The Best Time to Travel to Bhutan

When is the Best Time to Travel to Bhutan?  

A mountainous Kingdom in the Himalayas, you’d be forgiven for thinking Bhutan is a seasonal destination. However, Bhutan can be traveled year-round with things to do in each calendar month.

Spring (April-May-June) and fall (mid-September through November) are favored as the best time to visit Bhutan, coinciding with pleasant temperatures and peak season.

Weather aside, travelers often take Bhutan’s many annual festivals into consideration when planning a trip.  

A word about weather: Bear in mind that this guide is founded on historical “norms” and trends based on our cumulative travel expertise. Weather patterns, average temperatures, rainfall, and the natural phenomena that react to seasonal changes are becoming less easy to predict as the climate warms. 

Bhutan Climate & Weather Guide

Bhutan’s Geography

Bhutan is a small, landlocked country. It can be compared to the combined land area of Massachusetts and Connecticut.  

Moving south to north, the elevation steadily rises, creating distinct climates and habitats within the country. The southern foothills are sub-tropical, while Bhutan’s heartland contains broad valleys with hills blanketed with evergreen trees (where you’ll find many of Bhutan’s most-visited valleys). The north is marked by snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and glaciers.  

Located in the northern hemisphere, the seasons follow the same order as the United States. Winter temperatures are cold but not unbearable, and skies are at their clearest. Spring is pleasant and mostly dry. Early summer is warm and sees some light showers before monsoon season arrives, typically in August and lasting the first few weeks of September. Fall is objectively the loveliest time to visit, weather-wise, and coincides with Bhutan’s popular Thimphu Tshechu Festival.  

Bhutan Travel: Where To Go When

The weather in fall and spring allows travelers to visit all parts of Bhutan.
When traveling in winter, we recommend southern Bhutan and its subtropical rainforests.
In summer, moderate western and central Bhutan shine brightest.  
Elevation differentiates the climate of the north from the south, but also within Bhutan’s central valleys. Most have comparable temperatures, except the Punakha Valley (lower in elevation) which is appreciably warmer.  

When to Travel to Bhutan: A Month-by-Month Guide 

Visiting Bhutan in Spring: March, April & May 

Spring is one of the best times to visit Bhutan. With dry, mild weather, travelers can access all regions of the country.  

It’s a colorful time of year in the central temperate regions when wildflowers and cherry blossoms begin to bloom. Rhododendrons, not contained just to gardens, burst into color in valleys and on mountainsides. Contrasted against traditional Bhutanese architecture, it’s a feast for the eyes and a photographic playground.  

Spring also welcomes the Paro Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s biggest festivals. Across four days, spectators watch performative dances while donning colorful ghos and kiras (traditional dress). The festival culminates with the early morning unfurling of a large and ornate Thongdrel—translation: “liberation by sight”—which Bhutanese people believe absolves their sins simply by casting eyes upon it.  

In February/early March, the Punakha Drubchen is held across five days to commemorate Bhutan’s victory against the Tibetan army in the 17th century.  

Spring is an ideal season for trekking, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits in Bhutan, especially in Gasa. As wildlife begins to stir and become increasingly active, it’s a good time to spy endemic species.  

Visiting Bhutan in Summer: June, July & August 

Temperatures are warm if not hot in summer, with greater precipitation—especially in the sub-tropical south where abundant rainfall restores the lush landscape.  

Located on the leeward slope of the Himalayas, Bhutan’s central valleys receive some precipitation, but far less than the southern belt. As such, summer is best enjoyed in Paro, Thimphu, Haa, Punakha, Phobjikha (Gangtey), and Bumthang. 

The arc of summer precipitation usually starts as occasional light rain in June, picks up into August, and continues through mid- to late-September. If traveling during monsoon season, it’s a fantastic time to take advantage of lower shoulder season rates while deep-diving into Bhutanese cultural experiences with much thinner crowds.  

Visiting Bhutan in Fall: September, October & November 

The monsoon rains subside in September, ushering in fall, the best time to visit Bhutan.  

In the temperate center and in northern Bhutan, deciduous trees paint the landscape in flecks of orange, red, and gold. It’s a bold contrast against autumn’s clear blue skies. Fall’s stable weather offers reliable weather windows to attempt technical hikes such as the Snowman Trek and other high-altitude routes.  

There are significant religious celebrations in fall. The Thimphu Tsechu headlines the season, attracting the largest audiences and participants. Anticipate a full program of costumed and masked dancing, song, and the unfurling reveal of an elaborate thongdrel. The Royal Highland Festival is another October celebration that takes place in the northern Gasa district. The two-day event celebrates Layap culture, Bhutan’s semi-nomadic highland peoples, through games, parades, song, dance, and competitions that include yak, horses, and mastiffs.  

Wildlife lovers will appreciate fall travel, too. By late October, the first black neck cranes may begin arriving in Phobjikha Valley.  

Fall is peak season, but you won’t feel crowded while staying at our favorite luxury Bhutanese hotels and lodges.  

Visiting Bhutan in Winter: December, January & February 

Winter brings frost, some snow, and freezing temperatures to Bhutan. In Gasa and the mountainous far north, these are even more pronounced.  

Warmer and lower in elevation, southern and eastern Bhutan are mostly spared, but still cool—making them good destinations for Bhutan winter travel.  

Centrally, with a nip in the air, it’s a lovely time to experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath—a mineral-rich ritual rooted in relaxation, wellness, and culture. Follow a soak with a salt scrub and massage. December, January and February are also a great time to cozy into the hygge interiors of Bhutan’s best luxury lodges, with suites warmed by traditional Bukhari stoves. Cloudless clear skies and generous winter sunshine make for sublime Himalayan views.  

By December, celebrated black neck cranes are wintering in the Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey). 

Not far from Thimphu, the Druk Wangyel Tsechu is celebrated each year on December 13 in the stupa-dotted Dochula Pass. Backdropped by mountain peaks, masked members of the Royal Bhutan Army (versus monks) perform in tribute to Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. 

Because winter sees far fewer visitors than spring and fall, travelers enjoy more privacy and exclusivity at iconic landmarks, monasteries, and during cultural experiences. Off-season rates extend better value.  

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