With more than half of the country covered in mountains and high foothills of the Himalayas, the weather in Bhutan is not as cold as many people would think. The mountain areas in northern Bhutan normally range from 10 degrees in the summer to freezing in the winter, while the southern part of Bhutan enjoys a warm winter of around 15 degrees to a hot summer of around 30 degrees.

The sub-tropical climate of Bhutan makes it possible to visit the kingdom all year round. Also, with kinds of festivals throughout the year, there is always something exciting to see when you visit Bhutan.

While Bhutan is a year-round destination, finding the best times to visit can greatly improve your travel experience. Here, we’ll guide you in choosing the best periods to ensure you make the most of your visit to Bhutan.

1. Best Time to Visit Bhutan: April, May, October, November, and December

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Bhutan is April, May, October, November, and December, which can be simplified as spring and autumn in Bhutan.

March, April, May, October, and November are the months with the most pleasant weather in Bhutan.

During these months, you’ll enjoy the most comfortable weather in Bhutan with clear skies and pleasant temperature throughout the country. The average temperatures is around 15 degrees, and you can enjoy the natural scenery of Bhutan. At the same time, the rich festivals can make your trip to Bhutan more interesting.

5 Days Classic Bhutan City and Scenic Tourist Tour

Tour Route: Paro - Thimphu - Punakha & Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro

Price from USD p.p

2. September to November: Ideal Time to Visit Bhutan for Vibrant Festivals & Hiking Experiences

Autumn, from September to November, is the best time for trekking in Bhutan, during which skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant with some great views of the kingdom’s highest mountain peaks.

September is the start of the hiking season in Bhutan. The spectacular views and pleasant climate make it a great time for Bhutan trekking experiences. During the day, the temperatures can still be 25 degrees, with a little cooler weather in the evenings. It’s recommended to wear a windproof jacket that is easy to put on and take off to stay warm and comfortable during the hike.

October is the most popular time of year for tourism, and around 80 percent of visitors visit Bhutan in October. While there is a restriction on how many visitors can enter Bhutan at any one time, it is best to book well in advance of your trip, since it is the busiest time of year. If you book late, there is a chance that you will not get into the country until later in the year.

November is the tail end of the autumn season, and a time for fewer visitors, which makes it a great time to visit to see the inbound migration of the black-necked cranes from the Tibetan plateau to their winter-feeding grounds in the Phobjikha Valley. The birds remain in Bhutan until late February, when they move back to the plains around Lhasa in Tibet.

Autumn is a good season to experience the colorful fesetivals in Bhutan.

Autumn is also the best time for a Bhutan festival tour, as many Bhutanese festivals are celebrated during this period. The Thimphu Tsechu, one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan, is held in mid-September. Thousands of Bhutanese people flood the city of Thimphu for the festivities, which last for three days and are set as a national holiday.

In the middle of October is the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, which is held in honor of the Guru Rinpoche, who established the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery in Bumthang District in the 7th century.

There is even a celebratory festival to mark the arrival of black-necked cranes in Bhutan. The Black Necked Crane Festival is held in the courtyard of the Gangtey Gompa, and is done to promote the preservation of this endangered species.

11 Days Black Necked Crane Festival Tour in Bhutan

Tour Route: Paro-Transfer-Thimphu-Punakha-Gangtey-Bumthang-Punakha-Thimphu-Paro

Price from USD p.p

3. March to May: the Best Flowering Season in Bhutan

Spring is one of the most popular seasons to visit Bhutan, when temperatures start to rise and the early spring flowers are in abundance.

The valleys become green and lush as spring brings new growth, and the rhododendron flowering season runs from March to May, when the colorful blooms cover the hillsides.

Rhododendron flowers cover the hillsides

March to May are also good months for trekking in Bhutan, which is a great way to see more of the stunning natural scenery. Mountain walks are at their best in the spring, and the high-altitude teahouses are open again for travelers.

