You leave in a parka and land in a cotton kurta, or a shawl on a foggy Punjab morning. Here is how to pack for both without overpacking.
At a glance: what should I pack for India from Canada in winter?
Pack in layers. North India (Delhi, Punjab) is mild by day but cold at night and on foggy mornings, so bring a warm sweater, a light jacket and a shawl. South India (Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai) stays warm, so pack cotton. Keep your heavy winter coat out of your suitcase if you can. Carry medicines, chargers, a travel adapter and a change of clothes in your carry-on, and check your ticket’s baggage allowance.
The big temperature gap: Canada to India in December
This is the part that catches people out. You may leave home at minus 20°C. A day later you land somewhere that feels like spring, or summer. And the weather inside India changes a lot from north to south.
Where you are | Typical December–January feel | What to wear |
Leaving Canada | Freezing, often well below zero | Your winter coat, boots and gloves, just for the trip to the airport |
Delhi, Punjab, north India | Pleasant afternoons, cold nights, foggy mornings | Sweater, light jacket or fleece, shawl, warm socks |
Mumbai, Ahmedabad | Warm and dry | Cotton clothes, one light layer for evenings |
Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru | Warm to hot in Kochi and Chennai, cooler evenings in Bengaluru | Light cotton, sandals, sun hat |
8 packing tips for a Canadian winter trip to India
1. Solve the winter coat problem first
Your parka will take up half a suitcase and you won’t need it in India. If someone is driving you to the airport, leave it in the car. If not, wear a lighter packable down jacket instead. It squashes into a small bag and still works on a cold Delhi morning.
2. Build your outfits in layers
Think thin base layer, a sweater or cardigan, then a light jacket or shawl. You can add or take off layers as the day warms up. It also saves space compared with one thick coat.
3. Pack for both cold mornings and warm afternoons
If you are heading north, a morning in Amritsar can start foggy and cold and end in sunshine. Pack a mix: a few warm pieces and plenty of light cotton.
4. Keep medicines in your carry-on
Bring enough for the whole trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep them in their original labelled packaging and carry a copy of your prescription. Add basics like pain relief, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach.
5. Bring the right travel adapter
India runs on 230 volts, compared with 120 volts in Canada, and uses different plug types. Most phone and laptop chargers handle both voltages, but check the label. Hair dryers and straighteners often don’t. A universal adapter with USB ports is the easiest choice.
6. Keep power banks and spare batteries in your carry-on
Airlines generally don’t allow power banks and loose lithium batteries in checked bags. Pack them in your hand luggage, and check your airline’s rules before you fly.
7. Pack a "delay kit" for foggy days
Delhi often has dense fog from mid-December into early February, and flights can be delayed. Keep a change of clothes, a toothbrush, snacks, a charger and any medicines in your carry-on. If the fog holds you up, you won’t be stuck without the basics.
8. Leave room for the trip home
Most families come back with more than they took. Pack a foldable bag, and weigh your suitcases before you leave India. It is much easier than repacking at the check-in counter.
Baggage and customs: check before you pack
Baggage allowances depend on your airline, your route and your fare type. On one-stop trips with two different airlines, the allowance can even change between flights. Please don’t rely on what you had last year. Check the baggage allowance on your ticket, or ask us and we will confirm it for you.
Coming back to Canada? You must declare all food, plant and animal products at the border. Packaged sweets, dried spices and tea are usually fine if you declare them. Homemade food, fresh fruit, vegetables and meat products often are not. The Government of Canada explains the rules on its travel.gc.ca page on what you can bring home.
Packing for kids and elderly parents
Winter break is family time, and many of our travellers fly with children and grandparents together. A few extra things help.
For kids: a warm layer for the plane (cabins get cold), a full change of clothes, snacks, and something to do for a long connection.
For seniors: compression socks for the long flight, a warm shawl, all medicines in the carry-on, and a copy of their prescriptions.
For everyone: passports, Indian visas or OCI cards, and printed copies of your booking in one folder that stays with you.
Ask for help early. Wheelchair assistance and special meals are easier to arrange when you book, not at the airport.
Flying from Alberta? Explore flights from Calgary to Delhi explains the one-stop routes. Still booking for the holidays? See our tips on Christmas flights from Canada to India.
Why book your winter trip with Mann Travel?
Mann Travel has more than 18 years of experience helping travellers get home to India. Our team in Surrey, BC books flights from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton and Winnipeg to Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar and more. We speak Hindi, Punjabi and English, and we are here 24/7. Not sure about your baggage allowance or a tight connection? Ask our team and we will check it for you.
Students and education staff can also save with MannPass: $25 off selected return flights between Canada and India, for verified students and education staff in Canada.
Let’s take you home this winter.
Search live fares at manntravel.ca/flights or call our team on (604) 265-9000. We will check your baggage allowance before you pack.
frequently asked questions
Is it cold in India in December?
In the north, yes, especially at night and in the early morning. Delhi and Punjab can feel chilly and foggy. The south, including Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai, stays warm.
Should I bring my winter coat to India?
Usually not. Leave it with whoever drops you at the airport, or wear a light packable down jacket instead. It is enough for cold mornings in north India.
What plug adapter do I need for India?
India uses 230 volts and different plugs from Canada. A universal adapter works well. Check that your devices support 230 volts before plugging them in.
How much baggage can I take to India from Canada?
It depends on your airline and fare type. Check the allowance on your ticket, or call us and we will confirm it before you fly.
Can Delhi fog delay my flight?
Yes. Dense fog is common in Delhi from mid-December to early February and can cause delays. Keep essentials in your carry-on and leave slack in your onward plans.
Weather varies from year to year and place to place. Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare type. Always check your ticket and the latest government advice before you travel.
