When is the Best Time to visit Bhutan?

When is the best time to visit Bhutan? If you’re seeking an answer to this question, then it is the spring season (March to May), and the other is the autumn season (September to November). You’ll experience pleasant weather with clear skies, proper visibility, and stunning mountain views.

Bhutan is known as “the land of Thunder Dragons.” It is located in the eastern Himalayas. The country is filled with mountains and monasteries, representing Buddhist culture. Choosing the best month is very important to plan your trip to Bhutan. Every season has its own advantages and disadvantages, which can make your journey challenging.

Bhutan is rich in cultural and traditional significance, protecting the mountains and monasteries, and it is tightly controlled for tourists. The tourists have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per day, and for Indian citizens, $1200 per day. So it is very important to plan your trip according to your adventure plan.

This blog will help you get clear information about Bhutan’s seasonal weather changes and when is the perfect time to visit this country.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan Based on Climate and Geography

Before visiting Bhutan, it is important to understand the weather conditions of the country.  The weather of Bhutan mostly depends on its height and altitude. The south side of Bhutan has a subtropical climate, and the higher side of the north has an alpine climate. Most of the visitors always visit the western and central sides of Bhutan. This area is between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level.

In Bhutan, you can find four different seasons throughout the year. In the summer months, the Indian monsoon system has a major impact on Bhutan’s climate, causing a large amount of rainfall and cold, dry conditions with snowfall in higher elevations in winter. Spring and autumn are known as stable weather months. This month is also known as the perfect time for traveling.

The climate is different in different parts of the country. The weather condition is different in many locations. Punakha is located at a lower elevation than Paro, so the weather is warmer and more suitable for the human body in winter. The area of Paro is always covered in snow and frost in the winter season. So, planning your travel is very important before visiting Bhutan for an expedition.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Bhutan. Let’s understand more deeply and see the month-by-month weather changes to have a better picture.

Month-by-Month Guide

January in Bhutan

In January, Bhutan is very cold. And in fact, it can be called the coldest month. The day temperatures usually get to 5 to 15°C. At night it’s freezing cold, reaching upto -10°C.

• Generally sunny days with colder nights.
• Gorgeous blue skies and breathtaking mountain views.
• Clear sightings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

February in Bhutan

We can say it is the last month of winter in Bhutan. The temperature is quite cold. The weather is quite clear; however, you will experience a few tourists at this time.

• Temperatures drop suddenly to 5°C to -7°C.
• Hiking to the Tiger’s Nest monastery can be done.

March in Bhutan

The official beginning of the spring season. One of the ideal times to do sightseeing tours and trekking. Popular trekking & sightseeing spots will be quite busier than usual at the start of this month.

• Days are pretty warm.
• You can see blooming rhododendrons and jacarandas.
• Crystal clear mountain views.
• Shift in landscapes due to amazing flora and fauna.

April in Bhutan

April in Bhutan is also a peak trekking season with the start of spring. Skies are pretty clear with warm weather.

• Ideal conditions for trekking in popular destinations.
• Dense forests, lush greenery everywhere, with blooming rhododendron.
• Peak tourist season.

May in Bhutan

One of the last months of the spring season. It is a good time of year to travel to Bhutan

• Pretty hot with some possibilities of rainfall.
• Flowers come to life in the popular valleys of Bhutan
• Amazing scenery with stunning sightings of the Himalayas.
• Monsoon is about to begin.

June in Bhutan

Rainfall or the monsoon season begins in Bhutan in June. Not an ideal time to tour Bhutan.

• Can be called the off-season, with heavy rain and lower visibility in the mountains
• Chances of landslides and floods.
• Slippery roads.

July in Bhutan

July means peak monsoon season in Bhutan. One of the wettest months with frequent rain at regular intervals.

• Wettest month.
• Due to bad weather, flights to Paro may experience delays or cancellations.

August in Bhutan

August is also seen as a peak monsoon time with warm temperatures. We recommend not traveling during this month.

