Sikkim, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Sikkim, India? If you're planning to go to Sikkim, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Sikkim
- Important essentials for Sikkim
- Activities for Sikkim
- Sikkim in January: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in February: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in March: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in April: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in May: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in June: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in July: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in August: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in September: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in October: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim in November: weather and what to pack
- Sikkim 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 Sikkim, India
Based on the climate and weather in Sikkim, the best time to go is October. See below for details.
Important essentials for Sikkim, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sikkim, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
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
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
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 Sikkim. 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.
Activities for Sikkim, India
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Sikkim.
If you go to Tsongmo Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Binoculars
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you plan go to a monastery, like Bermoik Monastery, take the following:
We also recommend these top tours in and around Sikkim.
What to wear/what to pack for Sikkim, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
February
February in Sikkim is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
March
March for Sikkim is crisp. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
April
If you vacation in Sikkim during April, you may see 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 (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
May
May is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
June
If you vacation in Sikkim during June, you may find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s 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 about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
July
If you are traveling to Sikkim in July, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
August
August in Sikkim is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
September
If you are traveling to Sikkim in September, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you go to Sikkim in October, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
November
November in this region is cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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