December is one of the best months to travel to India. The weather is dry and relatively cool, making it perfect for exploring cities, heritage sites, and even beaches. From the chilly mornings of Delhi to the balmy shores of Goa or Kerala, you’ll need to pack for variety—light during the day, warmer layers at night.
Cultural sensitivity is key when it comes to dressing. Lightweight, modest clothing will serve you well in temples, markets, and public places, while still keeping you cool and comfortable. Prepare for everything from mountain air to beach breezes.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for India in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Delhi: 8°C to 21°C (46°F to 70°F)
- Agra/Jaipur: 7°C to 23°C (45°F to 73°F)
- Goa: 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
- Kerala: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Dry season, mild to warm temperatures, little rain ☀️
What to Pack for India in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Soft-sided suitcase or backpack – ideal for bumpy travel 🚆
- Daypack – temples, hikes, city exploring 🎒
- Packing cubes – separate warm vs tropical gear 📦
- Shoe bag – dusty roads and temple visits 👟
- Toiletry kit – humid-safe 🧴
- Neck wallet – for cash and ID in busy areas 💼
- Foldable laundry bag – useful between cities 🧺
- Neck pillow & sleep mask – for night trains 😴
👗 Clothes
- Light cotton tops (4–6) – breathable & modest 👕
- Long-sleeve shirts – for temples and sun protection 👚
- Midweight sweater or jacket – mornings in the north 🧥
- Shawl or pashmina – versatile & respectful 🧣
- Loose pants or long skirts – comfortable and cultural 👖
- Jeans (1–2) – useful in cities or cold nights 👖
- Kurta or tunic – local style, practical wear 👘
- Pajamas – light and full-length 🛌
- Swimsuit & cover-up – for Goa or hotel pools 👙
- Undergarments (5–7) + sports bras 👙
- Wool socks or cotton – mix for climates 🧦
💆 Skincare
- SPF 30+ sunscreen – essential in the south 🌞
- Moisturizer – for dry north or AC rooms 💧
- Facial wipes – clean off city dust 🧽
- Lip balm – dry lips in northern areas 💋
- Hand sanitizer – always have it 🧴
💄 Makeup
- BB cream or tinted moisturizer – light and simple 💄
- Concealer – tired eyes after train rides 👁️
- Blush or bronzer – bring your glow 🌸
- Waterproof mascara – for humidity 👁️
💇 Hair Care
- Comb or brush – quick fixes 💇
- Hair ties – for dusty or hot days 🌀
- Dry shampoo – for multi-city trips 🌬️
- Leave-in conditioner – repairs sun & pollution 💁
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Slip-on walking shoes – temples require removal 👟
- Flip-flops – for showers or casual wear 🩴
- Closed shoes – for travel days or cooler north 👞
- Sunglasses – strong sun, year-round 🕶️
- Crossbody or anti-theft bag – secure & stylish 👜
- Scarf – double as a sun or dust shield 🧣
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + visa printout 🛂
- Travel insurance docs 📄
- Hotel bookings & flight confirmations 📲
- Local currency & card 💳
- Copies of ID & passport 🧾
🚑 First Aid
- Motion sickness meds – curvy roads ahead 🚐
- Electrolyte packets – heat & sweat recovery 💧
- Bandaids & antiseptic – for market blisters 🩹
- Bug spray – especially in rural areas 🦟
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush & paste 🪥
- Deodorant – essential 🧼
- Feminine hygiene – preferred brand might be scarce 🩸
- Hand wipes – for street food or trains 🧻
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger 📱
- Travel adapter (Type C/D/M) 🔌
- Power bank – for all-day outings 🔋
- Camera – temples and landscapes 📸
- Offline map & translation apps 🗺️
🎧 Entertainment
- Books or Kindle – great for long train rides 📚
- Music & podcasts – download ahead 🎧
- Notebook – write down spiritual or food finds 📝
🎁 Extras
- Travel towel – for hostels or temples 🏞️
- Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated 💧
- Eye mask & earplugs – busy streets or sleeper trains 😴
- Shopping bag – markets are irresistible 🛍️
🌍 Travel Tips
- Dress modestly for temples & mosques 🙏
- Always carry some cash 💵
- Expect crowds—pack with patience 🧘
- Download taxi and food delivery apps 📱
🛂 Visa Tips
- Apply for e-Visa ahead 🛂
- Print your visa & keep digital copies 📋
- Passport should be valid for 6+ months 📆
⭐ Must-Haves
- Visa + passport 🛂
- Scarf or shawl 🧣
- Slip-on shoes 👟
- Sunscreen 🌞
- Hand sanitizer 🧴
- Electrolytes 💧
👍 Good-to-Have
- Dry shampoo 🌬️
- Notebook 📝
- Travel towel 🧼
- Eye mask 😎
- Reusable bag 🛍️
