Are you dreaming of travelling to Bhutan but unsure when the best time to explore this amazing country is? Do you want to know detailed information on the Bhutan weather?
Bhutan is an incredibly beautiful Asian country situated on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. The country greets you with hypnotic landscapes, panoramic Himalayan vistas, life-enriching monasteries, awesome cultures, and much more. Bhutan is also a famous trekking destination as she offers several adventurous trekking routes to the Bhutan Mountains reach up to 24,000 feet.
Travelling to this beautiful country is indeed an awesome experience, however, it can get complicated if you cannot choose the right time. Thus, for your convenience, we have discussed here in detail the best time to visit Bhutan so that you can make the most of your trip.
The Weather in Bhutan
Due to extensive differences in elevation and Indian monsoon’s influence, Bhutan has an extremely varied weather. The climate of Bhutan can be divided into three parts- flatlands, central zone, and the high mountains. Most of the Bhutan tour itineraries do not include the lower lands and mountains above 4000 meters, therefore, you can travel anytime of the year ignoring the weather pattern in Bhutan. However, the climate and season still plays a vital role in mountain views, festivals, tour costs and other things.
Image Credit: https://www.tibettravel.org/bhutan-tour/bhutan-weather-and-climate.html
Month-by-month Guide for Visiting Bhutan
Visiting Bhutan in Winter- December to February
Bhutan has its coldest months from December to February, especially in the highlands. However, if you can overcome the chilly weather, this season rewards you with clear skies and awesome views of the mountains and hypnotic landscapes. However, this is not a peak season to travel to Bhutan and only a few travelers can be found due to cold weather.
Festivals:
- Druk Wangyel Tshechu
- Trongsa Tshechu
- Nomad Festival in Bumthang
Visiting Bhutan in Spring- March to May
If you love exploring nature, a bit a of a rainfall and want to celebrate Punakha and Para festivals, this season is the ideal time for visiting Bhutan. The weather in this season is fantastic and you can witness colorful Rhododendron forests, rare blue poppy, a three-foot tall species and much more. The season receives little rainfall and temperature reaches up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can enjoy trekking to the higher lands of Bhutan during this season. You will see pristine landscapes, amazing valleys and can stay in characterful teahouses and hotels. Only a few tourists and lower cost for everything makes this season indeed a perfect time to visit Bhutan.
Festivals:
- Punakha Drubehen and Tshechu
- Paro Tshechu
- Gomphu Kora
- Ura Yakchoe
Visiting Bhutan in Summar- June to August
The month of June, July, August and sometimes September too receives good amount of rainfall, making this season rainy season in Bhutan. Trekking in this season is not ideal as the trails get slippery and sightseeing is also difficult. The best views can be seen only during the morning as the morning receives less rainfall.
Though this is not the best time to visit Bhutan for most of the travelers, if you wish to explore the country’s lush green forest, amazing temples, experience Kurjey Tshechu, Gangtey festival and do some meditation, this season indeed becomes your ideal choice.
Festivals:
- Kurjey Tshechu
- Haa Summer Festival
Visiting Bhutan in Fall- September to November
The fall season, the months of October, November, and December are the perfect time for Bhutan vacation. The air during this time becomes clear with sunny skies. These months are awesome for hiking, trekking, exploring captivating views, experiencing fascinating festivals in a pleasant temperature.
Most of the Bhutan travellers visit Bhutan in this season, thus you need to plan well before to book perfect tour experience and accommodation. In this season, you get to experience some of the largest festivals of Bhutanese people such as Thimphu tshechu, Wangdue Tshechu, Tamshing Phala Choepa, Black-necked crane festival, etc. Also, this is an ideal time for sightseeing, trekking, hiking and joining other activities.
Festivals:
- Thimphu Tshechu
- Wangdue Tshechu
- Tamshing Phala Choepa
- Jambay Lhakhang Tshechu
Frequently Asked Questions
The month of October, November and December are the ideal time to visit Bhutan. Bhutan welcomes its 80% of foreign tourists during this time. You need to plan your trip beforehand as prices during these months will be higher and also apt hotel accommodation would also be hard to find. You can trek, hike, meditate, sightsee and participate in many other activities in a pleasant temperature in this season.
Summar season, especially the month of June, July and August is the rainy season of Bhutan. However, night receives the heavy rainfall and there is sometimes light rainfall during the day. This season is not ideal for trekking, still you can experience lush greens and hypnotic mountains and landscapes of Bhutan.
The months of October, November and December are the peak season for visiting Bhutan. As most of travelers visit Bhutan during this time, the cost of hotel, food and other things will be high. You get the most out of your trip during this time as you get to experience city sightseeing, trekking, and other activities in the most pleasant temperature.
Yes, June is a good time to explore and experience Bhutan. Though the month June receives a little pre-monsoon shower in Bhutan, you will have plenty of activities and experiences to enjoy. The skies and air will be clear so you can go for sightseeing, visit holy monasteries, hiking, trekking and also can celebrate some iconic festivals in this month. As this not a peak season in Bhutan, there will be less tourists and you will get most of things in cheaper rates as well.
The month of July is the warmest month of the year. The temperature can reach up to 32 degree centigrade in this month in lower and central zones and up to 26 degree centigrade in the capital city Thimpu.
Now you have learnt the best time to visit Bhutan. You might also want to know the best Bhutan tour operators. We have thoroughly researched and selected the 10 best reviewed and highest rated Bhutan tour companies who can provide you with a safe and sound Bhutan travel adventure.
Also, you can visit Bhutan tour deals page to find the best Bhutan tour packages and deals offered by the top-rated Bhutan tour operators.