Your first weekend in Varanasi: ghats, lanes and Sarnath
Sarnath from Dhamek Stupa to the museum
Flowers, offerings and the lanes behind the ghatsAn example packing list for Varanasi in January
Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.
Clothing
- Underwear
- Bras (if worn)
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Breathable tops
- Light trousers or skirt
- Shoulder- and knee-covering outfit for temple visits
- Light layer for early mornings
- Waterproof walking shoes during monsoon (if needed)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene products (if used)
- Insect repellent (if needed)
Essentials
- Passport
- Visa or ETA (if required)
- Travel tickets and booking confirmations
- Wallet and payment cards
- Cash in Indian rupees
- Phone
- Charging cable and charger
- Power bank
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Medication (if needed)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day bag
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Compact umbrella during monsoon (if needed)
- Waterproof phone pouch for a boat trip (if planned)
Monthly weather and packing notes
January: Add a warm layer for early river walks and foggy mornings. Layer up for the coldest dawn boat ride and allow extra time if fog slows traffic. This example is a starting point, not a forecast. Download Packtricia for a detailed personal list based on your actual dates, trip length, luggage, preferences and plans.
- Daytime
- 22–24°C
- Evenings
- 8–10°C
- Rain
- Mostly dry
- Daylight
- Check river, temple and museum access for your dates; allow time for walking between old-city stops.
- Packing style
- Add a warm layer for early river walks and foggy mornings.
Indicative packing temperature bands round the India Meteorological Department’s 1981–2010 Varanasi climatological table with a small planning margin; they are not forecasts. The rain summary follows its monthly rainfall and rainy-day normals. Winter fog, heat and monsoon showers vary by year; check a current forecast and local travel notices.
Outfit ideas for your outings
Morning boat and ghats
- Light layer in winter
- Grippy shoes
- Sun protection
- Waterproof pouch during monsoon
Kashi Vishwanath and old-city lanes
- Shoulder- and knee-covering clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small bag that meets current temple rules
Sarnath archaeological visit
- Breathable outfit
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Walking shoes
What to leave behind
- Heavy winter coat for ordinary sightseeing; a removable warm layer is easier to carry.
- Delicate shoes for uneven ghat steps and monsoon puddles.
- A bulky bag for temple entry; check current security and storage rules before visiting.
Reviewed 2026-10-24
India Meteorological Department — Varanasi climatological table, 1981–2010 · Japan Meteorological Agency — Varanasi/Babatpur monthly climate normals · Varanasi District — tourism and local access