Bhutan Weather

Spring (March – May):  Is regarded as one of the most beautiful time of the year. The valleys come alive with flowers and vegetation in full bloom. The temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, no or limited rainfall and a host of festivals across Bhutan marks spring. This season is also an excellent time to trek in Bhutan. However, these months are busy tourist season, therefore one might expect some cramming at tourist attractions. It is also suggested that planning a tour during these months should be done in advance, so that preferred hotels are easy to book.

Monsoon (June – August): Bhutan does not receive heavy rainfall, unlike the Indian subcontinent. Monsoon is marked with sporadic rain fall during late afternoons. The weather is pleasantly warm and the valleys are at its greenest. Although not the best time for some treks, one can engage on cultural tours, white water rafting and short hikes. The famous Mountain Echo’s literary festival and Haa summer festival takes place during Monsoon.

Autumn (September – November): Clear blue skies and pristine Himalayan vistas, no or limited rainfall and plentiful of festivals marks autumn. The season offers best opportunities for trekking, photography tours, and cycle tours. The annual Snowman race and Tour of the Dragon biking race takes place on September/October. The climate is temperate and very pleasant for outdoor activities. The annual Thimphu Festival is a huge draw in autumn.

Winter (December – February). Witnesses’ snowfall in the upper Himalayas and to some extent on the lower valleys during late January and February. The days are balmy with lots of sun and crystal clear blue skies. Although a little chili during night and early mornings, it’s pleasant to travel during day time.  It an excellent time of the year for day hikes, cycling and photography. The popular Dochula Pass and Punakha festival takes place in winter.

Tourist Season in Bhutan

 (March, April, May, September, October, November)

• Excellent weather condition for trekking
• Popular festivals such as Paro and Thimphu Festival
• Himalayan views are best in October.
• Rhododendron blossoming peaks in March and April months. Rhododendron Festival in April.
• Black-necked crake arrives in November.
• Tour of the Snowman race & Tour of Dragon Biking race.
• Hotels and other service providers may charge rentals.

 (June, July, August).

• Sporadic rainfalls.
• Not the best time to trek.
• High elevation flowers are at their peak blooming season.
• Special offers for hotels and less visitor in Bhutan
• Mountain echoes Literary festival
• Matsutake Mushroom season.
• Haa summer festival.
• Valleys are green.

 (December, January, February).

• The climate is little cold, with average temperatures of 13-14 degrees during daytime and -1 to -5 during early morning and night in key valleys (Paro, Thimphu)
• Days are balmy with lots of sunshine.
• Low tourist tariff and less visitor in the kingdom
• Dochula and Punakha festival
• Nomad festival in Bumthang.
• Excellent opportunities for day hikes.