Are you thinking about visiting Bhutan? Are you unsure about when is the best time to go? Don't worry! We've got the answers you need. Whether you want to know the best season to visit or when there are fewer tourists, we're here to help.
Don't let the uncertainty stop you from having an amazing experience. We're like your personal travel guide, ready to answer all your questions and make your Bhutan trip unforgettable. Whether you're curious about avoiding crowds or catching at its best, we've got you covered.
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There's a perfect time to visit Bhutan when everything shines brightest. Whether you're drawn to monasteries like Tiger's Nest Monastery, Taktsang Palphug Monastery, or snow-capped mountains, Bhutan has a magical moment just for you. It's the time when it dazzles with unforgettable experiences, leaving you utterly amazed. So, don't miss out—find that special month and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
1. Best Time for Sightseeing: Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit Bhutan for sightseeing as the weather is pleasant and the entire country is covered with vibrant foliage. The chances of rainfall are low during these months so you can go sightseeing without any worries. Colorful and lush green valleys offer a splendid backdrop for exploring the cultural treasures of Bhutan.2. Best Time for Honeymoon in Bhutan: Spring (March to May) is considered the best time for a Bhutan honeymoon trip as the skies are clear and the weather is mild. The lush green valleys and vibrant meadows offer the perfect backdrop for clicking romantic pictures. During this time lovebirds can explore dzongs, enjoy romantic hikes, and soak in the festival atmosphere.
3. Best Time for Shopping: December to February (Winter) is the best time to visit Bhutan for shopping as the markets and shops are not very crowded. You may get huge deals and discounts on various items during this time of the year due to the end-of-year sale. Various festivals such as Losar are celebrated during this season wherein traditional fairs and special markets are set up from where you can buy textiles and handmade crafts.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Bhutan
Best Season To Visit Bhutan
1. Peak Season: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the high seasons for visiting Bhutan. In spring, the weather is pleasant and moderate and flowers are in full bloom. The country also hosts many festivities and events during this season including the Punakha Tshechu and Paro. In autumn the skies are clear and the landscapes are lush and vibrant. Thimphu Tsechu and Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival are held in autumn.
2. Shoulder Season: Early winter(December to late November) and early spring (early March to late February) mark the shoulder season in Bhutan. The pleasant weather and smaller crowd make it the best season to visit Bhutan for those seeking fuss-free exploration. You can attend many festivals like the Thimphu Tshechu and Wangdue Tshechu in spring.
3. Waning Season: June to August(Summer) is the waning season in Bhutan with heavy rainfall and fewer tourists at most of the popular sites. The lush greenery and blooming flowers give you a chance to experience nature’s beauty in the best way during this season. Since this is the off-season you can get high discounts on accommodation and flights. You can attend various festivals and events like Haa Summer Festival and Matsutake Festival during these months.
Read More: Things to Do in Bhutan
2. Shoulder Season: Early winter(December to late November) and early spring (early March to late February) mark the shoulder season in Bhutan. The pleasant weather and smaller crowd make it the best season to visit Bhutan for those seeking fuss-free exploration. You can attend many festivals like the Thimphu Tshechu and Wangdue Tshechu in spring.
3. Waning Season: June to August(Summer) is the waning season in Bhutan with heavy rainfall and fewer tourists at most of the popular sites. The lush greenery and blooming flowers give you a chance to experience nature’s beauty in the best way during this season. Since this is the off-season you can get high discounts on accommodation and flights. You can attend various festivals and events like Haa Summer Festival and Matsutake Festival during these months.
