best time to visit bhutan
Know when is the best time to visit Bhutan!

Best time to visit Bhutan

When it comes to the question of when is the best time to do a Bhutan trip or to visit Bhutan, each of these seasons has its own fascinations and beauty.

Swostika Sapkota
Author | Swostika Sapkota Date Published:
best season to visit bhutan

Bhutan's sub-alpine scenery draws a large number of visitors each year. There are several attractions in Bhutan. Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, heaven in the Himalayas, and the Himalayan grandeur, provides wonderful experiences. Travelers are obviously concerned about the best time to visit Bhutan while planning a tour to Bhutan. The spring months of March through May and the autumn months of September through November are the finest times to visit Bhutan.

Bhutan is a great place to travel any time of year because it is bordered by the magnificent Himalayan Range. This country has four distinct seasons: summer, winter, spring, and autumn. It is blessed with snow-capped mountains, a wide variety of flora and wildlife, picturesque locations, and gurgling rivers.

Bhutan is a small and beautiful  country that is situated between India and Tibet, an autonomous territory of China. Bhutan has numerous breathtaking locations to explore. Its culture and traditions are distinctive. Additionally, the Indian Monsoon and Himalayan colonization have a minor impact on climate changes.

Bhutan is stunning in terms of culture, nature, and tradition because it is located in the Himalayan region. Bhutan's steep terrain and the high Himalayas, which are crisscrossed by a network of fast rivers, are a result of its location on the southern slope of the eastern Himalayas. All seasons are good for traveling to Bhutan. In some regions of Bhutan, the monsoon may, nonetheless, occur in some months.

When it comes to the question of when is the best time to do a Bhutan trip or to visit Bhutan, each of these seasons has its own fascinations and beauty. Though summer and winter also have plenty of intriguing activities and destinations to see, spring and fall are the two most favored times of year to visit Bhutan.

Table Of Content

Table Of Content

    Spring Season in Bhutan (March, April and May)

    Bhutan is best visited in the spring, specifically from March to May, when the weather is favorable, the valleys turn a beautiful green color, and flowers bloom all over. For sightseeing and other outdoor activities, now is the ideal time to travel to Bhutan. Being the best season to visit Bhutan, this period sees a large influx of visitors.

    In the Spring, it is between 11℃ and 23℃. Bhutan's springtime weather can occasionally be unpredictable. This season features a lot of religious and trekking-related activities.

    The blooming flowers bring life to the lowlands. Whether it be in the form of its celebrations or festivals, the pure skies and vistas of the Himalayan peaks, the thriving Himalayan flora and fauna, or simply the stunning snowfall. Bhutan guarantees you will enjoy yourself in the company of nature and all of its lovely byproducts and will return home with memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. Wherever feasible, travel with a camera, hat, stylish sunglasses, and lightweight clothing to take in Bhutan's natural splendor.

    spring season in bhutan

    Unquestionably, spring season is one of the greatest times of year to visit Bhutan. This is the time of year when Bhutan adopts a fresh viewpoint and ushers in life throughout the nation. Even though it's still rather warm at lower elevations, spring in Bhutan brings lovely weather to the valleys and plains of the country.

    Rhododendrons, azaleas, and other wild flowers, such edelweiss, cover the meadows like carpet in the spring, making it a botanist's dream. In addition to their pink and white petals, pear and apple blossoms give the valleys a delicacy touch and a sense of surprise.

    Spring also heralds the beginning of a relatively clear sky, making it the perfect time to go on sightseeing trips, take in panoramic vistas of the Himalayan Range, and much more.

    In Bhutan, the jacaranda flower blossoms during this time in May. The Paro Tsechu festival is in full swing, and hikes to Jomolhari and Drukpath start.

    In the spring, a few festivals are well-known. Thousands of pilgrims go to eastern Bhutan's Gom Kora during the months of March and April. This stupa is surrounded by many people and is extremely important religiously in Bhutan. The second lunar month is when it occurs. 

    Giant Thankas are spread out as part of the ritual dance, representing the eight aspects of Guru Rimpoche. Another event called Yura Yakchoe features ceremonial dance performances in the city of Url. Another significant event that takes place in Bhutan is the parade of monks. Monks relocate from their summer residence, Punakha, to Thimpu on the fourth day of the first lunar month.

