Summer (April–June): beat the heat
Loose cotton and linen, light colors, and sun protection. Avoid dark, heavy fabrics. Air-conditioned offices mean carrying a light layer for indoor temperature swings.
Winter (December–February): actual cold
Daytime 10–20 °C but nights can hit 2–5 °C. You need a real jacket, sweaters, and layering — wool and fleece earn their place. Mornings are the coldest, so commute layers matter.
- Warm jacket + sweater layers
- Scarf, gloves, and closed shoes for mornings
- Indoor heating is uneven — layer for both worlds
Monsoon (July–September): humidity management
Temperatures moderate but humidity climbs. Quick-dry fabrics and water-resistant footwear help; carry an umbrella daily.
Style notes for Delhi
Delhi offices range from formal to smart-casual; collared shirts and trousers are safe. Wedding season (October–February) is heavy — festive wear, from bandhgalas to lehengas, gets real use here.
Occasions and festive wear
Diwali, weddings, and winter festivals dominate. Digitize your festive wear before the season so mixing outfits takes minutes.
A Delhi packing list
For a winter week: 2 sweaters, 1 warm jacket, 5–7 tops, 3–4 bottoms, scarf, and closed shoes. For summer: cottons, linens, and a hat.
Frequently asked questions
When is Delhi coldest?
December and January, with night temperatures around 2–8 °C. Daytime highs stay near 15–20 °C.
What should I pack for Delhi in summer?
Loose cotton and linen, light colors, sun protection, and a light layer for air-conditioned offices.