When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan is a destination that you can visit throughout the year. Aside from the weather conditions, an important factor to consider when planning a trip to Bhutan is the festival schedule. Check out the highlights for the different seasons.

Typically, the spring season (Mar - May) and autumn season (Sep - Nov) are the most popular months to visit Bhutan. It’s also the time of the year where you can see beautiful flowers blooming across the country.

But, if you prefer a less crowded and cheaper option, the summer season (June - Aug) and the winter season (Dec - Feb) are the best times to visit Bhutan. Those months have lower footfalls but don’t make the kingdom any less impressive.

Spring (Mar - May) [High Season]

Weather

The weather during spring is perfect; dry and less humid. Beautiful jacarandas bloom across the country between April and May.

Treks available

Bumdra Trek
Drukpath Trek
Jomolhari Trek

Events

Paro Tshechu in Paro
Gom Kora Festival in Trashigang

Reasons to visit

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy the spring landscapes with rhododendrons and jacarandas beautifying the kingdom. Paro Tshechu is one of the most happening events in Bhutan.

Summer (June - Aug) [Low Season]

Weather

Summer is the beginning of the monsoon season in Bhutan. Showers occasionally occur in the afternoons and evenings. Sightseeing is still possible during the summer months as the daytime is usually still sunny. July and August are the wettest months in Bhutan. Even though the weather can be hot and humid, the temperature rarely gets above 25 degrees.

Treks available

Jomolhari Trek
Druk Path Trek
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Rodung La Trek
Salt Trek
Samtengang Trek
Laya-Gasa Trek
Lunana Snowman Trek

Events

Nimalung Tshechu in Bumthang
Kurjey Tshechu in Bumthang
Haa Summer Festival in Haa
Masutake Mushroom Festival in Haa

Reasons to visit

You have a longer time to visit the various attractions in Bhutan, unlike during the winter season where operating hours are shortened. The tour package is cheaper during the low season, so this is the best time to visit Bhutan for budget travellers.

 

Autumn (Sep - Nov) [High Season]

Weather

Autumn marks the end of the rainy season and welcomes drier weather with clean, crisp air. It’s the ideal climate for sightseeing. October is one of the best months to visit Bhutan for spectacular views of the Himalayan range and golden rice fields.

Treks available

Bumdra Trek
Royal Manas Trek
Samtengang Trek
Merak-Sakteng Trek
Laya-Gasa Trek
Lunana Snowman Trek

Events
Thimphu Tshechu in Thimphu
Jakar Tshechu in Bumthang
Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakar Tshechu in Bumthang
Black-necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha Valley

Reasons to visit

If you want to experience the vibrant tshechu festivals, you can visit Bhutan in September to attend the Thimphu Tshechu. Large crowds gather at the Tashichho Dzong in the capital city to accumulate merits, socialise and make merry.

 

Winter (Dec - Feb) [Low Season]

Weather

The weather is cold in December, but the most freezing weather occurs near the end of January. Heavy snowfall may cause some roads to be impassable in central or eastern Bhutan. The lowest temperature in Thimphu can be anywhere between 1 to -3 degrees. But the skies are the clearest during the winter season, providing you with a higher chance to get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayan mountains.

Treks available

Bumdra Trek
Royal Manas Trek
Samtengang Trek
Merak-Sakteng Trek
Laya-Gasa Trek

Events

Druk Wangyel Tshechu in Dochula Pass
Trongsa Tshechu in Trongsa
Punakha Dromche and Tshechu in Punakha

Reasons to visit

If you want a chance to see Bhutan covered in snow, winter is the time to visit the kingdom. The weather is also cool, and clear skies allow you the opportunity to take excellent photos of the Himalayan mountains.