However, when it comes to late May, the temperatures start to rise and humidity is on the increase. Clouds start to descend over the mountains, obscuring the views of the Himalayan peaks.

In you plan to visit Bhutan in March, you can take a chance to experience the Paro Tsechu, one of the most popular Bhutan festivals. Monks dress up in colorful costumes with masks and re-enact the ancient legends of the Land of the Thunder King and the history of Buddhism in the kingdom. The festival culminates with a Thangka unveiling ceremony, when the 350-year-old, four stories high Thangka showing the deeds of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled.

6 Days Most Popular Druk Path Trek in Bhutan

Tour Route: Paro - Jili Dzong - Jangchhu Lakha - Jimilang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho - Phajoding - Motithang

Price from USD p.p

4. December to February: The Coldest but the Best Time to See the Black-necked Cranes in Bhutan

Winter months, from December to February, are the coldest time of the year in Bhutan, especially up in the mountain regions. The average temperature of cities like Paro and Thimpu is around 0°C to 10°C. In the northern mountain areas, the temperature may drop significantly below freezing. It is too cold to do the Himalayan trekking in Bhutan in winter.

However, the clear skies and warmer valleys in the south make it a great place to visit off-season, and the views of the Himalayas, covered in snow, are spectacular.

Winter is also an ideal time for birding tours in Bhutan. When winter comes, the black-necked cranes as well as other migratory birds will come to the warm valley and leave in spring.

You can see the black-necked cranes from December to February

In February, the Tongsa Tsechu and Punakha Tsechu will take place. The are popular local festival that has some of the kingdom’s most elaborate costumes, worn by the dancing lamas.

5. June to August: Monsoon Season & Low Season for Bhutan Tourism

Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon season in Bhutan, and a low season for tourism. Normally, the monsoon rains come in the late afternoon and early evening, so daytime exploring in cities like Thimphu and Punakha is still possible. A raincoat is necessary just in case of the odd downpour.

Summer is not ideal trekking weather in Bhutan as some trails may be waterlogged and muddy during the monsoon season. If you visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery during the summer, be sure to wear non-slip hiking shoes. The mountain trails can become slippery after rain, so good footwear will help keep you safe and comfortable during the hiking.

However, there are still some things worth doing in summer. In July, there is the Haa Summer Festival, which offers a rare chance to experience the life of the local nomadic herders with spectacular sweeping views of the mountains. The festival is a happy event that showcases the culture, religion, and sports of the nomads, and tourists can participate in the event, with yak riding, ancient folk dances, or just try the local cuisine.

Haa Summer Festival

6. Best Months for a Cheaper Trip to Bhutan: December, January, February, June, July, and August

While it is possible to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan all year round, there are still peak seasons and off-season periods, which cost different prices to visit Bhutan.

Winter seasons from December to February and the summer months from June to August during the monsoon season offer the lower daily price of Bhutan tour packages. The price for a standard Bhutan tour during these off-season months is USD 200 to USD 250 per person per day, while it is raised to USD 250 to USD 300 per person per day during peak seasons.

If you want to cut down your Bhutan tour price, you can arrange a trip during these off-season months to enjoy the tranquil of Bhutan at the lowest price.

6 Days Classic Thimphu-Paro and Taktsang Ghoempa Tour

Tour Route: Paro - Thimphu - Punakha & Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro

Price from USD p.p

Conclusion

While it is possible to visit Bhutan all year round, autumn and spring are generally the best time to visit. During these peak seasons, prices for Bhutan tours tend to rise due to increased tourist numbers.

Spring in Bhutan is especially charming with blooming flowers, while summer’s monsoon season brings fewer tourists. Winter offers clear skies and fewer crowds, with cold but fresh air, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter experience at a cheaper price.

No matter when you plan to visit Bhutan and what you hope to experience in this Himalayan Kingdom, feel free to contact us to get more travel information and professional assistance to make your dream trip to Bhutan a reality.