Should I bring a rain jacket or just buy one there?

Buy locally. Indian monsoon gear is designed for the actual conditions you'll face—Western rain jackets often trap too much heat and humidity. Local ponchos cost $2-5 and work better than $200 technical jackets.

How do I keep my backpack dry?

Use a pack cover plus line the inside with a large garbage bag. Double protection is essential since pack covers fail in heavy downpours. Keep one change of dry clothes in a separate waterproof bag inside your pack.

What about laundry during monsoon?

Nothing air-dries during peak monsoon. Budget for frequent laundry service or pack enough clothes for longer stretches. Hotel laundry services use dryers and cost $1-3 per item. Some hostels have drying rooms.

Are regular sneakers useless during monsoon?

Pretty much. Streets flood regularly, and wet sneakers take 2-3 days to dry in monsoon humidity. They'll also develop a permanent smell. Waterproof sandals or water shoes are your daily footwear.

How to Pack for Monsoon Season in India

Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing in dark colors, waterproof gear for electronics, and sturdy waterproof footwear. Bring extra underwear and socks since nothing dries during monsoon. Skip cotton—it stays wet for days.

Choose your clothing strategy. Pack synthetic fabrics and merino wool that dry quickly. Avoid cotton entirely—it absorbs water and takes forever to dry in humid conditions. Bring 2-3 pairs of pants maximum, but pack extra tops since you'll sweat through them daily.
Waterproof your electronics. Use ziplock bags for phones and cameras, plus a waterproof phone case for daily use. Pack chargers and adapters in separate sealed bags. Bring a portable power bank since power cuts are common during storms.
Pack extra undergarments and socks. Bring twice as many as you normally would. You'll change socks multiple times daily as your feet get soaked. Pack quick-dry underwear and consider going commando some days if laundry isn't drying.
Choose the right footwear. Pack waterproof hiking sandals or sports sandals as your primary shoe. Bring one pair of quick-dry sneakers for temples and indoor spaces. Skip leather shoes—they'll develop mold in the humidity.
Prepare your rain protection. Pack a compact umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket. Local plastic ponchos work better than expensive gear—they're cheap, disposable, and actually keep you dry. You'll see why when you're there.

Should I bring a rain jacket or just buy one there?: Buy locally. Indian monsoon gear is designed for the actual conditions you'll face—Western rain jackets often trap too much heat and humidity. Local ponchos cost $2-5 and work better than $200 technical jackets.
How do I keep my backpack dry?: Use a pack cover plus line the inside with a large garbage bag. Double protection is essential since pack covers fail in heavy downpours. Keep one change of dry clothes in a separate waterproof bag inside your pack.
What about laundry during monsoon?: Nothing air-dries during peak monsoon. Budget for frequent laundry service or pack enough clothes for longer stretches. Hotel laundry services use dryers and cost $1-3 per item. Some hostels have drying rooms.
Are regular sneakers useless during monsoon?: Pretty much. Streets flood regularly, and wet sneakers take 2-3 days to dry in monsoon humidity. They'll also develop a permanent smell. Waterproof sandals or water shoes are your daily footwear.