What to Pack for India: Monsoon to Himalayas, Temples to Trains
From steamy bazaar walks and sudden monsoon bursts to temple steps and overnight trains, pack quick-dry layers, a light rain jacket, a scarf that covers shoulders, slip-on shoes, small cash notes, and a power bank.
Updated on September 26, 2025
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Packing for India can feel complex. This guide cuts through it with clear advice on what locals actually wear, how to handle monsoon downpours, and the smarter way to stay comfortable on long travel days. Think breathable layers with modest coverage that still look sharp, plus rain readiness that tucks into a small bag. We’ll show what to skip so every piece earns its place.
Style skews relaxed yet respectful. Loose cuts, knee-length hems and covered shoulders feel right from markets to temple steps, while breathable cotton or linen handles the heat. City evenings lean polished without flash, and vibrant or quiet tones both fit. Choose shoes that slip on and off quickly for temples and busy transit.
Weather shifts are real across this vast country. Coastal days run hot and humid around 77–95°F, the plains push 95–113°F in summer, northern winters sit near 41–68°F, and the Himalayas can drop below 32°F with snow. Monsoon from June to September brings sudden, heavy rain and sticky air. Pack a compact rain shell and a breathable wrap.
The guide maps a capsule that works for city walks, trains and temple etiquette, then tunes fabric choices, colors and footwear to the climate and pace. From monsoon-ready tweaks to winter layers and Himalayan add-ons, you’ll get activity notes for markets, beaches, safaris and day hikes, plus what to skip, smart security, power and money tips.
Part 1: Packing Essentials
Packing List
Adults
Clothing
Footwear
Essentials
Kids Clothing
Kids Footwear & Accessories
Infant Feeding & Sleep
Infant Travel Essentials
India Day Bag Checklist
What you'll carry for a typical day exploring the city.
Part 2: Style & Weather
India Weather & Seasonal Packing Guide
India's weather swings dramatically by region: coastal zones stay hot and humid (77–95°F), northern plains heat to 95–113°F in summer and cool to 41–68°F in winter, while Himalayan areas drop below 32°F with snow. Monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings heavy, sudden rain and high humidity that alters transport and market life.
Monthly Temperature Guide
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 70°F | 46°F |
| Feb | 75°F | 50°F |
| Mar | 88°F | 59°F |
| Apr | 97°F | 72°F |
| May | 106°F | 81°F |
| Jun | 99°F | 82°F |
| Jul | 91°F | 79°F |
| Aug | 90°F | 79°F |
| Sep | 90°F | 77°F |
| Oct | 91°F | 72°F |
| Nov | 86°F | 61°F |
| Dec | 75°F | 48°F |
Seasonal Insights
spring
Spring (Mar–May): pack light, breathable layers — cotton/linen tunic, loose trousers and a lightweight shawl for temples. Days often 77–97°F on plains, but hill stations stay cool 50–68°F. Sun hat, SPF and a reusable hand fan help on market walks.
summer
Summer (Mar–May): expect 95–113°F plains heat and 77–86°F coastal humidity. Pack loose cotton/linen tunics, breathable trousers, wide‑brim hat, SPF and electrolyte sachets. Sightsee mornings/evenings; carry refillable water and sun layer for trains.
fall
Fall (Oct–Nov): post‑monsoon is drier and pleasant, 68–95°F across most regions. Pack a few breathable long sleeves, a light shawl, comfortable slip‑ons for temple removal and evenings. Great time for markets, festivals and clearer train routes.
winter
Winter (Nov–Feb): northern plains cool 41–68°F; Himalayan towns drop below 32°F with snow. Pack a warm midlayer, lightweight insulated jacket and wool socks. Use scarves for temples; carry a compact thermos to beat chilly morning markets.
India Style Compass: Modesty, Monsoon & Mobility
India’s wardrobe logic is practical, colorful and context-driven. Prioritize cottons, linens and quick‑dry blends for hot 25–35°C days and humid monsoon spells; add a lightweight insulating layer for northern nights. Choose loose, beltable silhouettes that respect temple modesty, fold small for rickshaw and train travel, and wash easily between bazaars.
The Local Dress Code
Modesty matters at religious sites and in many towns: cover shoulders and knees, avoid sheer or extremely tight clothes, and carry a long scarf or shawl for temple entry. Remove shoes frequently — slip-ons are handy — and keep flashy jewelry minimal in crowded markets to reduce attention.