• Peak monsoon month with significant rainfall.
• Muddy trails and poor visibility.
• Heavy rain creates delays in travel and limits the touring opportunities.

September in Bhutan

Autumn begins in Bhutan in September. It is another ideal time to explore this country. The scenery becomes breathtaking again as the weather opens up with clear skies.

• The weather becomes clear as the rain takes away all the dirt, pollution, etc., making the air fresh again.
• The weather is just perfect, not too hot nor too cold.

October in Bhutan

October is one of the best times to visit Bhutan. The time after the monsoon makes the whole atmosphere clean and clear.

• The visibility is good with clear skies.
• Stunning, uninterrupted views of the Himalaya.
• The temperature is also pretty good.

November in Bhutan

November is another peak traveling month, backed by good overall weather and open skies. The temperature becomes slightly cold at night, but the daytime is quite warm.

• Perfect time to do sightseeing and trekking
• The weather conditions are pretty stable, allowing you to get amazing mountain views.
• Fresh autumn air.

December in Bhutan

With December, the winter season kicks in, and it is a pretty decent time to do the tour of this country.

• Clear skies and ideal temperatures make it one of the best times to visit Bhutan.
• Bright sunny days.
• Very low chances of rain.
• You can do exploring and trekking activities without thinking twice.

Best Time of Year to Visit Bhutan

The best time of year to visit Bhutan, or the so-called peak season are the autumn season, which usually starts from September to November. Another best time to visit Bhutan is the spring season, which falls from March to May.

These are the peak seasons or the best time of year to visit Bhutan

• Ideal for sightseeing,
• Hiking or trekking.

Spring In Bhutan

The spring in Bhutan lasts from March to May. It is also one of the best seasons to visit Bhutan. The season for blooming flowers arrives, and the snow starts to melt as spring bids farewell to winter. You will start to notice the changes in temperature and the changes shown by flowering plants and forest trees. The most beautiful time to take photographs in Bhutan. 

Bhutan starts to show its true beauty during spring. The warmth of the sun starts to melt the snow and reveal the true raw beauty of that place. The flowering plants, like rhododendron, magnolia, and wild orchids, start to bloom and display the colorful view of the forest and its surrounding areas.

During spring, the temperature is suitable for outdoor activities, as you can feel warm in higher altitudes too during the daytime. But at higher altitudes, the temperature can still drop significantly at nighttime, so you will still need warm clothes for comfortable sleep. The different colors of rhododendrons, like red, pink, and white, make the forest look majestic and perfect.

The spring season brings many advantages for visitors. The morning hours of spring provide the opportunity to enjoy the clear view of the mountain in the early morning hours. You can also enjoy the clear view of the highest unclimbed mountain, Jhomolhari. In the daytime. The sun provides enough light on the snow-covered peaks, providing an opportunity to take majestic pictures of the snow-covered mountains.

Trekking Conditions in Spring in Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most popular destinations for trekking. It provides a golden opportunity for beginners to reach the professional level of trekkers. The mountain provides the opportunity to experience high-altitude trekking with less dangerous walking trails. Trekking in spring in Bhutan is one of the best times, as the trails are dry and you will have access to more resources compared to other months. 

The Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular trekking spots among beginner and intermediate-level trekkers. It is a four-to-six-day trek between Paro and Thimphu, offering a breathtaking journey filled with forests of rhododendron and high-altitude alpine lakes. The snow starts to melt away and opens the high-altitude trekking season for adventurous seekers. 

The  Jhomolhari Trek is also an open option for those looking to take more dangerous and challenging adventures. In the early days of May, you will still notice snow in higher places. The temperature rise will melt the thick layer of snow, providing comfortable daytime walking and beautiful views of the surrounding area and mountains.

Disadvantages of Spring in Bhutan

The spring season is a popular season among tourists and trekkers to visit Bhutan. At the start of March, you will start to notice the number of tourists during this season. The day will be warmer, but nights will still be freezing cold as the altitude increases. The starting days of March will still be cold, but as it reaches mid-month, you will notice the increase in temperature, and snow will start to melt more quickly. 

