Varanasi, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Varanasi, India? If you're planning to go to Varanasi, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Varanasi, India

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

What to wear/what to pack for Varanasi, India

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: 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 Varanasi. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate 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

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

February

If you visit Varanasi during February, you are likely to find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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 frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

March

If you vacation in Varanasi during March, you might find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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 pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to get the right type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

April

If you go to Varanasi in April, you will notice that it is a scorcher. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

May

If you are traveling to Varanasi in May, you will notice that it can be excruciatingly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 100s F (low 40s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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 constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • 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. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

June

June in Varanasi is scorchingly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) to low 100s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • 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 Varanasi. 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 pillow

    A versatile choice 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

July

July in Varanasi can be sizzling. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is 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. Be careful to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

August

August can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

September

If you go to Varanasi in September, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: 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 Varanasi. 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

October

If you visit Varanasi during October, you may find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

November

If you vacation in Varanasi during November, you may notice that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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 pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

December

December in Varanasi is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Varanasi. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the stunning Alamagir Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Varanasi tourism authority.

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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