Most people pack for Rajasthan as if it were always hot. In Jaisalmer from November to January, that's a mistake. Days are golden and pleasant, around 24–30 °C, but once the sun drops behind the dunes the temperature falls fast. In December and January, nights at a desert camp regularly reach 5–10 °C, and it feels colder on the open sand.
Here is what our team tells every guest heading out to Sam or Khuri in winter.
The Short Version
Clothing: Think in Layers
- A warm jacket. A packable down or fleece jacket is perfect for the bonfire, the stargazing and the sunrise.
- A thermal or long-sleeve base layer. It's light to carry and makes a huge difference at night.
- Light cotton or linen for the day. Long sleeves protect you from the sun on a camel or in an open jeep.
- Comfortable trousers. Camel saddles are wide, so skip tight jeans and short skirts.
- A beanie or woolly hat, and a scarf or shawl. A scarf doubles as dust protection on a jeep safari.
- Warm socks and closed shoes. Sand is cold at sunrise and hot at noon, and sandals let it in.
For the Dunes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. The sand reflects a lot of light, even in winter.
- A buff, bandana or scarf for dust on the jeep ride. Dune bashing kicks up plenty of sand.
- Lip balm and moisturiser. The desert air is very dry.
- A small torch or headlamp. Camp paths are lit, but the walk to the dunes for sunrise is not.
Camera and Phone
- A zip-lock bag or cover. Fine sand gets into everything.
- A power bank. Most camps have charging points in the tent, but power can be limited in village camps.
- A small tripod if you want star photos. Winter skies over the Thar are exceptionally clear. See our stargazing experience.
What You Can Leave at Home
- Heavy suitcases. Camp transfers are by jeep, and some vehicles have limited space. Many travellers leave their main bag at their city hotel and take an overnight bag to the dunes.
- Bedding. Good camps provide quilts and blankets, and many add heaters or hot-water bottles in December and January. Ask us to confirm for your camp.
- Fancy clothes. Even New Year's Eve galas are relaxed, so a warm, smart layer is plenty.
Month by Month
| Month | Day | Night | What to add |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | ~35 °C | ~20 °C | Light layer for the evening |
| November | ~30 °C | ~15 °C | Fleece or light jacket |
| December | ~25 °C | ~9 °C | Warm jacket, hat, thermals |
| January | ~24 °C | ~8 °C | Your warmest layers |
| February | ~28 °C | ~11 °C | Fleece, plus a jacket for the dunes |
For the full year, see the best time to visit Jaisalmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold does it get at night in a Jaisalmer desert camp?
In December and January, nights in the desert usually fall to about 5–10 °C, and it can feel colder on open dunes with a breeze. November and February nights are milder, around 11–15 °C.
Do Jaisalmer desert camps provide blankets and heaters?
Established camps provide thick quilts and blankets, and many offer room heaters or hot-water bottles in winter, sometimes for a small extra charge. Check with your camp, or ask us to confirm when you book.
Should I take my full luggage to the desert camp?
Usually not. Most travellers leave their main luggage at their city hotel and take a small overnight bag, because transfers to Sam and Khuri are often by jeep.
Ready to choose your camp? Compare every option in our guide to desert camps in Jaisalmer.