The month of April has the most suitable weather conditions, so you will notice the large number of tourists and trekkers enjoying and excited about their journey. You will have a problem finding suitable accommodations if you choose to stay in smaller towns. Most of the rooms are already booked or too expensive due to their demand. 

At the end of May, the monsoon will start, as you will notice the high humidity in the air, and the sudden change of weather will be normal. These things will not affect your travel plan, but you might end up traveling under the dark clouds. The unclear weather can make a difference in your traveling experience compared to April and mid-March. You will notice haze around the majestic view of the mountains.

Autumn in Bhutan

Autumn starts in September and lasts till November. They say it is the best season to travel to Bhutan. The combination of weather and the majestic view of the mountains makes the trip memorable and comfortable. The weather around this month brings fresh air and perfect weather patterns for travel. 

You will still notice some rainfall in September, but it will not be problematic. The end of monsoon brings clear skies and fresh air with a suitable temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius. October is more suitable for outdoor activities due to the warm daytime. But the nights will still be cold, and the temperature can drop according to your altitude and can reach up to 0 degrees Celsius. 

The temperature around November is cooler because the weather is getting closer to winter. The higher places of Bhutan will start to face winter sooner compared to the lower areas. Early November has stable weather, but as it reaches mid-month, you will notice a drop in temperature. The nights will be colder, and the chilly air can make you feel more uncomfortable.

Trekking Conditions in Autumn in Bhutan

Better than spring, Autumn offers the best trekking conditions in Bhutan. The weather remains top-notch, the trail conditions are dry, and the sky is crystal clear. What else do you want for trekking than that? We say, Autumn is even better than spring because it begins right after the monsoon. The monsoon rain washes away all the dust and pollution, making the air crisp and clear.

Trekking in autumn in Bhutan is one of the best times; the daytime is pleasant, making it ideal for treks.

Cost and Crowds in Autumn in Bhutan

Autumn is the most popular season for tourists, so the streets will be crowded. The places are filled with the highest number of visitors. The Paro and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery will be the most crowded places at this time of year. You will notice the price hike of hotels and food in smaller towns with fewer options. All the hotels were booked weeks ago. It could be a problem if you have not planned the trip thoughtfully.

The hotels will charge a higher price due to demand, and you can notice the drop in food quality and quantity. The festival month is when the price will skyrocket and can be less affordable if you did not plan the trip through agencies. The price will be high, and there will be less space, so all the places will be booked by others. 

If you have prepared yourself according to your needs and comfort, we can say that this is the best season to enjoy the true beauty of Bhutan. The weather is good, and there is an opportunity to experience a variety of cultural festivals. The first-time travelers will be able to see the most beautiful things in Bhutan with comfort and according to their needs. 

Which is the Worst Time of the Year to Visit Bhutan?

The worst time of the year to visit Bhutan, or the off-peak seasons, are:

• Winter Season (December to February)
• Summer Season (June to August)

Summer in Bhutan

The summer season is the least crowded season for Bhutan and is not preferred by most of the travelers. They say it is not an ideal time for an expedition, as you can expect heavy monsoon rain, which can block the clear view of the forest and mountains. The sudden change of weather and unexpected rainfall can force you to change your plans and can bring you a bad experience. 

The rainfall starts in June and continues till August. July is known for the most uncertain rainfall and hazy weather. You will notice everyday rainfall lasting the entire day. The sky might be clear in the morning, but you expect the sudden rainfall and change in weather at any time. The rain will produce thunderstorms. You can even expect the continued rainfall for many days without a break.

The central part of Bhutan, protected by mountains, receives a decent amount of rainfall. But the southern part of Bhutan receives a large amount of rainfall every day of the entire monsoon season. The northern part of Bhutan has to face a smaller amount of rainfall, and some parts are dry even in the summer months. So it is important to plan the trip according to your travel route.

