Winter in India is a vibrant, colorful season with cool weather, clear skies, and major festivals. Whether you’re exploring the palaces of Rajasthan, the ghats of Varanasi, or the beaches of Goa, you’ll need a packing list that balances comfort, modesty, and regional weather shifts.
India’s winter spans December to February, but temperatures vary widely by region. Northern cities like Delhi can get quite chilly, while southern states like Kerala remain warm and tropical. Layering is key, along with modest clothing that respects local culture while keeping you comfortable and stylish.
Here’s your complete India winter packing list — designed for all climates, travel styles, and experiences, from temples to tuk-tuks.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for India in winter. 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/Jaipur/Agra: 7–21°C (44–70°F) – cool mornings, sunny days
- 🌡️ Mumbai/Goa/Kerala: 20–33°C (68–91°F) – warm and tropical
- 🌡️ Himalayan towns (e.g., Shimla, Dharamshala): 0–10°C (32–50°F) – cold, may snow
- 🌤️ Mostly dry, clear skies – ideal sightseeing weather
- 🙏 Modesty matters – shoulders, cleavage, and knees should be covered, especially at temples
What to Pack for India in Winter
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 – 🧳 Easy to manage on trains and buses
- Daypack or anti-theft bag – 🎒 Great for temple visits and city tours
- Packing cubes – 📦 Separate layers and modest outfits
- Shoe bags – 👟 Keep dirt off your clothes
- Toiletry bag – 🪥 With spill-proof compartments
- Document pouch – 📁 Keep passport, visa, and permits safe
- Laundry pouch – 🧺 For dusty or sweaty clothes
- Luggage lock – 🔒 For hotel rooms or train storage
- Travel towel – 🧻 Especially for guesthouses
- Neck pillow – 💺 Long train or bus comfort
- Eye mask – 😴 Useful for noisy nights or travel
👗 Clothes
- Cotton or linen tops (3–4) – 👕 Light, breathable, modest
- Long-sleeve shirts (2–3) – 👚 For sun and temple coverage
- Maxi skirt or palazzo pants – 👖 Stylish and respectful
- Jeans or travel pants (1–2) – 👖 Durable for cities
- Light sweater or fleece (1–2) – 🧥 For cool mornings/nights
- Pashmina or scarf (2) – 🧣 Temple coverage + warmth
- Jacket (lightweight or puffer) – 🧥 Needed in the north
- Kurti or tunic – 👗 Blend in while staying comfy
- Leggings – 🧘 Pair with tunics or dresses
- Sleepwear – 🛌 Warm enough for non-heated rooms
- Swimsuit – 👙 For Goa or hotel pools
- Underwear (7+) – 🩲 Quick-dry recommended
- Bras + sports bra – 👙 For busy travel days
- Socks (5–6 pairs) – 🧦 Especially for temple visits where shoes come off
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – 🧼 Pollution can irritate skin
- Moisturizer – 💧 Keep skin hydrated in all regions
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ – ☀️ Sun is strong even in winter
- Lip balm with SPF – 💋 Prevent chapping
- Face mist or toner – 💦 Refresh after dusty travel
- Eye cream – 👁️ For tired travel eyes
- Exfoliator – 🌿 Cleanse away city grime
- Makeup remover – 🧽 Wipes or oil cleanser
- Clay mask or sheet mask – 🛁 Calm reactive skin
- Spot treatment – 🎯 Just in case
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream – 🧴 Lightweight and breathable
- Concealer – 👁️ For long days out
- Powder – 💨 Set makeup in humid areas
- Blush – 🌸 Add warmth after dusty travel
- Highlighter – ✨ Natural glow for evenings
- Neutral shadow palette – 🎨 Small and versatile
- Waterproof mascara – 👁️ For all-day wear
- Brow pencil or gel – 🪮 Easy grooming
- Lip balm or tint – 💄 Keep it light and hydrating
- Mini brushes – 🖌️ Travel-size essentials
💇 Hair Care
- Comb or detangler – 💇 Humidity and wind = knots
- Hair ties and clips – 🧷 For hot afternoons
- Shampoo + conditioner – 🚿 Travel-size or solid bars
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Refresh after dusty days
- Leave-in conditioner – 💁 Combat dryness
- Anti-frizz serum – ✨ Especially for south India
