Bhutan Travel, Tailor-Made Bhutan Tours

When is the best time to visit Bhutan

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May when the valleys come alive with flowers in bloom. The Himalayan peaks are at their most visible with the clear skies of October to early weeks of December and this is the best time for trekking though temperatures will be on the cold side. It’s the period where some of the most interesting and unique tsechus take place across parts of Bhutan, such as the understated, but brilliant Prakar Tshechu. Nature lovers can also consider this time frame when the black necked cranes start to come in to nest in the Phobjikha valley of Gangtey district in Bhutan from Tibet. June to August is considered the low season due to the rains, which makes trekking less of an option. However, travelling in low and shoulder seasons will warrant lower hotel rates.

Visit Bhutan in January

January is overall pleasant but it can get quite cold. Average temperatures will struggle to reach 14°C during daytime. Paro and Thimphu normally experience only light dustings of snow and temperatures fall below zero at night. There is substantial variation across the country, and with elevation. Trashigang for example will be much warmer than Paro and Thimphu but in Bumthang, the temperature might go as low as -10°C. Snowfall is expected in some mountainous areas. In the lower regions, the mild weather of Punakha makes this town a great winter escape for the Bhutanese. Visitor numbers are low at this time, making this month a very excellent time of year to visit Bhutan for those wishing to take advantage of shoulder season hotel offers.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - Jan

Visit Bhutan in February

February marks the end of winter and the temperatures get warmer and drier throughout the whole country as the month progresses although the mercury stays low in Phobjikha and Bumthang and extreme weather and heavy snowfall may render the roads to central & eastern Bhutan. In the lower elevations of Punakha and the east, there are loads of festivals, with few crowds. The crowds are still low so it’s easier to get lovely accommodation at a good price before the high visitors number return to peak in March.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - February

Visit Bhutan in March

Spring is all around Bhutan when the March arrives, marking an excellent time to visit Bhutan, for both touring and trekking. Mountain views can be cloudy, but the magnificent rhododendrons are in bloom and bird life is abundant. Temperatures are pleasant and the valleys are bursting with nature. While not as busy as April or September – November period, this is the popular time to visit Bhutan, therefore it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Visit Bhutan in April

April is the second most-popular month to visit Bhutan. Comfortably warm weather and continued rhododendron blooms at higher elevations make this a fine time to trek, but there's less chance of blue skies at the top of the mountain. Early April witnesses the Paro Tshechu, whilst some festivals in Bumthang valleys and around are the highlights of the eastern parts. It is then advisable book ahead to get the best accommodation and flights.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - March

Visit Bhutan in May

May marks the end of the spring, bringing higher humidity as well as rain and cloud over the mountains increasing towards the end of the month. However, the lighter crowds, and lower prices still make it a good month to visit. The rhododendrons are still in bloom too, making this a picture-perfect time for photographers and nature lovers.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - July

Visit Bhutan in June

As June approaches, rains cover the mountains and monsoon clouds can obscure views and cancel flights at Paro airport. As the rains intensify, roads can wash away whilst treks might be muddy. There are upsides though; rains come mostly during the afternoon and night and the spectacular wildflowers at this time of year in the high valleys are a botanist's dream. If you like to avoid the higher tariff, crowded visitors and the cold of winter, consider visiting Bhutan in June.

when is the best time to visit Bhutan - June

Visit Bhutan in July

Rainfall continues to rise, making July the wettest month of the rainy season. Although showers can occur at night without spoiling daytime explorations, a trek is not advisable in July. Sightseeing is still possible - if you are prepared with raingear and an umbrella, you can still enjoy Bhutan! It’s also ideal for retreating to a spa. Views are best in the mornings following night-time downpours. Lots of families choose to visit at this time of year as it coincides nicely with summer holidays.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - May

Visit Bhutan in August

Although there are not much difference in the first half of August, when the showers are still dominating Bhutan, rainfall should start to lessen towards the end of the month. Road travel to the east is precarious, but the lush foliage and fresh mushrooms, mangoes and avocados go some way to compensate. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather is a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though conditions aren't ideal for trekking. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a detour through the town!

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - August

Visit Bhutan in September

September brings the autumn to Bhutan, boasting stunning views and pleasant temperatures. The first half of the month is still rainy, but by the end of it, the monsoon has washed the Himalayan skies clear. Several big festivals coincide with the beginning of the main tourist season, particularly the popular Thimphu Tshechu. Expect it to be around 25°C in the sun, but there will be cooler temperatures in the evenings and at higher altitudes. This month also marks the return of the trekking season with ideal conditions.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - September

Visit Bhutan in October

Temperatures are warm, mountain views are clear, rainy season is already becoming a distant memory and tour groups are everywhere, October is the single most popular month to visit Bhutan. Trekking gets perfect conditions everywhere in Bhutan and this is when most tour companies operate their treks. Nights can be cold at high elevations, but the views of snowy peaks such as 7314m Jhomolhari are superb. As there is a majority of travellers (around 80% of all international visitors) wanting to visit Bhutan in October, so make your hotel and flight bookings well in advance to ensure you get your preferred accommodation and good value flights.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - October

Visit Bhutan in November

The pleasant, dry bright weather continues till late November, though it can be cold in the evening and snowfall is likely in the areas of higher altitudes. Several smaller festivals offer a good alternative to the over-visited Paro and Thimphu Tsechus. Further east from Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to the protected Phobjikha Valley each year. They remain in the region from late October to early February. In Gangtey, a special festival is held every November to celebrate the arrival of the birds. Plan ahead if you want to be a part of it.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - November