Trekking in Summer in Bhutan

The environment is filled with clouds and heavy rain, so trekking in summer is most difficult and the wrong time for adventure. There is often less visibility of mountain peaks, and clouds cover the mountain, making the trails more dangerous. The trails are closed due to heavy rain. Trails become slippery and covered with leeches. The heavy rainfall can also cause landslides in higher places sometimes. 

The continued rain makes the air heavy, and drying your clothes and gear will become more challenging. The routes through the forest are covered with leeches, which can stick and can be a painful part of your journey. You have to carry salt to detach them; rather than plucking them with force, sometimes it can cause heavy bleeding. The heavy bleeding can be dangerous in higher places. 

But the summer is also known as the less crowded season, so the hotels and snack places are mostly found empty or closed. The places are low on customers and are out of business. You can take advantage of that and get a good cost discount on your stay and food. Even travel becomes cheaper, and the golden opportunity to travel to Bhutan is in fewer crowds, and the opportunity to experience a new adventure.

Winter in Bhutan

Winter starts in December and lasts till February. Most of the travelers consider winter a bad time for traveling. The weather is too cold, and they have to carry more luggage to keep themselves warm and comfortable. But winter always attracts the people who like to travel in peaceful environments and like to travel in solitude at affordable costs for vacation. 

Traveling to Bhutan in winter, you need to make a perfect plan and create your perfect itinerary to get the full pleasure from your trip. The low area has a warmer temperature compared to the higher area. Places like Punakha are more comfortable compared to other higher places. The days are filled with clear blue skies, and a good amount of sunshine makes the perfect environment for travelling. 

The mountains are covered in snow, but the clear sky will provide an amazing view of the mountains. The surrounding atmosphere contains a low amount of water and provides the best view of the Himalayas for every hour of the day. The best opportunity to play around in the snow and be surrounded by clear blue skies with mountains in the background.

Trekking in Winter in Bhutan

When it comes to trekking in winter in Bhutan, trekking options will be very limited. The heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and harsh weather make the trekking area restricted. The Druk Path Trek may still be accessible in early December, before the heavy snowfall. Trekking at high altitude will be considered difficult, and trails are filled with challenges that can cost you your life. 

In winter, many town hotels and restaurants are closed. The trekkers will have limited options for accommodation, food, and transport. Winter is less crowded, and only a few elite trekkers visit the place to challenge the endurance of the human body. Those people who are sensitive to cold will need to wear thick layers of clothing to keep themselves warm and avoid frostbite. 

The harsh weather conditions and trails covered in snow will increase your difficulty. The trekkers have to climb with more weight and have a high chance of facing frostbite. Due to the weather, you will have a limited amount of supplies and a few emergency vehicles. So traveling in winter can be very risky for you.

When To Completely Avoid Visiting Bhutan?

You should not visit Bhutan during the summer season at all. During the summer months, heavy rainfall occurs, which results in making your trip or tour not so fruitful.

The flow of tourists decreases during the summer due to heavy rainfall. Fewer tourists mean fewer crowds, so it means the dzongs, monasteries, and view sites will be empty or less crowded, providing you with a new experience. The hotel staff and the locals will be free and have time to chat with you, share their stories, and learn more about their culture, traditions, and history.

The Best Time to Visit Bhutan for Festivals

The festival and cultural events celebrated in the spring are fewer, but there are still many important festivals that fall between the months of spring. Between March and April, the Paro Tshechu is celebrated based on the lunar calendar, which is one of the most important festivals in Bhutan. 

The Paro Tshechu festival lasts for 5 days, and thousands of local people are dressed in their traditional costumes and watch sacred masked dances performed by monks. On the last day of the festival, they open the large religious scroll painting known as a thangka at Paro Dzong early in the morning before sunrise. The local people believe that if they can see the thangka, it will wash away their sins. 

The spring brings smaller festivals and events in many districts of Bhutan. The Gom Kora festival and Ura Yakchoe festival in Bumthang attract a smaller number of foreign tourists. The streets are decorated with flags and lights, and the shops are filled with traditional food. We can say that it is the most favorable time to celebrate and share the culture around the world.

