India is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions and is full of scenic tourist attractions. Be it natural or man-made, India has it all. And it is not just the tourist sites and culture that will appeal to you.
There are hundreds of reasons
why you should visit India. From its local delicacies to the population’s hospitality, India has a lot to offer, most of which you need to experience or see for yourself to fully fathom or understand.
This part of Asia takes a completely different look with each passing season. And while each season has its specialty, you would want to visit India at a time when you can witness almost all that the country has to offer. And thus arises the need to visit India during winter.
While logic dictates that packing warm clothes will be more than enough for a winter trip, experienced tourists and travelers will beg to differ, especially in the case of India. India is a vast country and the clothing requirements will vary from region to region. So to help you get a clearer idea, here are the types of clothes you must pack for your next winter trip to India.
Light Sweaters and Jackets
For parts of India where the temperature during winter is usually around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, regular sweaters and jackets will suffice. These regions include Mumbai, Delhi, and parts of West Bengal.
Winter is moderate in the plains regions of West Bengal. Kolkata and West
(Paschim) Medinipur weather during the winter bring the temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather data from these locations suggest that although it is not that sunny during winter, the cold is not that intense.
The same goes for places like Mumbai and Chennai. The weather forecasts for these regions also suggest that winter does not bring in a lot of colds. This is mostly because places like Mumbai and Chennai are near the sea, which helps tone down the extreme climate conditions in those areas.
Lightly woven sweaters work wonders in such a climate. They will keep you warm, but at the same time, they will not suffocate you such that you start feeling uncomfortable. Instead of sweaters, you can opt for regular winter jackets as well as leather jackets. This type of weather gives you the chance to be a bit more stylish with your choice of clothing.
Padded Jackets, Puffer Vests, and Ski Jackets
These types of wear are more preferred in regions where you can expect a bit of snow and rain. The more you distance yourself from the city regions, the colder it will get, especially as you move northward. Parts of West Bengal close to the Himalayas experience harsh winters.
Temperatures here average around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather continues to get colder after sunset. Heavy snowfall is a common occurrence here as well. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast if you are planning to go outside.
Ski jackets are ideal if you are somewhat active outdoors. Be it skiing or
playing in the snow, ski jackets will provide you with the warmth as well as the flexibility you need to stay outside. Padded jackets and puffer vests are for when you are going for a casual stroll outside. They are bulky and warm and can help keep the cold away from you.
Waterproof Winter Jackets
Regions like Tamil Nadu and Kerala experience light to moderate rainfall during the winter. This phenomenon is known as the North-East Monsoon, which occurs due to disturbances caused by the Mediterranean sea.
The North-East Monsoon is only seen in southern parts of India. Although the rainfall is not that heavy, it can still increase the intensity of the cold weather, even if it is momentary. Hence, waterproof winter jackets will be more than enough to keep you protected from the cold, as well as the rainfall. Get jackets that have sealed seams and a 1500mm+ waterproof rating.
Apart from winter clothing, you might want to carry regular or some beachwear as well, especially if you are heading south. Goa, the place to be for a winter party, will treat you to some warm climate conditions even during the winter season. In general, the Southern Indian climate is warm and humid due to the region’s proximity to the coasts.
So pack accordingly before you depart for India this winter, and hopefully, you will have a wonderful experience no matter which region you are in.