What to Wear in Imphal
Imphal's weather is milder than the plains of India, because the city sits in a valley at about 780 m. Days are pleasant for most of the year, but winter nights can be properly cold, and the monsoon brings heavy rain.
Layers are the simplest way to dress here. Keep your clothes modest, as you will spend time at temples, at Kangla Fort and in busy markets. For photos, a handwoven Manipuri phanek skirt or innaphi shawl looks right at home against the market stalls and the temple courtyard.
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What to Wear in Imphal During Winter
Winter (roughly November to February) brings sunny, dry days and cold mornings and nights. Temperatures after dark can drop into single digits (°C), especially in December and January, and the lake area can be foggy early in the day.
Best Winter Outfits for Imphal
- Long-sleeved tops with jeans or trousers
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A padded or woollen jacket for early mornings and evenings
- A shawl or scarf for temple visits
- Warm socks, as you will remove your shoes at temples
What to Wear in Imphal During Summer
Summer (roughly March to May) is warm, and pre-monsoon showers and storms become more common as the season goes on. Choose light, breathable fabrics and carry something for the rain.
Best Summer Outfits for Imphal
- Cotton kurtas, shirts and T-shirts
- Light trousers, long skirts or loose cotton pants
- A light jacket for cooler evenings
- A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen for Loktak Lake, where there is little shade
- A compact umbrella
What to Wear in Imphal During the Monsoon
The monsoon (roughly June to September) brings heavy rain, muddy paths and high water at Loktak Lake. Quick-drying clothes are much more comfortable than heavy cotton or denim.
Best Monsoon Outfits for Imphal
- A waterproof jacket or poncho
- Quick-drying trousers and tops
- A spare set of clothes for boat trips
- Waterproof sandals or shoes with a good grip
Best Colours to Wear in Imphal
Cream, teal, olive and saffron stand out well against the green valley and the lake. At the Govindajee Temple and Kangla Fort, maroon, gold and cream suit the old buildings. At Keibul Lamjao, choose muted greens and browns so you do not disturb the wildlife.
Footwear Tips for Imphal
You will take your shoes off at every temple, so slip-on shoes or sandals save time. Comfortable walking shoes work well for Kangla Fort's large grounds and the market halls at Ima Keithel. For Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao, wear shoes with a good grip, as jetties, boats and paths can be wet and muddy.
Questions
Imphal — FAQ
What is the traditional dress of Manipur?
Meitei women traditionally wear the phanek, a striped wrap-around skirt, with an innaphi, a light shawl. The potloi, a stiff cylindrical skirt, is worn by brides and Raas dancers. You can buy phaneks and handloom shawls at Ima Keithel.
Is Imphal cold in winter?
Yes, mornings and nights are cold from December to February, although days are usually sunny and mild. Pack a warm sweater or jacket and warm socks.
What should I wear to the Govindajee Temple?
Wear modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and shoes you can remove easily. The temple follows a strict dress code for worshippers, so visitors should dress conservatively and follow any instructions from temple staff.
What should I wear for a boat trip on Loktak Lake?
Wear light layers, a cap and sunscreen, as there is little shade on the water. Choose shoes with a good grip for the boats and jetties, and carry a light jacket in winter, when mornings on the lake can be cold.
What should I wear for photos in Imphal?
A handwoven phanek or innaphi in maroon, cream or green looks beautiful at Ima Keithel and the Govindajee Temple. At Loktak Lake, teal, cream and white stand out against the water and the green phumdis.