Best Time To Visit Bhutan

Visit Bhutan in February

February falls under the shoulder season of Bhutan, making it the best season to visit Bhutan for those looking to avoid the spring crowds. The weather in Bhutan is generally clear, with supreme visibility, minimal to no rainfall. It is one of the best times to go trekking in the valleys of Bhutan and feel enthralled by the spectacular views of the Himalayas.

The maximum temperature in towns such as Thimpu and Paro is around 11°C to 17°C, whereas in alpine regions it drops down to 8°C. This month is excellent for activities such as bird watching, rafting, trekking and experiencing serenity in monasteries. Be sure to pack woollen clothes, thermal layers, sturdy hiking shoes, a pair of binoculars, and some general medicines.

Bhutan in February: Festivals and Events

• Losar: New Year aka Losar Bhutan is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. Loasar is just one of the many new year celebrations in the Kingdom of Bhutan. This celebration is marked by archery tournaments and other sports. Devotees visit monasteries to pray for protection and prosperity and locals welcome the new year with heating and chugging on hard liquor called ara.
• Punakha Drubchen – Witness the festival of warfare and strength in Bhutan on Punakha Drubchen day. This festival showcases ancient military achievement reenacted in the form of dance and theatrics. The main attraction of the festival is the ‘pazap’ or ‘warrior dance’ that includes dressing up as warrior in armour and exhibiting spectacular swordsmanship that amazes the onlookers. The festival sometimes falls in the month of March as well.

Visit Bhutan in March

March in Bhutan celebrates the arrival of spring season, when the weather is pleasant and balmy, ranging between 12 °C to 15 °C, especially in the towns of Thimpu and Paro. However, in the Punakha Valley the temperature is around 23°C in the day, but starts to drop at night. Therefore, bring thermal layers and jackets with you. This is the perfect time in Bhutan to enjoy the sunshine with crystal clear skies and breathe in the crisp and fresh Himalayan air. The favourable weather offers incredible opportunities for outdoor explorations and sightseeing during the day time. This is the peak time to visit Bhutan to enjoy a myriad of activities on a trip in March, including fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, rock climbing, relishing mouth-watering Bhutanese cuisine, and soaking in the natural splendour of this Himalayan paradise.

Bhutan in March: Festivals and Events

• Gomphu Kora Festival – This is an important cultural and religious festival of Bhutan celebrated with great piety. The word Ghompu means meditation cave and Kora means circumambulation which is a significant ritual of this festival. Celebrated at Gompu Kora temple, the celebration includes folk dances performed by masked dancers and devotees performing circumambulation. Tourists can witness the vibrant festival and buy souvenirs and handicrafts from local artisans.
• Paro Tshechu – Drawing in numerous devotees, Paro Tshechu is the consecration ceremony of the Dzong Paro Rinpung and pays homage to the birth of Guru Rinpoche, hailed as the saint of Bhutan. Tourists can experience the energetic masked dances and traditional rhythmic performances. One of the main attractions of the festival is the revelation of a massive ornamented scroll, carrying beautiful depictions of Saint Rinpoche and other holy deities. This festival also falls in the month of April.

Visit Bhutan in April

April is one of the peak times to visit Bhutan with friends, family or with your partner. The beauty of the spring season is at its peak, when the gorgeous blooms and verdant greenery can be seen everywhere in the valleys of Bhutan. Further, the azure sky, gentle breeze and breathtaking vistas of this country captivates one’s mind and heart. The weather is just perfect for outdoor exploration and soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of this land. The capital Thimpu has an average daytime temperature of 20°C to 25°C, whereas Bumthang is slightly cold, and towns such as Gelephu, touching India’s border, have a temperature of 32°C. The snow-clad peaks of Bhutan offer a delightful backdrop for a dream vacation. April is also a good time to visit Bhutan for nature and photography enthusiasts.

Bhutan in April: Festivals and Events

• Rhododendron Festival – Spring is the peak time to visit Bhutan and watch the stunning Rhododendron flowers bloom. Witness the ethereal beauty of spring at Rhododendron Festival. On a scenic drive from Thimpu, covering a distance of 28 km you will reach Lam Pelri botanical park where you can be a part of Rhododendron celebrations. The festival includes a walk in the rhododendron garden, exhibitions, experiencing local cuisine and culture. Display of arts and crafts, traditional games and guided tours and souvenir shopping.

Visit Bhutan in May

May marks the beginning of summer season in Bhutan when there is a slight shift in the weather, with a minimal rise in temperatures. There is also a little dip in the number of visitors, making May a good time to visit Bhutan. The overall weather conditions in the foothills are slightly humid and the temperature varies depending on topography. For instance, in the capital city Thimphu the average daytime temperature in May is around 22.5°C, whereas in Punakha it touches to an average of 29°C, making the former a much colder place to visit. Activities to enjoy in Bhutan during the month of May include, trekking, exploring Haa valley, and river rafting.