Pack for India’s extremes: breathable cotton and linen for hot, humid 25–35°C days, quick‑dry rain protection for monsoon, and modest layered silhouettes that work for temples, trains, markets and coastal escapes.
Style at a Glance
- • Primary fabrics: cotton, linen, quick‑dry blends, silk for dressy occasions, lightweight wool in high altitudes
- • Silhouettes: loose, beltable layers — knee length or longer and covered shoulders for temples
- • Monsoon-ready: pack a packable rain jacket/poncho and quick-dry pieces
- • Footwear: sturdy breathable sneakers, secure strapped sandals and slip-ons for temples
- • Pack philosophy: capsule wardrobe of washable, mixable pieces (3–5 tops for a week)
Color Palette
Shopping in the City
Shop India for breathable handloom cottons, block prints and travel-ready gear. Haggle in bazaars for textiles, buy quick‑dry travel pieces in cities, and prioritize local brands for value and durable fabrics such as cotton, linen and quick‑dry blends.
Brands to Look For
Fabindia: Widespread stores for handloom cotton, kurtas and travel-appropriate linen blends; strong ethical textile roots and reliable basics. ($ - $$)
BIBA: Accessible ethnicwear specialising in ready-to-wear kurtas and modest dresses that are temple-appropriate and easy to pack. ($ - $$)
Raymond: Legacy menswear and shirting with fine cottons and lightweight suiting fabrics useful for dressier city or business occasions. ($$ - $$$)
Hidesign: High-quality leather goods — compact crossbodies and secure wallets built to withstand heavy daily use and travel wear. ($$ - $$$)
Wildcraft: Domestic outdoor and travel gear: breathable daypacks, quick-dry trekking layers and waterproof shells for monsoon days. ($ - $$)
Good Earth: Premium textiles and homewear with artisanal prints and silk pieces suitable for dressy occasions and festival wear. ($$ - $$$)
Where to Shop
Chandni Chowk: Traditional textiles, block prints, affordable tailoring and ethnic wear.
Colaba Causeway: Street finds, travel accessories, vintage and tourist-friendly bargaining.
Neighborhood Vibes
Old Delhi: Dense markets, strong colors and layered textiles; think breathable, modest tunics, easy trousers and a lightweight shawl for temples and dusty lanes.
South Mumbai: Urban coastal chic mixes tailored linens and lightweight cottons with secure crossbody bags and slick slip-on shoes for cafes, promenades and art districts.
Seasonal Outfit Formulas
spring
Monsoon Market Day — Navigating crowded bazaars on warm 25°C days with sudden showers.
- • Light cotton kurta: Breathable, easy to layer and modest for temple stops.
- • Linen tapered trousers
- • Breathable walking sneakers: Closed toe protects in crowds and during sudden rain.
- • Packable rain poncho
Temple Visit Ensemble — Temple rituals and respectful sightseeing; remove shoes frequently and cover shoulders.
summer
Coastal Beach Day — Hot coastal 30–35°C days; sun protection and quick-dry pieces for beach and promenade.
City Sightseeing Heat — Urban walking in humid 28–34°C heat; light colors and sun protection reduce fatigue.
fall
Comfortable Bazaar Run — Post-monsoon shopping and market strolls in pleasant 20–28°C weather; layers for variable days.
Hill Station Day Hike — Cool mornings and warmer afternoons in hill regions; layer for 8–18°C swings and variable trails.
winter
Northern Plains Chill — Cool winter mornings 5–15°C in the plains; layer with insulating mid-layer for mornings and evenings.
- • Long-sleeve cotton base
- • Light insulated jacket: Packable and warm for 5–15°C city use.
- • Leather ankle boots
- • Wool-blend scarf
Himalayan Base Day — High-altitude day trips and acclimatisation; expect below 0°C nights and brisk days.
Footwear Guidelines
- • Bring sturdy breathable sneakers for city walking and markets; prioritize grip and ventilation for humid days.
- • Pack secure strapped sandals for heat and quick drying at beaches; avoid flimsy flip-flops for long walks.
- • Include a pair of easy slip-on shoes for temple visits, security checks and overnight trains.
- • If heading to the hills, add light hiking shoes with good traction for trails and mountain day hikes.
Accessory Guidelines
- • Carry a large lightweight scarf or shawl for temple coverage, sun protection and sudden chills (very versatile).
- • Use an anti-theft crossbody or money belt for crowded trains and bazaars; keep small change handy.
- • Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses for plains and coastal days.
- • Include a compact, packable umbrella or poncho for monsoon months (Jun–Sep) and a quick-dry travel towel.
