Summer: Max: 47°C, Min: 20°C
Winter: Max: 22°C, Min: 4°C

The park is open from October to June. Post monsoon, the park is closed, as the roads are not navigable till late September. The months between November and February are the most popular for visitors, after which it is too hot for all but the most enthusiastic. Nevertheless, tiger sightings are particularly good in the hotter months particularly around the perennial waterbodies.

Park fees: There is an entrance fee to the park, calculated per-person as well as per-vehicle. Still and movie cameras must be paid for separately. Foreign nationals pay a Winters (November-February) are cold. Be prepared with headgear, warm socks, sweaters, and windcheaters for the windchill factor. Inappropriately clad, one can be miserable in an open jeep. The early morning trip is the most exhilarating and the coldest. Daytime temperatures are comfortable in the shade (maybe a light sweater) but in the sun, a T-shirt should do fine.

If you are planning your trip in summer, stay indoors in the day and drink plenty of water. Remember to always protect the head from the sun's direct rays. It is always a good idea to do as locals do - and they use their turbans against the heat and the cold!

Carry a simple first aid kit as you would anywhere. There are really no opportunities for snake or scorpion bites.

Walking inside Ranthambhore park is forbidden and all wildlife viewing is by vehicle only. Drives can be dusty and bumpy, so take care to carry protection for expensive cameras.

Vehicles: The best way to move around is by jeep or open-topped Cantors (mini buses). Drives can be dusty and bumpy, so take care to carry protection for expensive electronic equipment.

Jeep Rentals: Chauffeur-driven four wheel drives are available for rental on a daily or per-round, per-person basis (around Rs. 1,000 for four persons). Arrangements should be made a few hours in advance and most often your lodge manager will be able to help you. Renting a private vehicle has the advantage of allowing you to stop for pictures, or just to take in the ambience of a particularly peaceful spot. For serious birdwatchers there is probably nothing more aggravating than 20 or 30 talkative tourists in the Canter! Even private vehicles, however, are instructed to run on pre-charted courses, for which permission/instruction is given at the time of entry. Inducing drivers to take liberties with routings can have unfortunate results for them as heavy fines may be imposed or further permissions revoked for breaking park rules.

Tipping: Most drivers are locals who double up as reasonable guides familiar with the forest and the habits of its denizens. Many are excellent birdwatchers and make good birding companions, happily sharing their knowledge of flora and fauna. They do look forward to tips, particularly if they have managed to "show" you a tiger.

Park timings: Always double check timings as the park management may change them from time to time. It is wise (no matter how cold it is) never to miss your morning round in the forest between 6 and 9 am, as this is often the most rewarding. The evening round, between 3-5.30 pm is normally less rushed and all vehicles must leave the park by sundown.