Best Time to Visit Rajaji National Park
Plan your safari according to official gate entry windows (Winter, Spring, Summer), tiger sighting probability, elephant migration cycles, and park schedules.
Seasonal Sighting & Gate Entry Windows
Official entry, exit timings, and weather conditions across seasons
Winter Window
Crisp sunny days, mist-laden morning forest tracks, and pleasant temperatures. 120+ species of migratory birds arrive from Siberia at Jhilmil Jheel. High tiger pugmark activity and active elephant herds.
Spring Window
Flame-of-the-forest (Palash) trees bloom in bright orange. Animal herds move actively between forest valleys and river beds as vegetation loosens.
Summer Window
As natural water streams dry up, Bengal tigers, leopards, and elephant herds congregate daily around key river bodies and waterholes.
Month-by-Month Sighting Calendar
Detailed statistical probabilities for tigers, elephants, and bird species
| Month | Season Stage | Avg Temp | Tiger Prob. | Elephant Prob. | Recommended Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | Winter Window (Nov 15 - Feb 15) | 12°C - 24°C | 75% | 85% | Chilla & Motichur |
| Dec | Winter Window | 8°C - 20°C | 80% | 85% | Jhilmil & Chilla |
| Jan | Winter Window | 6°C - 18°C | 85% | 80% | All 5 Zones |
| Feb | Spring Window (Feb 16 - Apr 15) | 10°C - 24°C | 85% | 85% | Chilla & Mohand |
| Mar | Spring Window | 16°C - 28°C | 85% | 90% | Motichur & Ranipur |
| Apr | Summer Window (Apr 16 - Jun 15) | 22°C - 34°C | 90% | 92% | Chilla & Jhilmil |
| May | Summer Window | 28°C - 40°C | 95% | 95% | Chilla & Motichur |
| Jun | Summer Window (Till Jun 15) | 30°C - 41°C | 92% | 90% | Jhilmil (Open till Jun 30) |
What to Wear & Pack by Season
Essential packing advice for open 4x4 Gypsy safaris
Winter Window (15 Nov – 15 Feb)
Heavy fleece/down jacket, beanie cap, gloves. Morning entry is 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM with last exit at 10:00 AM / 5:30 PM.
Spring Window (16 Feb – 15 Apr)
Comfortable layers & sunglasses. Morning entry is 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM, evening entry 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
Summer Window (16 Apr – 15 Jun)
Light cottons, sunhat, sunglasses, 2L water. Early morning entry starts at 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM.
Photography Gear
300mm+ telephoto lens, dust cover for camera body, extra camera batteries (cold drains power).
Season & Weather FAQs
Answers to common timing and season queries
Rajaji operates in three seasonal windows: Winter Window (15 Nov - 15 Feb: Morning Entry 6:30-8:00 AM, Evening Entry 1:30-3:00 PM, Last Exit 10:00 AM/5:30 PM), Spring Window (16 Feb - 15 Apr: Morning Entry 6:00-7:30 AM, Evening Entry 2:00-3:30 PM, Last Exit 9:30 AM/6:00 PM), and Summer Window (16 Apr - 15 Jun: Morning Entry 5:30-7:00 AM, Evening Entry 3:00-4:30 PM, Last Exit 9:00 AM/7:00 PM).
Category: Safari Info