    Months

    Average  Temperature (℃)

    Average Precipitation (mm)

     

    Minimum(℃)

    Maximum(℃)

     

    March

    3.9℃

    16.4℃

    31mm

    April

    7.1℃

    20℃

    58mm

    May

    13.1℃

    22.5℃

    122mm

    Summer Season in Bhutan (June, July and August)

    Weeping willows cover the sides of many rivers throughout the summer, and pine cones that are so full of resin that they are about to fall to the ground glitter in the sunlight. Flowers are in bloom, the valleys are covered in green, and there is an abundance of vegetation during this season.

    Bhutan's summer season begins in the month of June and lasts until the month of August. It is one of the ideal times to visit Bhutan to get a closer look at the country's natural sceneries, get a clear view of the Himalayan Mountains, and be in awe of the country's beautiful, verdant paddy fields and surroundings.

    The pleasant benefits and numerous wonders of summer are boasted. The gorgeous attractions' ideal environment is created during this time of year. This is also the time of year when tourists are drawn to this charming nation to stroll through the clouds and take in Bhutan's wonderful ambiance.

    summer season in bhutan

    Bhutan is frequently misunderstood to be encircled by monsoonal rain clouds in the summer. That's not the case, though. Bhutan's monsoon is limited to light afternoon showers that occur only once every two or three days; otherwise, the nation is generally dry during these months.

    Rainfall is irregular during the late afternoons at this period. The valleys are at their greenest and the weather is very mild. You can participate in Bhutan cultural tours, white water rafting, and short walks even though it's not the greatest time for some treks.

    A beautiful view is provided by the luxuriant greenery that the monsoon showers have delicately touched.

    Summer season runs from June to August. Compared to spring, this season is cooler. Between 25℃ and 15℃ degrees Celsius are the temperature range. Although it is a warm season, traveling is made more difficult by daytime rain. However, this time of year is still ideal for traveling to Bhutan.

    Summertime is a popular time for festivals like Nimalung Tsechu and Kurje Sechu. Nimalung Tsechu is observed on the eighth day of the fifth lunar month. The main celebration of this three-day event takes place in Bumthang. Additionally, Guru Rimpoche's birthday is celebrated during the Kurje Tsechu festival. To commemorate Guru Rimpoche's birthday, prayer events are held in Bhutan. This celebration is extremely important to the monks of Trongsa Monastery in Bumthang.

    The Haa festival begins in the summer and is typically a time to celebrate the Bhutanese way of life, regional cuisines, and cultural traditions. It is held amidst high altitude alpine forests, meadows, and lakes. During this event in Bhutan, sample home-cooked specialties that are exclusively available in the valley. You can participate in a variety of sports and games, including archery, yak riding, and horseback riding, while enjoying music, singing, and raucous friendly rivalry.

    Months

    Average Temperature (℃)

    Average Precipitation (mm)

     

    Minimum(℃)

    Maximum(℃)

     

    June

    15.2℃

    24.4℃

    246mm

    July

    15.4℃

    24.9℃

    373mm

    August

    15.8℃

    25℃

    348mm

    Autumn Season in Bhutan (September, October and November)

    The fall season is one of the most preferred and popular times to visit Bhutan. The autumnal period runs from September to November. Across the different terrains and altitudes of the nation, the average temperature ranges roughly from 10 degrees to 24 degrees.

    This is the second best season to visit Bhutan after spring due to the weather, which is slightly sunny and cool. During this season in Bhutan, there isn't any rain, and the nature is just as magnificent and gratifying.

    You are accustomed to witnessing the lovely shades of green turn gold around this time of year when farmers harvest their rice crops. This is a period of many festivities, and each location has something special to offer travelers. Indigenous beliefs, practices, and traditions are prominent during the celebrations.

    Autumn offers special sensations, such as sunny but snowy higher elevations. In Bhutan's mountainous region, the month of October is the finest for trekking. Although it may be cold in October, it is the greatest month for trekking in Bhutan because of the beautiful scenery and bright skies. In the autumn, very sporadic rainfall is possible. In Bhutan, this time of year is regarded as the greatest for trekking.

