Mumbai in winter: What to wear in Mumbai in Winter Guide

Wondering what to wear in Mumbai in winter? Keep reading as we share clothing tips, outfits, and activities for your upcoming winter break.

City of Dreams- that is what Mumbai is often called by the billions who want to be a part of this vibrating city. The financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is a dream of many people who aspire to learn and build their lives in the city. Also known as Bombay, what makes the city so special is how the city saves something for everyone. Let it be the aspiring entrepreneurs, the dreamer artists, the trendy fashionistas, or the adventurous explorers. If you fall in any of the above categories, then this blog is for you. Here I am going to talk to you about the very seldom talked topic - what to wear in Mumbai in Winter.

I know what you are thinking, "but there is no winter in Mumbai". Oh, is that so? Do you know that Mumbai does experience winter? Not as prominent as its neighbors. But yeah Mumbai has seen the occasional January nights wherein the temperature has dropped below 15 degrees Celsius. And what about those monsoon days when you wanted to curl yourself on a sofa and drink hot chai? Didn't you need your warm comfy hoodies and jackets on those days? So yes, this is for all those instances where you wanted to layer up in Mumbai, yet did not know what or where to get those winter clothes from.

Mumbai in winter: What to wear in Mumbai in Winter Guide

Here is a complete guide on the Mumbai winter(you know what I mean), the clothes you can explore, where to get them, and some of our top picks on how to spend time during those days.

Gateway of India, Mumbai

Where is Mumbai Located?

The capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai is a collection of 7 islands located in the Deccan region of India. Resting majestically by the banks of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai has one of the deepest natural harbors. The now fully interconnected Mumbai city is actually a collection of small islands on the western coast of India. The seven islands, namely Isle of Bombay, Mazagaon, Colaba, Old Woman's Island, Parel, Worli, and Salsette Island, leads to Mumbai also being referred to as the Island city. With a long coastal line spanning over 603 km2 across the Konkan division, Mumbai is the second-most populous city in the world.

Home to some of the iconic buildings and monuments, Mumbai is also home to one of the most extravagant film industries in India namely Bollywood.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus[/caption] The City of Mumbai can be distinctly divided into the city and suburb. With stark contrasts, it would be astonishing to know that the city which has seen some of the world’s richest individuals is also the same city that hosts one of the biggest slums in the world. One of the main geographic advantages of Mumbai is that it has a large bay between the city and other mainlands which makes it a prime location for business.

Average winter temperatures in Mumbai in winter

Mumbai climate is what you call tropical. With its geographical location and close association with the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, depending on the climate, Mumbai experiences dry summer and heavy monsoon. Summers start from March and last till May and can go up to a maximum temperature of 35 degrees celsius.

It would be humid and the temperature can “feel” even hotter. Monsoon temperatures vary between 24 and 29 degrees celsius and usually lasts from June to August.

What to wear in Mumbai in winter

Winters in Mumbai were almost nonexistent with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees celsius. But in 2020, many parts of Mumbai witnessed a drop in the temperature during December. According to the India Meteorological Department, this was due to the cold northerly and northwesterly winds.

Usually, winter in Mumbai is the best time to make your travel plans. This is the time wherein you have pleasant weather with less humidity. Winter in Mumbai starts in November and can stay up until February. January is the coolest month with the mean temperature around 23 degrees celsius.

At daytime, the maximum temperature could be 27 degrees Celsius, and the minimum could be 16 degrees celsius. Night temperature can drop to 16 degrees celsius. December is the second coldest month of winter with an average temperature of 27.5 degrees celsius. When the pleasant Mumbai weather coincides with the holiday season, it makes the perfect combination for fabulous exploratory travel.

What to wear in Mumbai in winter

If you are planning your next adventure in Mumbai during the winter and are not sure of what to wear in Mumbai in winter, you can relax. This section is completely dedicated to you.

Let us start with the basics. We understand how difficult it can be to find a dedicated winter clothing store in Mumbai, so here is a one-stop for your winter wear problems in Mumbai.

Kosha is an Indian brand formed in 2017 that focuses on catering sustainable and eco-friendly winter and travel wear across the globe.

Whether you are looking for a base layer to keep you dry, a stylish jacket to keep you comfortable, or some cool winter accessories to keep your extremities warm, you can check out Kosha stores. They have layers for every temperature from 20 degrees celsius to -10 degrees celsius. There are two cozy stores at Navi Mumbai and Khar West. They are open from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm every day.

