India packing list for families
India is several trips in one. Rajasthan is dry, with warm days and cool mornings in winter, while Kerala is green, humid, and tropical. Temples ask for modest clothes everywhere, so pick your stops and the list combines them.
Photo by Austin Curtis on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on India
- Rajasthan and Kerala are a flight apart and pack very differently. Desert mornings in Rajasthan can be cool in winter, while Kerala stays warm and humid, so I pack layers that work for both.
- Temples and many sites ask for covered shoulders and knees and shoes off. Loose cotton clothes and slip-on shoes make those visits easy for kids.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth with little ones, and keep hand sanitizer and wipes in every day bag.
Where to go in India
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
India
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on18
Clothing15
Shoes4
Beach & pool1
Little ones13
Little things19
Health & toiletries20
Documents & tech19
Family basics14
Temple linen
Ivory, wheat, sage, clay
For the grown-ups
For the kids
For photos
- Soft neutrals against colorful markets and temples
- Early morning light, before the heat
Tap any piece to shop the look.
India weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F 22°C | Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan | |
| February | 77°F 25°C | Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan | |
| March | 87°F 31°C | Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan | Holi, the festival of colors, in March |
| April | 97°F 36°C | Very hot in the north, the hardest months for kids | |
| May | 104°F 40°C | Very hot in the north, the hardest months for kids | |
| June | 102°F 39°C | Very hot in the north, the hardest months for kids | |
| July | 94°F 34°C | Monsoon season, humid and green with heavy rain | |
| August | 90°F 32°C | Monsoon season, humid and green with heavy rain | |
| September | 93°F 34°C | Monsoon season, humid and green with heavy rain | Kerala's backwaters at their greenest after the monsoon |
| October | 92°F 33°C | Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan | Diwali, the festival of lights, in October or November Kerala's backwaters at their greenest after the monsoon |
| November | 85°F 29°C | Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan | Diwali, the festival of lights, in October or November The Pushkar camel fair in November |
| December | 76°F 24°C | Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan |
India with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit India with kids?
The best time is Oct–Mar. Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings in Rajasthan
What's the weather like in India?
Typical daytime highs range from about 72°F (22°C) in January to about 104°F (40°C) in May. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for India?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for India?
Type C and D, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for India with kids?
Rajasthan and Kerala are a flight apart and pack very differently. Desert mornings in Rajasthan can be cool in winter, while Kerala stays warm and humid, so I pack layers that work for both.
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Kristina's edits for this trip
Hand-picked collections to shop alongside this list, so you're not hunting for each piece.
Travel Essentials
The small things that make every trip run smoother.
Shop the edit 10 picksThe Long-Haul Flight Edit
For a more comfortable long flight, for grown-ups and kids.
Shop the edit 7 picksThe Luxury Travel Edit
What I'd pack for a five-star stay.
Shop the editShopping through these links may earn Linen & Luggage a small commission at no extra cost to you. How that works.
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.