Shimla, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Shimla, India? If you're planning to go to Shimla, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Shimla, India

Based on the climate and weather in Shimla, India, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Shimla, India

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shimla, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

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

January

If you vacation in Shimla during January, you might see that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally. There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you choose the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Shimla is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost once in a while. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Shimla is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to get the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you go to Shimla in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

Traveling to Shimla in May, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to choose the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

June

June in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to find the right type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you visit Shimla during July, you are likely to find 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 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

August

If you visit Shimla during August, you will probably see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

September

If you vacation in Shimla during September, you might notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

October

October in Shimla is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

If you go to Shimla in November, you will notice that it is cool and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you are traveling to Shimla in December, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shimla. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Shimla, India

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most popular hill stations. Nestled amidst the picturesque Himalayan ranges, Shimla boasts of stunning colonial architecture, beautiful temples, museums and theatres, along with breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a list of some of the top tourist attractions in Shimla that are a must-visit for any tourist visiting this beautiful hill station.

1. The Ridge: Located in the heart of Shimla, The Ridge is a massive open space that hosts several cultural events and fairs throughout the year. The Ridge presents visitors with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect spot to take pictures.

2. Mall Road: A popular shopping destination in Shimla, Mall Road is lined with shops selling local handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. The street is also home to some of the oldest and most famous restaurants and cafes in Shimla.

3. Jakhoo Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Jakhoo Temple is located on top of Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla. Visitors can take a scenic trek up the hill to reach the temple and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

4. Christ Church: A major landmark in Shimla, Christ Church is considered one of the oldest churches in North India. The church boasts a beautiful architecture and has stunning stained-glass windows.

5. Kufri: A popular hill station situated about 13km from Shimla, Kufri is a prime location for skiing and other snow-based activities. The town also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains.

6. Summer Hill: A scenic suburb of Shimla, Summer Hill is known for its beautiful scenery and sprawling tea estates. The town is also home to several famous educational institutions and was a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi’s.

7. Shimla State Museum: The Shimla State Museum displays exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. The museum has an extensive collection of art, sculptures, coins, and photographs.

8. Tara Devi Temple: A popular Hindu temple located on top of Tara Devi hill, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara. The temple offers a beautiful view of the Shimla valley and is a great spot for trekking enthusiasts.

9. Wildflower Hall: Built-in 1888, the Wildflower Hall is a luxurious resort that was once the residence of the British Viceroy of India. Featuring stunning architecture and breathtaking views, the hotel is a must-visit for those who want to experience the glamour of colonial-era India.

10. Viceregal Lodge: The former residence of the British Viceroy, the Viceregal Lodge is one of the most beautiful buildings in Shimla. The lodge boasts of beautiful architecture and is now used as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

In conclusion, Shimla is truly one of India’s most beautiful hill stations that has much to offer in terms of history, culture and scenic beauty. With the above list of top tourist attractions, tourists can explore the city’s unique heritage, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in adventure sports, making their trip to Shimla a memorable one.

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.

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