If you are not able to travel to these stores, they also have an easy online ordering system. You can make your purchase through their online website without any hustle here. But if you are someone who likes to get a feel of the clothes before buying them, you can also visit their stores here.

Now that you know where you can get these items from, let me take you into what exactly are the items you can wear in Mumbai in winter.

Outerwear - Jackets

Outerwears or outer layers, as the name indicates, are what you wear outside your regular clothes to protect yourself from external factors. It could be wind, rain, or snow. In Mumbai winter, jackets can be used to protect yourself from the drizzling weather and the cold wind that comes with it.

Fleece Lined Sweatshirt | Black | Women

If being stylish and warm is on your list, then you can always check out the fleece-lined hooded parka jacket from the collection. They have an insulated inner material and weatherproof outer material. The hoodies are designed to keep your head warm. You can wear them with your favorite top and jeans for a comfortable and carefree experience.

You can check out the parka jacket for men here.

You can check out the parka jacket for women here.

Sweaters and Pullovers

Sweaters and pullovers are your best friends if your style is cozy, laidback, and cool. They are part of the mid-layer family of winter wear and are bound to keep you insulated. They form an additional layer of warmth between your body and the external layers. They are also very adaptable and can be styled anyway according to your tastes.

Doon Pink Supima Pullover | Women

If you are planning on semi-professional attire, you can swap the pullover for a cardigan sweater and don the classy look. If your plans involve shopping through the streets or hanging out with your friends, you can always go for a pullover or hoodie and pair it with jeans or trousers of your choice.

Baselayers

Baselayers or thermal wear is the first layer of winter layering. They are worn over your undergarments to keep your body dry. They wick the extra moisture and make sure that you don’t stay wet. Even if you have worn all the other layers but skipped the base layer, it can cause your body to sweat and the regular clothes may not be as quick-dry as your thermals. This can lead to serious conditions like hypothermia.

Aqua Merino-Bamboo Full Sleeves Thermal Set | Women

Some thermals like Kosha’s base layers can be doubled up as base layers and T-shirts, so you get the best of both worlds. You can check out the thermals for men here.

Woolen bottoms

Just like how you wear woolen tops to protect your upper half, it is important to wear quality woolen bottoms to stay protected from the cold. You can wear thermal bottoms to keep your legs warm. Kosha’s thermal bottoms are quick-dry, super flexible, and easy to live in.

Black Waterproof Ski Pants | Women

You can check out the thermal bottoms for men here.

Warm accessories

Accessories play a major role in your winter clothing system. It can either make or break your look. Accessories can be gloves, beanies, or scarves. Warm woolen accessories can keep your extremities protected and not let you get sick.

Another advantage of the accessories is that it has the power to elevate your look. If you color coordinate and style your look for your Mumbai day trip, a simple T-Shirt with a chic beanie or scarf can get you Instagram-ready in seconds.

You can check out the thermal bottoms for men here.

You can check out the thermal bottoms for women here.

Warm shoes or boots

A good pair of shoes can work wonders. Winters in Mumbai would be the best time to show off your cool boots. Try something that can not just give you a good grip, but is extremely comfortable, light on foot, and mildly resistant to water. Water-resistance is not a priority but you can never trust Mumbai showers, so better be prepared than be sorry.

Warm socks

When you hear of the word socks, many people tend to associate it with shoes. The fact is socks are necessary even without shoes. A great pair of socks during those winter nights is like a warm hug. You can never go wrong. You can even walk around with your socks-covered feet at home if you are cold.

Olive & Navy Ankle Length Cotton Socks Pack of 2

Things to do in Mumbai in winter

Okay, if you have read till here, you know about the Mumbai weather, what to wear in Mumbai in winter and where to get them from. So now let us get to the entertaining session.

Once you have all these clothes, where are you going to go? Do not worry, Mumbai is a place with so many historic and entertainment sites. You would never go out of choices for spending your time. If you are new to Mumbai, then here are 12 must-dos for your time in Mumbai in winter.

Marine Drive

One of the iconic landmarks of Mumbai, the marine drive is a favorite attraction for tourists and natives alike. Whether it is to feel that salty Arabia sea breeze in your hair, or mesmerize on that glowing sunset, sit on one of the seat benches reading a book, or even to sit quietly with your favorite people, Marine Drive is the perfect spot. You can also take a walk through the marine drive and munch on your favorite street foods.