- Scarf or hat – 🎀 Useful in sun and wind
- Mini styling tool – 🔌 Flat iron or curler optional
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Comfortable walking shoes – 👟 Essential for sightseeing
- Sandals or flip-flops – 🩴 Easy off for temples
- Slip-on flats – 🥿 Great for trains and dinners
- Shawl or wrap – 🧣 Adds style + warmth
- Sun hat – 👒 Needed in Rajasthan or the south
- Umbrella – ☔ For rain or shade
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ Bright skies in all regions
- Jewelry – 💍 Minimal and local-inspired
- Crossbody or money belt – 👜 For street safety
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 Required for ID and hotels
- Visa (e-visa printout) – 📄 Show on arrival
- Travel insurance – 📋 Important for unexpected care
- Flight/train confirmations – ✈️ Print + digital
- Hotel and tour bookings – 🏨 Have a paper backup
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 ATMs are common in cities
- Cash (INR) – 💵 Needed for taxis and small shops
- Notebook + pen – 📝 Handy for travel notes
- Offline maps and translation app – 🗺️ Cell signal isn’t everywhere
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 For foot blisters
- Antiseptic cream – 🌿 For minor scrapes
- Painkillers – 💊 Travel headaches or cramps
- Allergy tablets – 🌾 Helpful in dusty or floral regions
- Motion sickness pills – 🚐 Roads can be rough
- Oral rehydration salts – 🧃 Prevent dehydration
- Tweezers, nail clippers, scissors – ✂️ Always useful
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush + paste – 🪥 Bring a case too
- Floss – 🧵 Compact and clean
- Deodorant – 🧼 Choose long-wearing
- Wet wipes – 🧻 A must for travel days
- Toilet paper – 🚽 Many bathrooms don’t provide it
- Hand sanitizer – 🧴 Use often
- Feminine hygiene products – 🩸 Bring what you prefer
- Bug spray – 🦟 Especially for rural or forest areas
- Perfume roller – 🌸 Freshen up anytime
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 Your main tool
- Universal adapter – 🔌 India uses Type D/M plugs
- Portable charger – 🔋 Great for train days
- Camera – 📸 So much to capture
- SIM card or eSIM – 📶 Consider local data
- Earphones – 🎧 Music + meditation apps
- Kindle or tablet – 📚 For books + downloads
🎧 Entertainment
- Books or Kindle – 📖 Train time filler
- Downloaded shows or music – 🎶 No Wi-Fi in remote areas
- Travel journal – 📓 Reflect on your journey
- Games or puzzles – 🃏 Fun during long rides
🎁 Extras
- Reusable water bottle – 💧 Always refill with filtered water
- Snacks – 🍫 Energy bars or crackers
- Shopping bag – 🛍️ Useful for local markets
- Laundry detergent – 🧼 For hand washing
- Sewing kit – 🪡 Button fixes or rips
- Safety whistle – 📢 Just in case
- Foot powder – 👣 Prevent sweaty feet in warm areas
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer every day – 🧥 From warm to chilly in hours
- Respect dress codes – 🙏 Temples, rural towns, religious sites
- Take shoes off indoors – 👟 Especially in homes and shrines
- Buy scarves locally – 🛍️ Beautiful and useful
- Use hotel laundry when possible – 🧺 Affordable and fast
🛂 Visa Tips
- Apply for e-Visa early – 🧾 Print it before departure
- Bring passport photos – 🖼️ For permits or extensions
- Know your entry port – 🛬 Must match e-Visa
- Carry a copy of your return ticket – 🧳 Show at immigration
- Print hotel bookings – 🏨 Needed at check-in
⭐ Must-Haves
- Pashmina or scarf – 🧣 Style + temple-ready
- Hand sanitizer + wipes – 🧴 Your daily saviors
- Comfortable shoes – 👟 India = walking
- Rehydration salts – 💧 Guard against heat or stomach issues
- Toilet paper + tissues – 🚽 Don’t assume it’s available
- Filtered water bottle or tablets – 💦 Safe hydration
👍 Good-to-Have
- Travel-size detergent – 🧼 Clean up on the go
- Earplugs – 🔇 India is vibrant and loud
- Sleep mask – 😴 For night trains or hostels
- Small flashlight – 🔦 Useful during outages
- Foldable umbrella – ☔ For sun or showers
