barrage come alive in the cooler months. The cooler air makes these outdoor excursions more agreeable and these spots are ideal for leisure strolls, bird watching and picnics. Festivals and Events: A number of local festivals are also held during winter months. In October – November, it is the Diwali festival which brings out a celebration mood with numerous markets of Kota getting decorated with festivities items and presenting traditional sweets. Local fairs and other cultural activities are also celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and on the day of Republic Day with great enthusiasm. Ideal for Photography: If you are into photography there is no better time for capturing the beauty of Kota’s gardens, palaces and lakes which do not get the harsh glare of the summer sun at this time. Travel Tips: Layer up in the mornings and evenings as it can get is chilly. In charge local guides for historical tours – especially palaces and forts. Stay hydrated when taking a visit to gardens, temples and other outdoor spots.