Marine Drive

Day trip to Elephanta Caves

If you require some time away from the busy Mumbai streets and fill your mind with some peace, Elephanta caves might be the place for you. A ferry away from the city, Elephanta caves are a 60,000 square feet architectural wonder recognized as a heritage center by UNESCO. The rock-cut caves are a haven for architectural enthusiasts who can marvel at the incredible statue of Lord Siva and the carved out pillars and rocks of the place.

Mumbai Private Tour

The best way to explore Mumbai if you want to catch a glimpse of all those famous attractions is to have a private tour experience. There are different packages available depending on your choices. Exploring the film city to cruising around the city in a private cruise are all on the table. These tours are normally guided. You can know more about them here.

Bandra Worli Sea Link[/caption]

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

If there is one monument that has the power to make you feel marveled at, then that is the infamous Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. One of the most crowded places in Mumbai, this grandiose Victorian train station is named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. An ode to the British era, this place is a sure-shot must-visit place.

Nehru Science Centre

If you are a science buff and love visiting museums and interactive science centers, then this place is for you. India’s largest science center, this place is amazing with its marvelous artifact collection across different domains. They have also got an interesting children’s space for the kids to know more about science, history, drama, and more.

Gateway of India

One of the most iconic tourist attractions of the world, the Gateway of India is one of the best sightseeing destinations in Mumbai. With a rich history, this arc has representations of both Hindu and Muslim symbols on the structure and showcases the unity of India.

Juhu Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Mumbai, Juhu beach is a great place to chill with your tribe. It is the biggest beach in Mumbai. You hang out with your friends on the beach and get the yummy sev puris and pani puris from the street.

Juhu Beach[/caption]

Mumbai Markets

The city called the fashion, economic and commercial capital of India definitely needs to have markets that cater to the needs of the residents and live up to their standard. Mumbai markets are scattered across the city and one can never see enough. Some of the must-visit markets are Fashion-street, Bhuleshwar, and Chor Bazaar.

Drive through Bandra Worli Sea link

The show-stealer of so many Indian movies and songs, this bridge links Bandra with Mumbai’s western suburbs. One of the busiest driveways, this bridge is also called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link. If you are keen on having a late-night drive with your favorite playlist on, this is one activity you should not pass on.

Visit Sanjay Gandhi National park

With a long written history that dates back to the 4th century BCE, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country. Kanheri caves in the park hold beautiful carvings of Buddhist teachings and can be dated back to the 1st century BCE. If you love history, then you cannot go wrong with this place.

Bandra Sightseeing

The Bandra sightseeing is a tour of its own. Also known as the ‘Queen of the Suburbs’, a walk through the Bandra streets lets you see the world of famous personalities and beautiful Bungalows that show stories from another era. Apart from the buildings and the Roman churches, you can also catch a glimpse of Shah Ruk Khan from his bungalow Mannat if you are lucky!

FAQ's

Q: What is the weather like in Mumbai in Winter?

A: Mumbai winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F). There is little rain during the winter months, and the days are sunny and pleasant.

Q: What are the best things to do in Mumbai in Winter?

A: There are many things to do in Mumbai in winter, including visiting the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, and the Haji Ali Dargah. You can also enjoy a walk along the Marine Drive or visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q: What should I wear in Mumbai in Winter?

A: Pack light, comfortable clothing for Mumbai in winter. You may want to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings, as it can cool down after dark.

Q: What are some popular winter festivals in Mumbai?

A: Some popular winter festivals in Mumbai include the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and the Mumbai Literary Festival.

Q: What are some tips for staying safe and healthy in Mumbai in Winter?

A: Be sure to drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun, even in the winter. It's also a good idea to avoid eating street food, as it can be unhygienic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to dressing for winter in Mumbai, it's all about striking a balance between staying warm and comfortable and embracing the milder temperatures. Layering is key, and choosing lightweight technical fabrics can help you adapt to the city's unique winter climate. Don't forget to incorporate some local style into your wardrobe, and you'll be ready to enjoy everything Mumbai has to offer during the cooler months.

So how did you like our guide for the Mumbai winter? Do you think we missed out on something? If so let us know in the comments. While you are in Mumbai, don’t forget to check out the Kosha store for those cozy winter wear. We would love to have you, even if it is just to know your opinion on our products!