Ooty, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Ooty, India? Ooty is a mountain resort located in Tamil Nadu. It is a popular tourist destination due to its cool weather and picturesque scenery.
The town is situated in the Nilgiri Hills and is surrounded by forests and tea plantations.
Ooty is also home to the Ooty Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and picnicking. If you're planning to go to Ooty, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ooty
- Important essentials for Ooty
- Activities for Ooty
- Ooty in January: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in February: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in March: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in April: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in May: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in June: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in July: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in August: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in September: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in October: weather and what to pack
- Ooty in November: weather and what to pack
- Ooty 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 Ooty, India
Based on the climate and weather in Ooty, the best time to go is July, although the climate is excellent for visiting for much of the year. See below for details.
Important essentials for Ooty, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ooty, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
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).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Other health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Areas have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should work in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Ooty. 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.
-
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Activities for Ooty, India
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Ooty.
Dodabetta Peak, at 2,623 meters, is definitely worth seeing. It offers stunning views of the valley below, and it's pretty close to Ooty, although you'll have to walk the last 3 kilometers. On a clear day, you can see for miles, all the way to Mysore. But make sure you're prepared for the hike. That means:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
This portable cooler helps when you get thirsty on the hike
Annamalai Temple is a beautiful destination, with amazing views of the terrain. Wear respectful clothing when visiting:
The Falls at Pykara are an an amazing trip, but be extremely careful, as there have been drownings. If you go, prepare to get wet, and take these:
-
Ultralight day pack
to carry essentials.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Swimsuits
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
What to wear/what to pack for Ooty, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Ooty is balmy, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ooty, with of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 50%. The dead of winter can also have temperatures dropping below these levels.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
February
Traveling to Ooty in February, you will notice that it is mild, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
March
March in Ooty is mild, somewhat hazy and very dry. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
April
In April, Ooty is mild and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Ooty, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
May
If you travel to Ooty in May, you will find that the weather is balmy and a little hazy. There may be some rain. The daytime temperature is usually in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
June
If you visit Ooty during June, you might find that it is relatively cool and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
July
July for Ooty is chilly and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time. During the summer, the area is filled with tourists, and can get a bit crowded.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
August
August in Ooty is chilly and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C). The cool weather brings plenty of tourists who are looking to beat the heat from summer in India.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
September
If you visit Ooty during September, you may see that it is balmy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
October
If you are traveling to Ooty in October, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
November
November in this region is mild and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
December
December in Ooty is balmy and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Smara, Western Sahara, Los Cristianos, Spain, Gateway Cities, California, United States of America, Northern Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Araguari, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States of America, Balsas, Maranhão, Brazil, Gulu, Uganda, Ennis, Ireland, Kent County, Rhode Island, United States of America, and Yelagiri, India.