Climate, Climatic Zones, and Rainfall Distribution in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the largest state in India, geographically diverse in terms of climate. The weather here is mainly dry and semi-arid, though some regions also experience humid and mountainous climates. To understand Rajasthan’s climate, it is important to also look at the broader climatic zones of India.
Major Climatic Zones of India
India can be classified into five main climatic zones:
- Tropical Humid Climate – Found in southern and northeastern states, characterized by year-round humidity and high rainfall.
- Tropical Dry Climate – Found in the arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of southern Punjab-Haryana.
- Tropical Semi-Dry Climate – Found in parts of central India, western Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan.
- Tropical Wet and Dry Climate – Found in parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Mountainous Cold Climate – Found in the Himalayan and adjoining hilly states.
Climatic Zones of Rajasthan
Based on weather and rainfall, Rajasthan is divided into four major climatic zones:
1. Arid Western Desert Region
- Location: Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, western Jodhpur
- Rainfall: Very low, about 100–200 mm annually
- Temperature: Summers 45–50°C, winters as low as 4–5°C
- Winds: Hot winds (Loo) and dust storms
2. Semi-Arid Region
- Location: Nagaur, Pali, Ajmer, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, eastern Jodhpur
- Rainfall: 300–500 mm
- Crops: Pearl millet, guar, chickpea, mustard
- Temperature: High in summers but relatively less hot winds
3. Semi-Humid Eastern Region
- Location: Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Bundi, Tonk, southern Bhilwara
- Rainfall: 600–1000 mm
- Crops: Rice, wheat, soybean, sugarcane
- Climate: Humid during monsoon, moderate to high temperatures in summer
4. Mountainous and Humid Region
- Location: Sirohi, Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur, Mount Abu
- Rainfall: 1000–1500 mm
- Climate: Cool and humid, dense vegetation during monsoon
Rainfall Distribution in Rajasthan
The main source of rainfall in Rajasthan is the southwest monsoon, active from late June to September. Rainfall distribution is highly uneven:
- Western Desert (Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner): 100–200 mm
- Central Region (Nagaur, Pali, Ajmer, Sikar, Jhunjhunu): 300–500 mm
- Eastern & South-Eastern Region (Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Bundi): 600–1000 mm
- Southern Aravalli Region (Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur, Mount Abu): 1000–1500 mm
Mount Abu and Banswara receive the highest rainfall, while Jaisalmer records the lowest.
Conclusion
Rajasthan’s weather is predominantly dry, but the southern and Aravalli hill regions experience higher humidity and rainfall. Climate and rainfall patterns have a direct impact on crop selection, livestock rearing, and water resource management. Therefore, irrigation projects, rainwater harvesting, and climate-aware crop planning are crucial for sustainable agriculture in the state.