Bhutan in May: Festivals and Events

• Takin Festival – This festival celebrates the unique biodiversity of Bhutan by honouring the Takin, the country’s national animal. Visitors can reach Motithang Takin Preserve to watch a myriad of traditional games, watch dance performances and savour delicious Bhutanese cuisine. Some of the key highlights of the Takin Festival include colourful exhibits of Bhutanese culture, rhythmic dances including mask dances, folk songs, archery competitions.

Visit Bhutan in June

From mid to late June, the monsoon showers drenches the length and breadth of Bhutan, especially the southern regions. However, on non-rainy days you still can explore the valley towns of the Kingdom, thriving with lush greenery and witness the gushing waterfalls. The central and southern Bhutan has warm and humid temperature whereas the northern regions are slightly cooler. It is a perfect time to visit Bhutan for those who seek a quiet travel experience without the rush and commotion of tourist crowds. The temperature in Bhutan’s Thimphu, Paro, Punakha ranges between 25°C to 30°C. Whereas the average temperature in Bumthang and Trongsa is 22°C, much colder than the southern regions of Trashigang and Mongar. This marks the beginning of the off-season which is the best season to visit Bhutan for budget travellers.

Bhutan in June: Festivals and Events

• Sakteng Festival – The Sakteng Festival, celebrated in the remote eastern village of Sakteng, offers a glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of the Brokpa community. The festival showcases traditional dances, archery competitions, yak and horse riding, and the opportunity to witness the famous Brokpa costume and culture.

Visit Bhutan in July

July in Bhutan is the wettest and also the most humid month of the year, as the monsoon season is at its peak. The heavy downpours drenches the valleys of this country, rendering a state of lushness and charm to its scenic beauty. However, the visibility is poor in the mountainous regions and the pathways are damp and muddy, making it difficult to trek and camp. For those who wish to explore Bhutan’s culture, relish its culinary delights, soak in the natural beauty, and enjoy off-season discounts on accommodations, July is an ideal time to plan a Bhutan trip.

The weather in Bhutan in July differs from place to place, depending on elevation. For instance, in Paro, the maximum temperature reaches 22°C, while the minimum temperature is 13°C. When it comes to the northern areas such as Punakha, the temperature reaches a high of 27°C and a minimum of 19°C.

Bhutan in July: Festivals and Events

• Haa Summer Festival – This jubilant festival takes place in the beautiful Haa Valley. The celebration of the Haa Summer Festival reflects a harmonious blend of ancient Bhutanese culture with the nomadic lifestyle of the Haa community. Haa valley is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan and one must witness all the masked dance performances, local arts, and handicrafts exhibition. Further, savour the sumptuous Bhutanese cuisine and try traditional sports such as archery and darts.

Visit Bhutan in August

For affordable accommodations and minimal tourist crowds, plan your Bhutan tour in August. However, do remember the monsoon season is at its peak and only those interested in some off-beat and a challenging excursion should plan a visit to Bhutan in August. The southern and western parts of Bhutan including towns like Thimphu and Paro receives heavy downpour with an average rainfall ranging between 284 mm to 330 mm. The average day time temperature in these towns is between 17°C to 18°C and the lowest temperature is 14°C to 13°C. In Bumthang, the rainfall is comparatively lesser than Paro and Thimphu with temperatures hovering around 17°C to 21°C around day and drops to 13°C at night. In western part, Punakha is the hottest when the temperature reaches 30°C. Therefore, prepare for your Bhutan trip according to the place you are covering in your itinerary. Different places exhibit diverse weather patterns.

Activities to do in Bhutan in August should be limited to indoor attractions such as visiting the National Museum, Jigme Dorji National Park, and Tashichho Dzong. It is not an ideal time for hiking due to road conditions and poor visibility.

Bhutan in August: Festivals and Events

• Merak Tshechu – Celebrated by the Brokpa community, Merak Tshechu is a colourful celebration of preserving their unique traditions and culture. This festival takes place in the remote village of Merak in eastern Bhutan, and is marked by rhythmic masked dance performances, traditional folk songs and performing sacred rituals.
• Matsutake Mushroom Festival – August is the peak time to visit Bhutan and attend Matsutake Mushroom Festival. This festival celebrates the availability and abundance of the supreme Matsutake mushroom that grows in the pine forests. The festival includes plucking mushrooms, cooking mushroom-based recipes, cultural performances, and feasting on numerous mushroom dishes.
• Mountain Echoes: This is a significant annual literature festival that aims to promote literary works, art and culture. Taking place in the capital city of Thimphu, Mountain Echoes offers an incredible platform to writers, poets, artists, actors, thought leaders from Bhutan and the rest of the world. By attending this festival one can learn about the profound and rich tradition of storytelling in Bhutan. Attendees can join nook reading sessions, be a part of intellectually stimulating conversations and catch cultural performances.