- • Bring a small universal adapter and a portable power bank for long travel days and overnight trains.
What to Wear for India’s Top Activities
Temple & Religious Sites
Respectful dress and easy shoes make temple visits comfortable and culturally appropriate across India.
Street Food & Markets
Street-food and bazaars are vibrant; plan clothing for heat, crowds and quick stops to sample food safely.
Long-Distance Train Journeys
Overnight trains are iconic; pack for sleep, security and variable temperatures during long transfers.
City Sightseeing & Walking Tours
Cities demand breathable layers, easy shoes and a plan for heat, pollution or sudden monsoon showers.
Beaches & Coastal Relaxation
India's beaches pair hot sun with humid sea breezes; pack for sun protection, sand and sudden monsoon squalls.
Himalayan Day-Hikes & Acclimatisation
High-altitude day-hikes need layered warmth, sun protection and cautious acclimatisation planning for safety and enjoyment.
Wildlife Safaris & National Parks
Safaris need neutral clothing, insect protection and timing for animal activity; early mornings and late afternoons are prime.
Festivals & Cultural Performances
Festivals are colorful and crowded—dress respectfully, plan for weather and bring compact security measures for busy celebrations.
Part 3: Expert Tips
What Not to Pack for India
Save luggage space and avoid common overpacking mistakes by leaving these items behind.
- • Stiletto heels: Stiletto heels sink into uneven pavements, bazaar alleys and temple steps and make frequent shoe removal awkward. Bring sturdy breathable sneakers, secure strapped sandals or slip-on shoes for trains and temples instead.
- • Heavy winter coat: A full heavy winter coat is bulky and unnecessary across most of India except the high Himalaya where temperatures can drop below 0°C. Pack a lightweight packable insulated layer or light down for high-altitude days instead.
- • Flashy expensive jewelry: Flashy jewels attract attention and increase theft risk on crowded trains, markets and streets. Leave valuables in a hotel safe and wear inexpensive costume pieces or a simple watch while sightseeing.
- • Bulky toiletry bottles: Large toiletry bottles waste space and can spill on trains; pharmacies sell replacements almost everywhere. Use travel-sized refillable bottles and buy heavier items locally to save weight and hassle.
- • Only synthetic clothing (no natural fibers): Relying solely on non-breathable synthetics traps sweat and odor during humid 25–35°C days and monsoon conditions. Mix cotton or linen and quick-dry blends for breathability and easier hand-washing.
- • Large hard-shell suitcase: Big rigid suitcases don’t fit easily into rickshaws, cramped train racks or narrow guesthouse stairways. Choose a soft duffel or a carry-on backpack sized for overhead racks and rickshaw trunks instead.
- • Only high-denomination cash: Carrying only large bills is a common mistake—street vendors and tips need 10/20/50/100 INR notes. Carry small-change, a secure money belt and a backup card or use a local UPI payment option.
- • Very revealing or sheer clothing: Very short shorts, low-cut tops or see-through pieces can offend at temples and in rural areas and attract unwanted attention. Pack knee-length skirts, loose trousers and a lightweight scarf or shawl for coverage.
- • Thin flip-flops or flimsy sandals for long walking: Thin flip-flops lack support on uneven bazaar alleys, crowded platforms and short hikes, increasing injury risk. Opt for secure strapped sandals, breathable sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes instead.
- • Full-size voltage converters and bulky chargers: Large voltage converters and single-port chargers add weight and take space; India uses 230V with Type C/D/M plugs. Bring a compact universal adapter, multi-port USB charger and a power bank instead.
India Travel Insider Tips
Local wisdom and practical advice gathered from seasoned travelers and residents.
- • Always carry rain protection in monsoon months: Bring a packable waterproof jacket or poncho for Jun–Sep monsoon. Sudden heavy downpours can drench markets and trains; quick-dry layers and a zip pouch for electronics keep you moving and comfortable.
- • Pack modest layers for temples and rural areas: Include a lightweight shawl or scarf and knee-length bottoms. Covering shoulders and knees speeds entry into temples, avoids stares in villages and doubles as sun protection on hot 25–35°C days.
- • Choose slip-on shoes for temples and trains: Slip-on shoes make shoe removal at temples and security checks painless. Pair with breathable socks and a compact pair of strapped sandals for hot 30–40°C streets and crowded platforms.
