Nainital, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Nainital, one of the most beautiful hill stations in India? Nanital is an extremely popular getaway for Indians, with a beautiful lake and the former home of Jim Corbett.
If you're planning to go to Nainital, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Nainital
- Important essentials for Nainital
- Activities for Nainital
- Nainital in January: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in February: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in March: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in April: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in May: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in June: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in July: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in August: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in September: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in October: weather and what to pack
- Nainital in November: weather and what to pack
- Nainital 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 Nainital, India
By far, the best time to go to Nainital is May, when you can go boating and feed the animals, without it being too hot.
June and July are reasonable times to go as well; however, they can get very hot and crowded.
Important essentials for Nainital, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Nainital, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
General health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of India have unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Nainital. 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.
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane or car necessities
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Nainital, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
February
February in Nainital is brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
March
March can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
April
If you visit Nainital during April, you might see that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
May
If you vacation in Nainital during May, you might see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
June
June is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Extra socks
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you go to Nainital in July, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
August
If you visit Nainital during August, you may notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
September
If you go to Nainital in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in Nainital is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
November
Traveling to Nainital in November, you will notice that it is relatively cool and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for Nainital, India
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Nainital.
If you are intending to go to St. John in the Wilderness Church, or Naina Devi Temple, you will want to dress modestly:
Trousers
Long dresses
This one, for example.
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you decide to do the trek to Naina/China Peak, you will be pleased you did, with its beautiful panoramic views all year-round. However, you will be doing some relatively difficult hiking, so make sure to be prepared. We suggest these items:
Binoculars
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.
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Check out our guides for these other locations: Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany, Grenfell, New South Wales, Australia, Chocó, Colombia, Greater Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America, Shinnston, West Virginia, United States of America, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, France, San Luis de Pambil, Ecuador, Trinidad, California, United States of America, Skipness, Scotland, United Kingdom, Yueyang, China, and Kokkola, Finland.