Ranthambore in January
January is the coldest month in Ranthambore and one of the most atmospheric. Dawns are foggy and close to 5°C, the lakes steam in the first light, and tigers come out onto open tracks and rocks to warm up through the morning. It is also peak season, with the New Year and Republic Day weekends among the hardest dates of the year to get. Permits for January 2027 open on 1 November 2026 at 12 noon.
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Expect about 5 to 8°C at dawn and low to mid 20s by afternoon. Fog on the lakes is common in the first half of the month and can delay good visibility by an hour. An open jeep at speed feels far colder than the thermometer says, so the first hour of a morning safari is the coldest part of the whole trip.
Tigers spend winter mornings in the sun on tracks, rocks and lake edges, which gives some of the clearest sightings of the year once the fog lifts. The forest is still fairly dense after the monsoon, so sightings are spread across zones rather than concentrated at a few waterholes. Winter migratory birds are at the lakes, and sambar, chital and crocodiles basking on the banks are reliable sightings.
The morning safari runs 7.00 to 10.30 AM and starts cold and misty; the light from about 8.30 onwards is excellent. The evening safari runs 2.00 to 5.30 PM and is much warmer, which suits young children and older visitors. If you are doing only one drive and dislike the cold, take the evening; if you are doing two, take one of each.
The New Year weekend from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 January sells out on release day. Makar Sankranti on Thursday 14 January brings visitors from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Republic Day is on Tuesday 26 January, so 23 to 26 January becomes a four-day weekend with one day of leave and is one of the first blocks to go. The quietest stretch is from about 5 to 22 January on weekdays.
A warm jacket, a cap or woollen hat, gloves and a scarf for the morning drive; layers you can take off by 10 AM. Muted colours such as khaki, olive or grey. A small blanket is welcome on canters. Keep camera batteries in an inside pocket, as cold drains them quickly.
All January 2027 dates open together on 1 November 2026 at 12 noon. Send your dates, slot, vehicle and each visitor's ID details using the form on this page so the booking is ready to place as soon as the window opens. Give at least one fallback date or slot, especially for the New Year and Republic Day weekends.
| Dates | Morning safari | Evening safari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January – 31 January | 7.00 AM – 10.30 AM | 2.00 PM – 5.30 PM |
| 1 February – 31 March | 6.30 AM – 10.00 AM | 2.30 PM – 6.00 PM |
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Temperature | About 5 to 8°C at dawn, 20 to 23°C by afternoon |
| Park status | All zones open |
| Crowds | Very high on 1-3 Jan and 23-26 Jan; moderate on weekdays |
| Best for | Winter light, misty lakes, tigers basking, migratory birds |
| Booking opens | 1 November 2026, 12 noon |
| Booking type | Indian national | Foreign national |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Jeep seat (6-seater) | Approx. ₹2,200 – ₹2,500 | Approx. ₹4,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Shared Canter seat (20-seater) | Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹1,600 | Approx. ₹3,800 – ₹4,200 |
| Private Jeep (all 6 seats) | From approx. ₹32,000 | Higher, varies by slot |
Yes. It is cold but comfortable by day, the scenery is at its most atmospheric, and tigers are often seen basking in the open in the morning. It is peak season, so book early.
Around 5 to 8°C at dawn, rising to the low 20s in the afternoon. The open vehicle adds wind chill, so dress warmly for the morning safari.
Morning safari 7.00 AM to 10.30 AM and evening safari 2.00 PM to 5.30 PM.
From 1 November 2026 at 12 noon, when the January to March 2027 block opens. You can send your request before then so it is ready to book.
Very. With 26 January 2027 on a Tuesday, 23 to 26 January becomes a long weekend and is among the first dates to sell out.
Explore more planning pages to compare safari timings, booking options, trip cost, travel routes, and family-friendly advice before you book.