Read More: Things to Do in Bhutan
Best Time To Visit Bhutan By Month
1. January: January is the coldest month in Bhutan and you may even experience snowfall during this time of the year. The maximum temperatures are still over 9 degrees in Paro and 12 degrees in Thimpu. But at night it gets very cold as the temperature drops below freezing. You can enjoy trekking and traditional sports like dart throwing during this month.Average Max Temperature: 15° C
Average Precipitation: 10–22 mm
Temperature Range: 3–12°C
2. February: If you want to have a hassle-free exploration of the country’s famous sites then February is the best time to visit Bhutan. During this time you’ll encounter fewer crowds, beautiful sunny days, and cold nights. Temperature in cities like Punakha, Thimpu, and Pharo ranges around 11 to 13 degrees while in Bumthang the temperature goes up to 8 degrees. In late February, The Punakha Drubchen Festival is celebrated in Bhutan.
Average Max Temperature: 14° C
Average Max Temperature: 14° C
Average Precipitation: 30-38 mm
Temperature Range: 0–17°C
3. March: March marks the beginning of spring with clear skies, pleasant weather, and lush greenery. Average temperature ranges from 11 to 22° C during this month. It is considered the best time to visit Bhutan for lower-altitude treks like the Bumdrak and Saga La routes. You can attend various festivities and events during this month including Paro Tsechu and Gasa Tsechu.
Average Max Temperature: 22° C
Average Max Temperature: 22° C
Average Precipitation: 20-70 mm
Temperature Range: 11 to 22° C
Planning a trip to Bhutan From Mumbai, Check out our Bhutan Packages From Mumbai Now!
Planning a trip to Bhutan From Mumbai, Check out our Bhutan Packages From Mumbai Now!
4. April: April is a good time for outdoor activities and trekking as the weather remains generally warm and comfortable. This month marks the middle of spring with clear skies and excellent mountain views. In April you can see the rhododendron flowers in their full bloom. Various events like the Paro Tsechu and Rhododendron Festival are organized in April.
Average Max Temperature: 20° C
Average Max Temperature: 20° C
Average Precipitation: 55 mm
Temperature Range: 4–18°C
5. May: May marks the arrival of rains and the end of the spring season in Bhutan. The temperature changes a lot in May from mild to cold depending on the time of day and location. In Thimphu, the average temperature ranges from 5°C to 16°C and in Paro it ranges from 7°C to 17°C. This month is considered the best time to visit Bhutan from India for cultural sightseeing and camping at high altitudes.
Average Max Temperature: 17° C
5. May: May marks the arrival of rains and the end of the spring season in Bhutan. The temperature changes a lot in May from mild to cold depending on the time of day and location. In Thimphu, the average temperature ranges from 5°C to 16°C and in Paro it ranges from 7°C to 17°C. This month is considered the best time to visit Bhutan from India for cultural sightseeing and camping at high altitudes.
Average Max Temperature: 17° C
Average Precipitation: 150 mm
Temperature Range: 6-16°C
6. June: The monsoon season starts in Bhutan in June with moderate levels of rain and strong wind. Rainfall usually occurs in the latter part of the day giving you ample time to enjoy sightseeing in the noons and morning. June offers the best time to visit Bhutan from India to see the vibrant countryside and national parks coming alive with lush greenery. During this time you can get great discounts on hotels and flights making it ideal for those looking to visit Bhutan on a budget.
Average Max Temperature: 26° C
6. June: The monsoon season starts in Bhutan in June with moderate levels of rain and strong wind. Rainfall usually occurs in the latter part of the day giving you ample time to enjoy sightseeing in the noons and morning. June offers the best time to visit Bhutan from India to see the vibrant countryside and national parks coming alive with lush greenery. During this time you can get great discounts on hotels and flights making it ideal for those looking to visit Bhutan on a budget.
Average Max Temperature: 26° C
Average Precipitation: 90 mm
Temperature Range: 12–20°C
7. July: July is the wettest month of the year in Bhutan making it excellent to explore the countryside and national parks. Inland valleys like Punakha are a little drier, while in the north mountainous regions rainfall is lower, but you can experience heavy clouds. In Paro, the average temperature ranges around 20°C and in Thimpu, it is around 17°C to 27°C. Haa Summer Festival is organized in Bhutan during this month.
