Varanasi, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Varanasi, India? If you're planning to go to Varanasi, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Varanasi
- Important essentials for Varanasi
- Activities for Varanasi
- Varanasi in January: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in February: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in March: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in April: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in May: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in June: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in July: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in August: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in September: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in October: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi in November: weather and what to pack
- Varanasi 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 Varanasi, India
Based on the climate and weather in Varanasi, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Varanasi, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Varanasi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. 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).
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
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
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Airplane or car necessities
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.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Activities for Varanasi, India
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Varanasi.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to check out the must-see 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.
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you check out a temple, such as Bharat Mata Temple, wear:
Dresses that cover your knees
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Trousers
We also recommend these top tours in and around Varanasi.
Ganges River (Ganga)
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats)
Manikarnika Ghat
Dhamek Stupa
What to wear/what to pack for Varanasi, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Varanasi in January, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
February
February in Varanasi is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
March
If you go to Varanasi in March, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
April
If you vacation in Varanasi during April, you might see that it is blindingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Thin tank or crop tops
Personal cooling fan
Bugs are a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Light skirts
Waterproof sandals
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Insulated water bottle
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Sarong
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
Lightweight 'harem' pants
May
Traveling to Varanasi in May, you will notice that it can be sizzling. Daytime temperatures are in the 100s F (low 40s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bugs can be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
Personal cooling fan
Insulated water bottle
Sarong
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
Protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Thin tank or crop tops
Waterproof sandals
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light skirts
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
June
June in Varanasi can be sizzling. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Thin tank or crop tops
Insulated water bottle
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Personal cooling fan
Light skirts
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
Sarong
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Insects can be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
July
If you go to Varanasi in July, you will notice that it can be sizzling. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Personal cooling fan
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light linen shorts
Bug repellent
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important bring extra, since these often get wet or dirty.
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
August
August in Varanasi can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
September
If you go to Varanasi in September, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
October
If you go to Varanasi in October, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
November
If you vacation in Varanasi during November, you may see that it is pretty consistently 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:
Skirts
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
December
If you go to Varanasi in December, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
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