- • Build a capsule wardrobe for heat and humidity: Pack 3–5 breathable cotton or linen tops, one dressy silk or scarf for festivals, and quick-dry bottoms. Versatile pieces reduce laundry needs and adapt to 25–45°C plains or cooler 8–15°C mornings.
- • Prepare for long overnight train comfort: Bring a lightweight travel sheet, earplugs, small lock and eye mask for long-distance trains. A refillable water bottle and snacks keep you comfortable during delays and crowded berths.
- • Carry small cash and a slim money belt: Keep small INR notes (10/20/50/100) for markets and tips; larger notes can be hard to change. A slim money belt under clothing deters pickpockets in crowded bazaars and on platforms.
- • Protect electronics with adapter and power bank: Bring a universal adapter for Type C/D/M and a power bank for long travel days. Rural power can be intermittent; charging on overnight trains or bus waits keeps maps and payment apps working.
- • Smart fabrics for heat, smell and quick washes: Choose cotton, linen or moisture-wicking blends that dry fast and resist odor. Quick-dry underwear and a small detergent bar mean you can launder in sinks after dusty market days or humid nights.
- • Pack a compact first-aid and hygiene kit: Include ORS sachets, basic meds, insect repellent and sanitizer. Street food is fantastic but unpredictable; being ready for tummy upsets and minor cuts is practical when clinics are miles away.
- • Use anti-theft bags and keep copies of documents: Choose crossbody anti-theft bags and keep photocopies of passport and visa in separate luggage. Crowded trains and bazaars are hotspots for snatches; backups speed replacements if lost.
- • Plan footwear for varied terrain and steps: Bring sturdy breathable sneakers for walking, light hiking shoes for hill trails and compact flip-flops for beaches and shared showers. Many sites require stairs and uneven surfaces.
- • Layer for region: coast, plains and mountains: Pack a light insulated layer for Himalayan nights below 0°C, breathable layers for 25–35°C coasts and sun protection for 35–45°C plains. Layering handles wide temperature swings across regions.
India Travel FAQs — Packing, Weather & Temple Tips
Common questions from fellow travelers, answered with local insight and practical experience.
What clothing is best for India's monsoon and humidity?
How should I dress for temple visits and religious sites?
What footwear works for bazaars, trains, stairs and temples?
How to pack efficiently for long overnight trains in India?
Should I carry cash, cards, or use UPI for markets and street vendors?
What sun and heat protection should I pack for summer and beach days?
How to prepare clothing for India's northern Himalayas and cold nights?
Common Packing Mistakes for India and How to Fix Them
Learn from others' experiences to avoid these common packing pitfalls and travel more comfortably.
Skipping reliable monsoon protection
Skipping reliable rain protection: monsoon downpours (hot 25–35°C coastal rains) soak clothes and electronics. Fix: bring a packable rain jacket or poncho, waterproof phone pouch and quick‑dry layers.
Wearing unsafe or inappropriate footwear
Wearing fashion sandals or heels in markets and temples causes slips and delays. Fix: pack slip‑on shoes for shoe removal, sturdy breathable sneakers for walking and secure strapped sandals for heat and stairs.
Overpacking non‑washable or non‑versatile clothes
Overpacking fashion items you won't wear: heavy or non‑washable clothes take space and smell in humid 25–35°C. Fix: build a capsule wardrobe of 3–5 versatile, washable tops, a lightweight scarf for temples and laundry plans.
Assuming card payments work everywhere
Assuming cards work everywhere leads to missed purchases and headaches in bazaars. Fix: carry a mix of small INR notes (10/20/50/100), an anti‑theft wallet, and a backup card; use UPI where possible in cities.
Not preparing for long overnight train journeys
Not preparing for long overnight trains reduces comfort and safety. Fix: pack an eye mask, compact travel blanket or warm layer for 5–15°C nights in higher regions, earplugs, a sturdy lock, spare phone battery and snacks.
Ignoring modest dress expectations at religious sites
Ignoring modest dress rules at temples or rural areas causes offence and denied entry. Fix: pack lightweight cover‑ups, a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders and knees, breathable long tops and avoid sheer or very tight garments.
Ready for Your India Adventure
You're ready for an unforgettable Indian journey. Embrace sudden monsoon showers by packing a lightweight, packable rain jacket or poncho; keep slip-on shoes for temple visits and trains; and carry small INR notes and an anti‑theft day bag for busy markets. From saffron sunsets and indigo textiles to mountain air below 0°C and crowded overnight trains, India's colors, warmth and rituals reward thoughtful packing. Travel confidently—your adventure starts now.
