Avoid
Alwar in May
Rajasthan, India
May hits 42-45°C in Alwar. The city empties of casual visitors. Sariska runs summer safaris (early morning and late afternoon only) and serious wildlife enthusiasts consider this peak tiger-spotting time — desperation for water makes the big cats predictable.
The May story
May strips Alwar down to its essentials: heat, dust, and wildlife desperation. Sariska's morning safaris launch at 5:30am, when temperatures are "only" 30°C. By 10am it's 40°C+. The forest floor crunches underfoot, every waterhole is a theatre of survival, and the predator-prey dynamics are raw and visible. Tiger sighting rates in May are among Sariska's highest precisely because there's nowhere for them to hide from the heat or from you. This is not a family holiday month — it's a specialist wildlife month for people who bring binoculars, patience, and electrolyte sachets. The RTDC Hotel Tiger Den at Sariska has air-conditioned rooms and is your best base. Don't attempt Bhangarh after 8am. Don't attempt anything after noon.
Why May scores 1/5
Weather
Extreme 28-44°C. Fort ruins bake in direct sun. Sariska closes mid-June. Only early dawn safaris viable. Carry electrolytes.
Roads & Access
self drive: Easy. Good highway from Delhi and Jaipur.. road condition: NH8 and state highways good.. public transport: Alwar railway station well-connected. Buses from Delhi, Jaipur. Delhi airport 160km.. from nearest city: Delhi→Alwar: 160km 3hrs. Jaipur→Alwar: 160km 3hrs.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: SDRF Rajasthan. helpline: Rajasthan Tourism: 0141-5110598. ambulance: 108 (reliable). police station: Multiple. nearest hospital: Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital Alwar
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Full 4G in city. Patchy in Sariska forest area.
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) — Bhangarh ghost fort is exciting for older kids, Sariska tiger safari, Siliserh Lake Palace is scenic
Elevation
316m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Hardcore wildlife enthusiasts targeting peak tiger probability
- ✓Experienced India safari travellers comfortable with extreme heat
- ✓Specialist photographers seeking predator-waterhole interactions
Who should think twice
- ✗Almost everyone except dedicated wildlife watchers
- ✗Families, elderly, or those with heat-related health risks
- ✗Travellers wanting heritage sightseeing — it's too hot for anything but safari
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | Perfect 7-22°C for exploring Bala Quila fort and Sariska. Cool mornings ideal for tiger safari drives. Dry, clear, low crowds. |
| February | 5/5 | Pleasant 10-25°C. Sariska wildlife more visible as water sources shrink. Siliserh Lake calm and photogenic. Comfortable hiking weather. |
| March | 4/5 | Warming 15-30°C. Still manageable for fort climbs in early morning. Sariska gets busier. Holi adds colour to old city markets. |
| April | 2/5 | Hot 22-38°C. Bala Quila climb becomes punishing by 10am. Sariska dries out — better tiger sightings but brutal jeep rides. |
| Mayviewing | 1/5 | Extreme 28-44°C. Fort ruins bake in direct sun. Sariska closes mid-June. Only early dawn safaris viable. Carry electrolytes. |
| June | 1/5 | Punishing 32-46°C pre-monsoon. Sariska closed for monsoon season. Dust storms possible. No reason to visit. Stay away. |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon 28-38°C. Sariska closed. Heavy rain floods Siliserh Lake road. Bala Quila slippery. Limited sightseeing options remain. |
| August | 2/5 | Continued monsoon rains. Humidity high, 27-36°C. Sariska still closed. Alwar city lanes flood during downpours. Not recommended. |
| September | 3/5 | Rain easing, 25-35°C. Sariska may reopen late Sept. Landscape green but muggy. Mosquitoes active. A transitional month — patience needed. |
| October | 5/5 | Excellent 18-32°C. Sariska reopens. Post-monsoon greenery makes forts photogenic. Tiger sighting odds improve. Book safari permits early. |
| November | 5/5 | Ideal 12-28°C. Peak Sariska season. Siliserh Lake mirror-calm at dawn. Fort explorations comfortable all day. Book ahead for weekends. |
| December | 5/5 | Cool 7-22°C. Crisp mornings perfect for dawn safari drives. Bala Quila pleasant all day. Fog rare unlike Agra. Great value hotels. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Delhi→Alwar: 160km 3hrs. Jaipur→Alwar: 160km 3hrs.. Roads: NH8 and state highways good.. Self-drive: Easy. Good highway from Delhi and Jaipur.. Public transport: Alwar railway station well-connected. Buses from Delhi, Jaipur. Delhi airport 160km.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
316m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Rajasthan scoring high in May
The Window — every Sunday
Best score this week, the honest skip, road intel, and what changed. Free. No spam.
One email per Sunday. Unsubscribe anytime.