West Bengal, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to West Bengal, India? If you're planning to go to West Bengal, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to West Bengal
- Important essentials for West Bengal
- Activities for West Bengal
- West Bengal in January: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in February: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in March: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in April: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in May: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in June: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in July: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in August: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in September: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in October: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal in November: weather and what to pack
- West Bengal 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 West Bengal, India
Based on the climate and weather in West Bengal, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for West Bengal, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in West Bengal, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should be appropriate for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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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.
What to wear/what to pack for West Bengal, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in West Bengal is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
February
If you vacation in West Bengal during February, you might see that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
March
If you visit West Bengal during March, you might notice that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
April
If you go to West Bengal in April, you will notice that it is sweltering. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light linen shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to cool you:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you visit West Bengal during May, you are likely to notice that it is a scorcher. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (high 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to keep you cool:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to keep you cool and include UV protection.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
June
If you visit West Bengal during June, you will probably notice that it can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack extra, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to cool you and to provide UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
Skirts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
July
July for West Bengal is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
If you go to West Bengal in August, you will notice that it is constantly 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
September
September in West Bengal is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
October
If you go to West Bengal in October, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
November
November in this region is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
December
Traveling to West Bengal in December, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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