When Is the Best Time to Travel to Bhutan

Considered to be the last Shangri-La on earth, Bhutan is a dream destination for many travelers. Finding the best time to visit this fascinating country is not easy as its climate and landscape are so diverse, and it has so much to offer at different times of the year. Here's a brief guide on the best time to visit Bhutan based on climate, seasons, and activities.

Bhutan Climate

A landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan has an extremely diverse climate, which varies with altitude. Its altitude changes from 590ft in the narrow southern lowland to 23,950ft in the northern Himalayan plateau and it can be divided into three distinct climatic regions. The southern lowland has a tropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summer and cool winter. In the central valley, it is warm and humid in summer but cold and dry in winter. As it goes north to the slopes of the Himalayan Mountains, it can be freezing cold in winter and cool in summer. Due to its high altitude, the Himalayan peaks are capped with snow all year round.

In addition to altitude, the climate of Bhutan is also influenced by monsoons. The southwest monsoon brings plenty of rain in summer, while in winter, the northeast monsoon carries strong winds through passes of high mountains, which is why Bhutan gained the name Drukyul, meaning the land of the thunder dragon.

Paro Valley

Bhutan Weather by Month

Traveling in December - February

December, January, and February are the coldest months of the year in Bhutan, particularly in the northern mountains. Night temperatures in Paro, Thimphu, and Bumthang can fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit ( 0 degrees Celsius). There will be fewer visitors to the country during this period. But those who brave the harsh weather will be rewarded with clear skies. It is warmer and sunny in the valleys, where you will get clear views of the stunning Himalayan Mountains. 

Paro Dzong

Traveling in Early March - Late April

March marks the beginning of spring, with all flowers in the valley starting to bloom. Dry and pleasant days continue until mid-April. This is a popular time to visit, so advance reservation is necessary to get the best hotel room and flights.

Traveling in Mid-April - Late June

From mid-April till late June, heat and humidity increase, with occasional showers and temperatures up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit ( 30 degrees Celsius ). 

Traveling in Late June - Late September

Due to the southwest monsoon, heavy rain and high humidity are expected from mid-April to Late September. 

Traveling in Late September - Late November

From late September (sometimes early October), the rainy season ends and follows the pleasant, dry bright weather, which will last till Late November. It is usually warm in the daytime but can be cold in the evening, and snowfall is likely in areas of higher altitudes. October is the most popular month for international travelers to visit Bhutan, so make sure you plan your trip well in advance to get better value.

Average temperature and precipitation for major tourist destinations in Bhutan:

High and low season rates

If you are not a citizen of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, you are required to book a tour through a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator to visit the country. There are "minimum daily package" rates set by the Bhutanese government for all tours. These rates vary depending on high and low seasons. The minimum daily package rate for the high season is $250 and $200 for the low season. High season months are March, April, May, September, October, and November. Low-season months include January, February, June, July, August, and December.

The Best Time to Visit Bhutan

March, April, October, and November are generally the best months to visit when you can expect cool, pleasant weather. For travelers having different interests such as festivals, trekking, black-necked cranes, and rhododendrons, the ideal time to go may vary.

Punakha Dzong with Blooms

Best Time to See Bhutanese Festivals

Bhutan boasts a number of fascinating festivals that many visitors may want to experience. The Tshechu festivals, featuring religious mask dances, are held in temples, monasteries, and dzongs (fortresses) across the country. Among them, Thimphu Tshechu (held every autumn) and Paro Tshechu (held every spring) are the two most important Tshechu festivals. The Bhutanese are supposed to attend the Tshechu at least once in their lifetime to wash away their sins.

September, October, and November are the best months to see some of the country's most significant Tshechu festivals, including Thimphu Tshechu, Wangdue Tshechu, and Jambay Lhakhang Tshechu. 

Mask Dance in Tshechu

Best Time for Trekking

Trekking is a great way to see the beautiful sights of this incredible, less-traveled nation. The ideal times to trek in high-altitude regions are in March, April, October and November when skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant. If you trek in March and April, you will have an excellent chance to get the lovely views of myriad rhododendrons and may also see wildlife coming out having just woken up from hibernation. For low-altitude treks, late November, December, January, February, and early March are the best times.

Best Time to See Black-necked Cranes

For visitors interested in the endangered black-necked cranes, it's recommended to visit the Phobjikha Valley between late October and mid-February. These rare birds begin their annual migration from the Tibet plateau to the Phobjikha Valley to spend the winter and stay there till mid-February. Every November, a special festival takes place in Gangtey to celebrate the coming of the cranes aiming to conserve these endangered birds. The festival attracts many tourists. Be sure to plan ahead to be part of it.

Best Time to See Rhododendron

The land of the thunder dragon is home to hundreds of species of rhododendrons, making it a wonderful place for flower and photography lovers. Mid-March to May is the ideal time to view these gorgeous blossoms.

Bhutan actually can be visited all year round. For those of you who can't wait to visit Bhutan, the best time to go is now! Get a custom trip plan and quote simply by contacting our Bhutan travel specialist. For any inquiries regarding Bhutan travel, let me know at trip@odynovotours.com. And don't forget to share this post if you found it useful.