    Many festivals are celebrated in Bhutan in Autumn. Thimphu Tsechu is one of the most popular festivals of Bhutan. The victory over Tibetans in the 17th century is celebrated on this day, performing mask dancing for four days in Tashi Chhoe Dzong. Another festival celebrated in the month of September is Wangdue Tsechu.

    Overlapping with the Thimphu Tsechu, this festival is also followed by mask dancing and unfurling of giant Thangka. Tamsing Choepa is another major festival celebrated in Bhutan.  Another major festival celebrated in this season in  Bhutan includes ‘Jambay Lhakhang and  Black- Necked Crane festival that happens around the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley.

    autumn season in bhutan

    No matter whatever event you choose to attend, they are all excellent opportunities to get a more vivid sense of daily living, cultural norms, spirituality, and other aspects of Bhutan. The fall is a fantastic time to travel to this great nation and take part in its various events. You will always be able to enjoy some of the most renowned festivals in the nation, no matter where in the country you are.

    You should plan a Bhutan tour in the fall or autumn if you really want to take in all of this amazing country's natural splendor. Additionally, a combined trip to Nepal and Bhutan would be best this season. There is no specific duration to visit Bhutan but a 6 days of duration is required in Bhutan to cover the major tourist attractions and must visit places in Bhutan. This season, which is gripping the entire nation, gives birth to a stunning and immaculate appearance that can ease all of life's stress.

    Months

    Average Temperature (℃)

    Average Precipitation (mm)

     

    Minimum(℃)

    Maximum(℃)

     

    September

    15℃

    23.1℃

    155mm

    October

    10.4℃

    21.9℃

    38mm

    November

    5℃

    17.9℃

    8mm

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    Winter Season in Bhutan ( December, January and February)

    During this time of the year, Bhutan goes through a variety of different climatic and atmospheric changes. The northern half of the country is covered in thick layers of snow throughout the winters, whereas the southern section of the country experiences a moderate winter. It's the perfect time to go on sightseeing trips because the air is still crystal pure and offers stunning vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Winter also ushers forth a variety of celebrations across the nation, giving tourists a close-up, tranquil look at everyday life there.

    Bhutan's winter season runs from December to February.  Bhutan's temperature ranges from roughly 12 degrees to -4 degrees, though it can change from region to region.

    Related Article: Top 10 places to visit in Bhutan

    Most of Bhutan stays quite dry throughout the winter in most areas. Temperatures can drop below zero in the northern regions, where there are high-altitude mountain peaks. Cities like Thimphu and Paro may witness light snowfalls in the latter few weeks of January and the first few days of February.

    The winter months have a bit of a tough climate. Views and mountain passes are still advantageous, though. You can observe the beautiful awe-inspiring natural vistas of the Himalayas in the winter season of Bhutan. Bhutan is at its coldest from December to February, but for visitors prepared to withstand the temperature, this means fewer tourists and cheaper pricing.

    winter season in bhutan

    Bhutan has its moments throughout the winter. While the evenings might get cool, the days are bright and sunny. As they wait for the wind of fresh life to blow them across the landscape, soft clouds turfs sag lazily over mountain peaks.

    ‘Punakha Dromche and Tsechu’, the celebrations that commemorate Bhutan's establishment in the sixteenth century, fall throughout the winter months. The festival is usually when the residents come to the festival to actively engage in the festivities since celebrations are taking place all throughout Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan.

    Other festivals like ‘Lhuentse Tsechu’, ‘Trongsa Tsechu’ are celebrated in Bhutan in this season. Another festival celebrated in Bhutan is Nomad’s festival. The nomads of the northeastern and northwestern Himalayan boundaries come together every year in Bhutan for this remarkable celebration of their distinctive culture and traditions.

    Months

    Average Temperature (℃)

    Average Precipitation (mm)

     

    Minimum(℃)

    Maximum(℃)

     

    December

    -1.1℃

    14.5℃

    13mm

    January

    -2.6℃

    12.3℃

    25mm

    February

    14.4℃

    0.6℃

    33mm

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