India packing list: what to pack, month by month
This list is made by TripRai's code from our 7-day India itinerary (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), for a traveller from India. Every item with a day next to it is there because of that day. Plan your own trip and you get the same kind of list, made from your own days, dates and food.
Plan a trip to India with its own packing list →Documents and money
- Aadhaar or another photo ID
What the days of this trip need
From the sample itinerary, 7 days: 1 place of worship, 1 train ride, 2 long bus rides and 2 flights.
- Comfortable walking shoesDay 2 Chandni Chowk · Red Fort · Humayun's Tomb · Day 3 Agra Fort · Day 3 Mehtab Bagh · +1 more
- Modest clothes (shoulders and knees covered)Day 2 Jama Masjid
- Socks that are easy to take offDay 2 Jama Masjid: shoes may come off inside
- Scarf or cap to cover your headDay 2 Jama Masjid: head covered inside
- Insect repellentMosquitoes in the tropics
- Small notes and coins for street foodDay 2 Chandni Chowk · Red Fort · Humayun's Tomb
- Charger and power bank in hand luggage (never checked in)Day 1 Mumbai to Delhi · Day 7 Jaipur to Mumbai
- Liquids under 100 ml in a clear bagDay 1 Mumbai to Delhi · Day 7 Jaipur to Mumbai
India weather, month by month
What each month usually feels like, for packing (not a forecast). ☂ marks the rainy season.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Cold | Cool | Warm | Hot | Hot | Hot ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm | Mild | Cold |
| Agra | Cold | Cool | Warm | Hot | Hot | Hot ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm | Mild | Cold |
| Jaipur | Cold | Cool | Warm | Hot | Hot | Hot ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm ☂ | Warm | Mild | Cold |
- Cold · under ~12°CWarm jacket or fleece, a sweater for layering
- Cool · ~12–20°CLight jacket
- Mild · ~18–25°CLight jacket or a layer for the evening
- Warm · ~25–32°CLight, breathable cotton clothes, sunglasses
- Hot · over ~32°CLight, breathable cotton clothes, sunglasses, sun hat or cap, reusable water bottle
The base checklist (City break)
For the sample trip's weather; a plan of your own follows your dates (no jeans or jacket in a hot month, for example).
Clothing
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Jeans or casual trousers (2)
- T-shirts / tops (3–4)
- Light jacket
- An evening outfit
- Scarf or a layering piece
- Sunglasses
- Clothes for 7 days
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
- Moisturiser
- Razor or grooming kit
- Lip balm
Tech & essentials
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Earphones
- Debit / credit cards and some cash
- Copies of bookings (offline)
- Day bag or crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
Health
- Prescription medicines
- Basic first-aid kit (paracetamol, plasters, ORS, antacid)
- Hand sanitiser
- Blister plasters
- Tissues and wet wipes
Questions
What is the weather like in Delhi through the year?
Roughly: January: cold (under ~12°C); February: cool (~12–20°C); March: warm (~25–32°C); April–June: hot (over ~32°C); July–October: warm (~25–32°C); November: mild (~18–25°C); December: cold (under ~12°C). October to March for most of India: Rajasthan, Delhi, Goa and Kerala are pleasant then. In the hot months, head for the hills.
When is the rainy season in India?
Roughly June, July, August and September (it varies by region). In those months pack a compact umbrella, a raincoat or poncho and a waterproof pouch for your phone and papers.
What should I wear to religious sites in India?
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Shoes may come off inside, so socks that are easy to take off help. At mosques, cover your head with a scarf or cap. On the sample itinerary: Day 2 Jama Masjid.
How do vegetarian, Jain or vegan travellers manage food in India?
Pure-vegetarian and Jain food is easy to find across all three cities — look for 'pure veg' thali restaurants and ask for 'no onion, no garlic'. TripRai plans every meal of a trip around what you eat.
A packing list for your own trip
Tell TripRai your dates, cities, food and who is coming. You get the whole trip day by day with estimated costs, and a packing list made from those days and that month's weather, to tick off and share on WhatsApp.
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