Ladakh, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2018]

Traveling to Ladakh, India? If you're planning to go to Ladakh, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack:

When to go to Ladakh, India

Based on the climate and weather in Ladakh, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Ladakh, India by month

January

Traveling to Ladakh in January, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Thick pajamas
Thermal undergarments
Waterproof boots
Insulated boots
Neck gaiter
High performance gloves
Coveralls
Umbrella
Waterproof coat
Fleece for under jacket
Multiple layer jacket shell
Goggles for eye protection
Extreme cold weather gear

February

Traveling to Ladakh in February, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Insulated boots
Waterproof boots
Umbrella
Pajamas, such as sweats
Sweaters
Multiple layer jacket shell
Thermal undergarments
Very heavy socks
Waterproof coat
Scarf
Fleeces
Gloves

March

March in Ladakh is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof boots
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy socks
Heavy jacket
Umbrella
Sweaters
Waterproof coat
Gloves or mittens
Cold weather footwear

April

If you visit Ladakh during April, you are likely to find that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

There is frost about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Light gloves or mittens
Umbrella
Standard footwear
Socks
Waterproof boots
Jacket or coat
Fleeces
Waterproof coat
Warm pants or jeans

May

May in Ladakh is crisp. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Umbrella
Rain coat
Jacket or coat
Socks
Standard footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Waterproof footwear
Waterproof luggage
Fleeces
Light gloves or mittens

June

If you visit Ladakh during June, you are likely to find that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Rain coat
Dresses
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Shorts or short pants
Waterproof luggage
Waterproof footwear
Long and short sleeve shirts
Skirts
Umbrella
Light footwear

July

July in Ladakh is warm and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Skirts
Rain coat
Shorts or short pants
Sandals
Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Sunscreen lotion
Umbrella
Light footwear
Long and short sleeve shirts
Waterproof luggage

August

August in Ladakh is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Sunscreen lotion
Dresses
Waterproof footwear
Sandals
Rain coat
Light footwear
Skirts
Shorts or short pants
Waterproof luggage
Umbrella
Long and short sleeve shirts

September

September in Ladakh is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Socks
Light jacket or fleece
Standard footwear
Rain coat
Waterproof luggage
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Umbrella
Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Long skirts
Pants or jeans

October

If you vacation in Ladakh during October, you are likely to find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

There is frost about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Standard footwear
Waterproof coat
Fleeces
Socks
Light gloves or mittens
Waterproof boots
Umbrella
Warm pants or jeans
Jacket or coat

November

November for Ladakh is cold. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Warm pants or jeans
Cold weather footwear
Sweaters
Heavy jacket
Gloves or mittens
Waterproof boots
Umbrella
Heavy socks
Waterproof coat

December

If you are traveling to Ladakh in December, you will notice that it is frigid. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C). There is frost almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof coat
Waterproof boots
Thermal undergarments
Insulated boots
Very heavy socks
Multiple layer jacket shell
Pajamas, such as sweats
Sweaters
Fleeces
Scarf
Umbrella
Gloves

Year-round what to wear/what to pack for Ladakh, India

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ladakh, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there. Ladakh is at a very high altitude, and may result in altitude sickness.

For that reason, you will want to pack strong altitude sickness prevention products and treatments.

Consider asking your doctor about Diamox
Oximeter to check blood oxygen
Ibuprofen
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor)
A plug adadpter that supports outlet types C, D and M
A SIM card that works in Ladakh
If you are visiting a temple, pack respectful clothing
Theft can be a problem, so pack theft protection, including locks for luggage and a money belt or pouch
Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere

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