Kolkata, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kolkata, India? If you're planning to go to Kolkata, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kolkata
- Important essentials for Kolkata
- Activities for Kolkata
- Kolkata in January: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in February: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in March: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in April: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in May: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in June: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in July: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in August: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in September: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in October: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in November: weather and what to pack
- Kolkata in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Kolkata, India
Based on the climate and weather in Kolkata, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kolkata, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kolkata, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should work in most places, but check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kolkata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Kolkata, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Kolkata in January, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
February
If you visit Kolkata during February, you will probably find that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
March
If you visit Kolkata during March, you may see that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
April
If you visit Kolkata during April, you may see that it is unbearably hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created for cooling and can provide UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should pack extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Bug repellent
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
May
May in Kolkata can be sizzling. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) to high 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created for cooling and to provide UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important pack additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
June
If you go to Kolkata in June, you will notice that it is a scorcher. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to keep you cool and offer UV protection.
-
Personal cooling fan
Bug bite relief
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
July
If you vacation in Kolkata during July, you will probably notice that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
August
August in this region can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
September
If you go to Kolkata in September, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
October
If you visit Kolkata during October, you will probably see that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
November
If you are traveling to Kolkata in November, you will notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
December
If you are traveling to Kolkata in December, you will notice that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you go to the Jawahar Shishu Bhawan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Activities for Kolkata, India
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kolkata.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Little Karoo, South Africa, Pittsburg, California, United States of America, Gyumri, Armenia, Northwest Wyoming, Wyoming, United States of America, Auli, India, Pullman, Washington, United States of America, Farmville, Virginia, United States of America, Pocklington, England, United Kingdom, Tibasosa, Colombia, Karlskoga and Degerfors, Sweden, and Loma Plata, Paraguay.