Visit Bhutan in September

The monsoon season in Bhutan starts to withdraw in September, with only sporadic showers occurring, becoming more infrequent as the month progresses. This month is a welcome relief from the hot, sticky and humid weather of the monsoon season. By the end of the month, the days become cooler, drier and the sky becomes much clearer. September is a good month to visit Bhutan to witness the religious Buddhist festivals and delight in the warm hospitality of its friendly people. You can also plan a trekking tour, if you are visiting Bhutan in the late-September.

The average temperature in Bhutan during the month of September ranges from 25 to 26°C. This, however, differs, depending where you choose to visit in Bhutan. For instance, in Thimphu the average daytime temperature comes around 23°C, while in Bumthang Valley, which is known for being much cooler, the average temperature is around 16°C. Those planning a trip to Punakha valley should keep in mind that the temperature can touch 30°C with certain levels of heat and humidity still present in the air.

Bhutan in September: Festivals and Events

• Thimphu Tshechu Festival – Held in the capital city Thimphu, this visually delightful festival includes masked dance performances by monks and locals. One of the important rituals performed at this festival is the opening of a sacred scroll, called Thongdrol on the final day of the festival. This long religious scroll is considered highly powerful and devotees believe that seeking its blessings purifies one’s sins, nullifies negativity, and ward-off evil.
• Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu – This Buddhist celebration occurs at the precinct of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Attending this festival will offer you insights and opportunities to learn about the spiritual and religious heritage of Bhutan. The celebrations are also accompanied by performances of folk songs, reenacting of mythical tales and drama.

Visit Bhutan in October

For those wondering, “is October a good month to visit Bhutan?”, the answer is a resounding yes! October is one of the best months to visit Bhutan to revel in the pleasant weather, verdant valleys, snow-peaked mountains and an unparalleled panoramic view of Mother Nature. This month provides the best climate to visit Bhutan for trekking and camping before the pathways get closed in the succeeding months.

In Bumthang valley, which is a mountainous region, the temperature hovers around 19°C, whereas in Phojikha valley, it drops down to 15°C. The capital city Thimphu experiences slightly warmer temperatures ranging between 26°C to 22°C. The autumn season in Bhutan invites numerous tourists to witness its scenic and serene natural grandeur. Top attractions in Bhutan such as Taktsang Goemba, the Punakha Dzong and the Tashichho Dzong are swarming with tourist crowds.

Bhutan in October: Festivals and Events

• Jomolhari Mountain Festival – Experience the colourful and vibrant folk dances, cultural exhibits and thrilling activities such as yak riding and mountain biking at the Jomolhari Mountain Festival. This festival is celebrated at the foothills of Jomolhari mountain in Paro district and celebrates the flora, fauna and nomadic life of the region.
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup – This festival occurs at the Jambay Lhakhang temple in Bumthang, and is considered one of the most pious and reverential festivals of Bhutan. Devotees gather in huge numbers to witness the fire rituals, masked dance performances and seek Mewang or the fire blessing which is believed to cleanse all the sins and bring prosperity.

Visit Bhutan in November

The general weather conditions in November are dry, warm and sunny during the daytime and cool in the evenings. November in Bhutan is also the month to watch the magnificent and endangered Black-necked cranes that migrate to the Phobjikha Valley. The breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, blue skies, and verdant valleys offer a dream escape from the hustle and bustle of life. November is an ideal time to visit Bhutan on a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, where couples can enjoy blissful moments of togetherness amidst the tranquillity of nature. The average temperature hovers between 23°C to 20°C in Bhutan, with places like Paro experiencing a low of 14°C and the Phobjikha Valley, where the temperature slips down to as low as 7°C

Bhutan in November: Festivals and Events

• Black-necked Crane Festival – If you are an avifauna enthusiast, be sure to attend the Black-necked Crane Festival that takes place in the Phobjikha Valley. By attending this festival, one gains insight and awareness of endangered black-necked cranes and learns about their conservation. The festival is also accompanied by cultural performances and exhibitions.

Visit Bhutan in December

The winter season sets its foot in Bhutan with the arrival of December. This is an ideal time to admire the serene mountain landscapes, picturesque scenery, and experience the colourful culture of Bhutan. The average temperature in Bhutan in December fluctuates between 10°C to 15°C during the daytime, allowing visitors the opportunity to explore the sounds and sights. The temperature slips down to as low as 0°C in high-elevation areas such as Phobjikha Valley and Paro. Therefore, it is essential to pack thermal layers and jackets to keep yourself warm and protect against the glacial winters of Bhutan. In some high-altitude areas, you can even experience snowfall.

Winters provide the best climate to visit Bhutan and enjoy the soul-soothing Bhutanese cuisine. To stay warm in the chilling winters, try their Thukpa, Ema Datshi (the national dish of Bhutan), Suja (butter tea), and Jasha Maroo (spicy chicken stew) to keep the cold at bay.

Bhutan in December: Festivals and Events

• Domkhar Tshechu – Celebrated in a village of Bhutan called Domkhar, this festival incorporates traditional dances performed by masked performers that perform religious stories and mythical tales. The masked dancers are believed to be manifestations of deities who bless the spectators/devotees, and take away all their misfortunes.