The Thimphu Tshechu takes place in September or October. The largest festival of Bhutan, and most popular among tourists. For three days, the capital of Bhutan is filled with sacred dances, cultural presentations, and religious ceremonies. 

The Bumthang Valley is filled with Buddhist festivals. The Jambay Lhakhang Druo and Prakhar Tshechu provide a unique and beautiful experience to visitors. The Black-Necked Crane festival is popular in Phobjikha Valley.

It is held in early November. But visiting during the colder months provides a better opportunity to observe the crane’s natural behaviors without the presence of festival crowds. Cranes tend to fly out in the morning to feed throughout the day on the agricultural lands that surround them.

Winter has fewer festivals than autumn, but most of the festivals that take place during winter carry cultural importance among the locals. The Trongsa Tshechu, held in December, offers its traditional festival experience. The two smaller festivals, Nabji Lhakhang Drup and Nimalung Tshechu, offer the opportunity to experience festivals in remote locations that are not crowded by tourists.

The Best Time to Visit Bhutan for Trekking

September to November is known as the best time to visit Bhutan for trekking or the prime season for trekking in Bhutan. The routes are more suitable and accessible at this time of year. The trails are dry, and the weather is more stable in these months. You will have less chance of getting stuck in stormy weather or snow trails. Autumn is the only season with less risk and a high-reward journey for high trekking. 

Mountains like Jomolhari, Druk Path Trek, and Dagala Thousand Lakes provide adventure to the trekkers and are known as the most popular trekking routes. The paths are safe and clear, and the sky provides a good view of the mountains and the surroundings. The valleys are covered with decorations due to the festival month. The autumn months provide the most exciting and beautiful journey for visitors.

The clear sky and the suitable atmosphere make the mountains more visible. We can say that it is the perfect opportunity for photographers and videographers to take pictures of beautiful snow mountains. The air is refreshing, and the light of daytime makes physical activity more comfortable and enjoyable compared to the summer months.

The Best Time to Visit Bhutan for Budget Travelers

The off-peak season or winter season is the ideal time to visit Bhutan for budget travelers. Many hotels and restaurants are closed. The places are quieter, and most of them are empty. Many hotels offer a discount on your stay to keep their business running. You can take advantage and get yourself a comfortable stay in cheap price. 

The fewer crowds mean more opportunities to get closer to the cultural and traditional importance of local people. The cost of your stay will be less, so you can enjoy your travel in a low-cost and budget-friendly environment. The monasteries and the popular places are where fewer people will be spotted. The perfect time to know more about the history of those places. 

The hotel’s staff and local guides will have more time because they have to attend to fewer guests and clients. You can have a deep conversation and know more about the importance and history of Bhutanese culture. You will have perfect opportunities to taste the real flavor of the local food, know more about how it’s made, and create a connection with new people.

After reading this blog, if you are planning to visit Bhutan, our “Access Nepal Tour and Trekking” team will provide you the perfect planned itinerary according to your preference and make sure to provide you a professional guide and take care of all the logistic things so you can enjoy your journey freely. You can check our cost division for your trip, and we will make sure it is affordable and budget-friendly for you without compromising your comfort. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

When is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?

Ans: Autumn season, from September to November, is also known as the best time to visit Bhutan.

Why is the summer season bad for traveling to Bhutan?

Ans: In summer, you can expect heavy rainfall, and you cannot avoid traveling without getting wet, and sometimes you might even end up changing your planned route.

Is winter trekking safe for beginners?

Ans: No, it is not safe for beginners, and the government of Bhutan restricted many trekking routes for beginners and intermediates, only allowing highly trained trekkers. Still, many of them get injured during their expedition.

Why do people prefer autumn rather than spring to visit Bhutan?

Ans: In autumn, you will be able to enjoy many important festivals in the country. The streets are more crowded, and different kinds of events take place during this month compared to spring, so people prefer autumn over spring.