Visit Bhutan in December

December marks the beginning of winter and the temperature is moderately cool with possible snow at higher elevations, though it's not a bad time for touring western Bhutan. The high passes to Haa and the east may be temporarily snowbound. The skies are blissfully crisp and clear and the valleys are warmer and sunny with far-reaching views across the Himalayas - well worth it for those who can brave the chill. Due to colder temperatures, visitor numbers will be lower.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan - December

01

Punakha Drubchen (February/March): The balmy Punakha valley hosts this annual unique five-day event, whose highlight is a dramatic re-creation of a 17th-century battle, featuring hundreds of costumed warriors commemorate the victories over the Tibetans. A three-day Punakha Tsechu then follows.
02

Losar - Bhutanese New Year (February/March): “Losar” comes from the Tibetan words “lo,” meaning “year,” and “sar,” meaning “new”. Bhutanese mark their New Year by painting their houses, visiting the local monastery, and holding epic archery and darts tournaments.
03

Paro Tsechu Festival (April): This very popular festival features four days of cham (religious ritual dance) followed by the predawn unfurling of a giant thangka (painted or embroidered religious picture) depicting the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. The first day's ceremonies are in Paro Dzong, before the action moves outside.
04

Ura Yakchoe Festival (April/May) is a three-day event held in Ura valley, featuring religious processions, dances and local moonshine. The festival can happen in late March or early April, but is only fixed a few weeks in advance.
05

Kurjey Tsechu Festival (June/July) is celebrated in the popular Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang. Monks from Trongsa Dzong perform religious dances for this one-day festival. The date also marks the birthday of Guru Rinpoche, which is celebrated by prayer ceremonies across Bhutan. A three-day tsechu at Nimalung Goemba starts two days before Kurjey Tsechu Festival.
06

Thimphu Tsechu Festival (September) is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. There are usually more than 3000 travelers seen during the four days of spectacular monk dancing in Trashicho dzong. The preceding three-day dromchoe festivities (celebrating the defeat of the Tibetans in the 17th century) are generally open to Bhutanese only.
07

Haa Tsechu Festival (September) is a lively and uplifting celebration on the 8th and 9th days of the 8th lunar month of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyles, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performances. Monk dances are held in the courtyard of the Lhakhang Kharpo, before the final day's action moves to nearby Wangchulo Dzong.
08

Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival (November) is celebrated at the courtyard of Gangtey Goempa in Phobjikha valley. Local children perform dances in crane costumes to celebrate the winter return of more than 300 black-necked cranes.
09

Trongsa Tsechu Festival (December) features three days of dancing run from the ninth to the 11th of the 11th lunar month. The final day features the hanging of a giant thondrol (a special-occasion thangka). This is one of the oldest and least-visited festivals in the country.

Destination

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Trashiyangtse

15ºC
10mm

16ºC
11mm

20ºC
51mm

22ºC
91mm

24ºC
241mm

25ºC
419mm

25ºC
399mm

25ºC
318mm

24ºC
234mm

22ºC
89mm

19ºC
14mm

16ºC
6mm

Lhuentse

14ºC
9mm

16ºC
11mm

19ºC
50mm

22ºC
91mm

23ºC
235mm

25ºC
420mm

25ºC
416mm

25ºC
325mm

24ºC
238mm

22ºC
86mm

18ºC
13mm

15ºC
5mm

Dagala

15ºC
14mm

17ºC
19mm

20ºC
66mm

23ºC
134mm

23ºC
337mm

24ºC
675mm

24ºC
756mm

24ºC
552mm

24ºC
403mm

23ºC
134mm

19ºC
18mm

16ºC
6mm

Haa

8ºC
12mm

10ºC
28mm

13ºC
51mm

16ºC
87mm

18ºC
130mm

19ºC
213mm

19ºC
253mm

19ºC
204mm

18ºC
163mm

16ºC
67mm

13ºC
15mm

10ºC
4mm

Phobjikha Valley

8ºC
6mm

10ºC
14mm

13ºC
36mm

16ºC
65mm

18ºC
122mm

19ºC
222mm

20ºC
256mm

19ºC
207mm

18ºC
150mm

16ºC
57mm

13ºC
11mm

10ºC
3mm

Trashigang

17ºC
15mm

19ºC
13mm

23ºC
72mm

25ºC
129mm

26ºC
350mm

27ºC
575mm

28ºC
510mm

27ºC
395mm

27ºC
292mm

25ºC
120mm

21ºC
17mm

18ºC
8mm

Trongsa

13ºC
9mm

14ºC
14mm

17ºC
51mm

20ºC
95mm

22ºC
225mm

23ºC
419mm

23ºC
446mm

23ºC
341mm

22ºC
249mm

20ºC
88mm

17ºC
14mm

14ºC
5mm

Mongar

16ºC
13mm

18ºC
13mm

21ºC
65mm

23ºC
121mm

24ºC
323mm

25ºC
562mm

26ºC
519mm

26ºC
395mm

25ºC
292mm

23ºC
117mm

20ºC
17mm

17ºC
7mm

Month

Jan

15ºC

10mm

Feb

16ºC

11mm

Mar

20ºC

51mm

Apr

22ºC

91mm

May

24ºC

241mm

Jun

25ºC

419mm

Jul

25ºC

399mm

Aug

25ºC

318mm

Sep

24ºC

234mm

Oct

22ºC

89mm

Nov

19ºC

14mm

Dec

16ºC

6mm

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bhutan

Nov 27, 2018 | #Classic Journeys #Active Travel

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bhutan

#Classic Journeys #Active Travel

In January, I set my foot on one of my top bucket list items: visiting the happiest country on earth, the remote Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. I’m typically attracted to a destination by three things, the promise of delicious food, the knowledge I’ll be able to stretch my dollar far and the possibility of adrenaline-pumping adventure; however, that wasn’t why I wanted to go to Bhutan. Below is 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bhutan.

Nov 27, 2018