Palitana in Gujarat, India is renowned for its sacred Jain temples located atop the Shatrunjaya Hills. The best time to visit Palitana is from November to February. During these months the weather is quite pleasant with the temperature ranging from 10°C to 24°C, making it ideal for climbing the hill and exploring the temples. Monsoon season, from June to September, should generally be avoided due to heavy rainfall, which can make the climb slippery and difficult. Additionally, the summer months from March to May can be extremely hot with temperatures soaring above 40°C, which can make the 3000+ step ascent to the temples a grueling task.
When planning your visit, it would be advantageous to consider the Jain festival calendar as Palitana hosts several significant religious events that could offer unique cultural experiences. However, visiting during a festival may also mean dealing with larger crowds and busier facilities. For a quieter experience, plan to visit on weekdays and avoid major holidays or festivals. Regardless of when you choose to go, ensure you start your climb early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and allocate sufficient time to explore the magnificent temple complex at the summit at your leisure.
Month | Min Temp | Max Temp |
---|---|---|
January | 12 °c | 28 °c |
February | 15 °c | 32 °c |
March | 20 °c | 36 °c |
April | 24 °c | 38 °c |
May | 27 °c | 38 °c |
June | 28 °c | 36 °c |
July | 26 °c | 33 °c |
August | 25 °c | 32 °c |
September | 25 °c | 33 °c |
October | 22 °c | 36 °c |
November | 18 °c | 33 °c |
December | 14 °c | 30 °c |