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

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Ready to pack for West Bengal, India? If you're planning to go to West Bengal, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to West Bengal, India

Based on the climate and weather in West Bengal, India, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for West Bengal, India

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for West Bengal, India by month

January

If you vacation in West Bengal during January, you are likely to find that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 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

    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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in West Bengal. 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 constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is 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. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

February

February in this region is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in West Bengal. 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 always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to find the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

March

March for West Bengal is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate 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 West Bengal. 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

April

If you visit West Bengal during April, you are likely to notice that it is blindingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

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 West Bengal. 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 frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

May

May is sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 West Bengal. 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. Check that you find the right type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June is a scorcher. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains 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 always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in West Bengal. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you visit West Bengal during July, you will probably find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in West Bengal. 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 stuff.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

August

If you are traveling to West Bengal in August, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • 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 West Bengal. 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite 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

September

September is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: 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 West Bengal. 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

October in West Bengal is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in West Bengal. 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 always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

If you visit West Bengal during November, you may notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in West Bengal. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you visit West Bengal during December, you might find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 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

    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 West Bengal. 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 repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

What to do in West Bengal, India

West Bengal is a fascinating state located in the eastern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, heritage, cuisine, and history. Apart from this, West Bengal is full of tourist attractions, ranging from ancient temples, natural beauty, historical monuments, wildlife sanctuaries, and much more. Here's a list of the top tourist attractions that one must visit while in West Bengal.

1) Victoria Memorial - The Victoria Memorial is a symbol of Kolkata's cultural heritage. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria and is a magnificent white marble building that contains a museum showcasing the major highlights of the region.

2) Sundarbans - Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest mangrove forest. Apart from its rich flora and fauna, this place is known for its Royal Bengal Tiger. The high tidal waves and the dense mangrove forest provide a perfect opportunity for an adventurous boating experience.

3) Darjeeling - Darjeeling is a famous hill station located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 6776 feet. It is renowned for the famous Darjeeling tea, its picturesque hills, and views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

4) Kalimpong - Kalimpong is another beautiful hill station, known for its lush greenery, picturesque landscape, and monastery. It is situated in the northern part of Bengal.

5) Dakshineswar Kali Temple - Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most ancient temples in West Bengal, situated on the bank of Hoogly river in Kolkata. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it is thronged by devotees from around the world.

6) Bishnupur Terracotta Temples - Bishnupur is a small town near Kolkata, known for the terracotta temples built during the 17th and 18th centuries. These temples are a perfect example of the architectural marvel of ancient India.

7) Dooars - Dooars is a beautiful landscape, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is famous for its wildlife sanctuary and trekking opportunity in the lush green forests.

8) Shantiniketan - Shantiniketan is a famous university town near Bolpur in West Bengal. It is famous for its Visva Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, as well as its cultural and intellectual atmosphere.

Conclusion

The state of West Bengal has a lot to offer when it comes to tourist attractions. With its rich culture, heritage, natural beauty, and religious places, West Bengal is a perfect destination for tourists around the world. From the beautiful terracotta temples to the Royal Bengal Tiger, West Bengal has something to offer for everyone. So plan your trip to West Bengal and experience its amazing blend of history, culture, and nature.

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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