Average Max Temperature: 27° C
Average Max Temperature: 27° C
Average Precipitation: 150 mm
Temperature Range: 13–22°C
8. August : August is the mid-monsoon season in Bhutan with vibrant landscapes and cloudy skies. Temperatures in this month are generally quite warm in the Royal Manas National Park and southern areas. During this month you should visit western areas like Paro, the Punakha Valley, and Thimpu as they are more accessible. August is considered the best time to visit Bhutan to see wildflowers in the mountains and enjoy food like avocados, mangoes, and mushrooms.
Average Max Temperature: 34° C
Average Max Temperature: 34° C
Average Precipitation: 155 mm
Temperature Range: 24–31°C
9. September: Bhutan experiences mild weather during the daytime and it becomes a bit cold in the evenings. The monsoon rain becomes less frequent and the average temperature ranges from 11°C to 21°C. It is a great time for trekking, walking, and exploring the lush green countryside. This month is the best time to visit Bhutan to see the Black-necked cranes in Central Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley.
Average Max Temperature: 26° C
Average Max Temperature: 26° C
Average Precipitation: 90 mm
Temperature Range: 11-21°C
10. October: October marks the peak season in Bhutan with mild weather during the daytime and chilly nights. The weather is mostly dry during this month making it a great time for exploring the cultural sites and natural scenery. During this month you can attend many Buddhist festivals like Wangdue Tsechu and Thimphu Tshechu.
Average Max Temperature: 24° C
Average Max Temperature: 24° C
Average Precipitation: 40 mm
Temperature Range: 7-18°C
11. November: November marks the end of the peak autumn season in Bhutan. The temperature drops particularly at night while the daytime temperature is quite comfortable. Rainfall is rare in this month making it ideal to enjoy various outdoor activities. In November you can get a glimpse of the black-necked cranes at Phobjikha Valley.
Average Max Temperature: 20° C
Average Max Temperature: 20° C
Average Precipitation: 2-8 mm
Temperature Range: 3-20°C
12. December: December is the best time to visit Bhutan from India as the weather remains pleasant and cool and there are very low chances of rainfall. The nighttime temperatures are around -1°C and daytime temperatures are 15°C. December marks many migratory birds' arrival making it the best for birdwatching.
Average Max Temperature: 17° C
Average Max Temperature: 17° C
Average Precipitation: 5-14 mm
Temperature Range: 1-15°CBest Time to Visit Bhutan for Events and Festivals
1. Thimphu Tsechu Festival: Thimphu Tsechu Festival is one of the grandest festivals in Bhutan wherein you can enjoy colourful mask dances. It is celebrated to honor Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. The festival is organized on the tenth Day of the eighth month of the Lunar Calendar at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. During the festival, various rituals and prayers are carried out to invoke the deities.2. Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival: Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival is considered the best time to visit Bhutan as you get an insight into the religious practices and ancient traditions rooted in Bhutanese culture. The festival is known for its bonfire dance that is performed by 20 naked and masked dancers. Other highlights of this festival include cham dances, drumbeat dances, and clown dances.
3. Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival: Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival is one of the biggest Buddhist festivals held in September or October in Bhutan. It is considered the best time to visit Bhutan as the festival is celebrated with a display of various Buddhist rituals and symbolic sacred dances. The festival ends with the unveiling of the great Guru Tshengye Thongdrel.
4. Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu Festival: Immerse into the Bhutanese traditions and culture by attending the Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu Festival. The Punakha Drubchen commemorates the victory of Bhutan against Tibetan forces. Tshechu Festival is held in various monasteries of Bhutan to honour the Guru Rinpoche. The highlight of this festival is the Cham dance performed by monks dressed in colourful costumes.
5. Paro Tshechu Festival: The Paro Tshechu Festival is the most popular dance festival held every spring in Bhutan. On the last day of this festival, the monks display a beautiful painting (thangka) made of silk inside the Rinpung dzong. Monks wear silk costumes and masks and perform sacred dances. Popular dances that are performed during this festival include Lords of the Cremation Grounds and Terrifying Deities.