Delhi seems to have 3 ... Summer, Winter and Monsoon. I'll share with you some of my tips for getting through each season and adjusting as best you can!
SUMMER ::
Adjusting to the summer heat in Delhi can be a chore.
With temperatures typically ranging from 35-45 degrees Celsius (100 - 113 degrees Fahrenheit), it can be quite oppressive. Factor in the humidity and you end up with normal "feels like" temperatures of sometimes 52 Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) !!
The summer months and associated heat begins in April (give or take) and lasts through at least September. The following are some of my suggestions, based on our experience, for how to handle, survive and actually ENJOY the heat!
- Get in the habit of placing filtered water bottles in the freezer each night. When you place those frozen water bottles in your car in the morning, you are left with deliciously chilled water throughout the day!
- Drink water, drink more water and drink some more water.
- Pack babywipes in your car. Perfect for washing hands, legs and faces AS WELL as providing an instant "bath" if you will. If you are out and about for several hours, a quick washdown is helpful and often NEEDED!
- Plan for short trips out. If you need to go to the market, avoid staying any longer than one hour. If you are planning a sightseeing trip, be prepared that you might need to cut it short based on your children's ability to handle the heat.
- Make friends with someone who lives at a farmhouse (i.e. has a POOL) or consider joining a club that has a pool. If you keep a bag in your car that contains an extra swimming suit, some towels and goggles, you'll always be prepared for a quick dip in the water!
On the flip side, winter can be a shock to the system as well ... although you won't find snow and water left out overnight is unlikely to freeze.
- Wear layers when you leave in the morning. Having an item or two of clothing you can shed throughout the day is a big help. Often a very chilly morning gives way to a very pleasant, if not quite warm, afternoon!
- Purchase radiator or fan heaters for your home - as most homes have chilly marble floors and little (if any) insulation. Teach your children to wear socks, don sweatshirts and keep blankets in your living spaces.
- Most markets have sweaters galore and some even offer warm coats. Purchase some mittens for the coldest of mornings.
- Know that winter doesn't last forever and is the coldest only for 4-6 weeks!
Another component of adjusting to the climate is the monsoon season.
- Wear flipflops during monsoon season, or bring your rainboots!
- Carry a bag/purse that ZIPS shut. Nothing is more frustrating than a purse full of water!
- Ziploc your wallet, makeup, anything else you want to protect should it fall out of your car.
- Keep a stash of towels in your car. Better to wash towels than have damp/musty seats in the car!
- Let your children enjoy monsoon season. We've never seen rain puddles quite like this!
