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Bhutan is one of the blessed countries to have seasonal variations. You can find distinct months of summer, winter, spring and fall, making the climate in Bhutan magical and a perfect year-round destination. Perfect for travel in any season, Bhutan offers something unique to visitors depending on the time of their arrival. The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May when the valleys come alive with flowers in bloom. Be it in its festivals or festivities, clear skies and glimpses to the Himalayan peaks, flourishing Himalayan flora and fauna, or simply beautiful snowfall. Bhutan ensures you have a great time amidst nature and all its beautiful offsprings and take back home a memory you will preserve for your lifetime. June to August is considered the low season due to the rains, which makes trekking less of an option.
The three regions of Bhutan experience significantly distinct climatic conditions, where in the northern regions of Bhutan remains perpetually cold and frosty with snow-capped peaks and mountains, the central region fluctuates between dry summers and cool winters and the southern Bhutan that witnesses a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid climatic conditions that remains constant throughout the year.
Bhutan also witnesses travelers from around the world at different times of the year for diverse purposes. From those who intend to know more about Buddhism and monasteries and those who simply want to unwind on the lap of the Himalayas to the ones escaping the European summers and winters, Bhutan becomes a temporary home to visitors and travelers, accommodating them with great zeal of compassion. So regardless of when you arrive, you are always at the right time at home you can call Bhutan.
Summer starts inthe month of June and extends up to August. This is the best season to vist Bhutan if you want to catch a closer and clear look of the Himalayan Mountains and be amazed by the lush green paddy fields and landscapes.
The temperature in Bhutan around this time goes back and forth between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius approximately.
The weather is often clear and crisp with mild humidity filling the air. A major misconception during the summer is that Bhutan is surrounded by rainy clouds of the monsoons. However, that’s not the case. Monsoon in Bhutan is restricted to mild afternoon showers that happen once every two or three days and the country remains comparatively dry during these months.
Summer marks the onset of the Haa festival, which is celebrated amidst high altitude alpine forests, meadows and lakes and is usually the celebration of the Bhutanese way of life, local cuisines and delicacies and cultures.
Thanks to the misconception around the monsoon, this season witnesses low influx of tourists, making it perfect for a more one-to-one conversational style approach to Bhutan tourism. You can see the places more relaxed and speak to the locals and get to know more about the culture and traditions of their communities. It is also the time is clear for perfect views of the Himalayan Mountains and influx of birds and animals.
As mentioned, it can rain at this time of the season. However, the rainfall ranges from low to moderate not posing any threat to your tourism in Bhutan itinerary.
Carry a blend of light clothes to heavy winter garments. If you are visiting the southern regions, it can get really cold. Also, be prepared for the monsoon and carry windcheaters or raincoats for safety.
The winter season in Bhutan begins in December and lasts till February.
The temperature in Bhutan can vary from one region to another but remains in the range of approximately 10 degrees to minus 5 degrees Celsius.
Though winter, most of Bhutan remains comparatively dry in most regions. Towards the northern regions, where high-altitude mountains peaks exist, the temperatures can get sub-zero. In the later weeks of January and early February, you can experience mild snowfall in cities like Thimphu and Paro.
Winter is the season of Punakha Dromche and Tshechu - a festival that marks the founding of Bhutan during the16th century. With festivities unfolding around the regions of Bhutan’s old capital – Punakha – this is usually the time the locals escape the winters in their regions and come to the festival to actively participate in the festivities.
The weather is amazing, the place is perfect,and you also have the chance to experience snowfall in Bhutan. What else is required to simply pack your bags and visit Bhutan at this time?
In the eastern and central regions of Bhutan, the climate can get adverse due to heavy snowfall, disrupting roads and everyday transportation. Such conditions usually make the routes unfavorable for thecommute.
Carry heavy winter garments to survive the sub-zero temperatures. Keep in hand SPF creams, sunglasses, thermals, adequate water, woolen socks and gloves to tackle the frost. Also carry necessary medication to fight common cold, cough and fever.
Spring in Bhutan starts in March and extends up to May.
The temperature in spring varies across regions but usually remains 3 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius approximately.
Spring is perhaps the best season to visit Bhutan, where the weather is dry and less humid with perfect conditions to explore Bhutan on foot and indulge in some trekking activities.
This is the time the Jacaranda flower blooms in Bhutan in the month of May. Also, treks to Jomolhari and Drukpath commence and the Paro Tshechu festival unfolds in full swing.
Apart from the flowers and Himalayan peaks, this is also the best time to visit Bhutan to meet Bhutan’s king during the Paro Tshechu, where you can see him taking part in the festivities.
Being the ideal time to visit Bhutan, the place is filled with tourists during this time andflight tickets generally get sold out. This is also a kind of a peak season, where hotel prices shoot up and guides and taxis are pre-booked. Do plan in advance if you intend to visit during spring.
Simply carry a camera, a hat, sunglasses and light clothes and enjoy the beauty of Bhutan on foot. Trek wherever possible.
Another popular time to visit Bhutan is the fall season, which starts in September and lasts up to November.
The average temperature varies between 10 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius approximately across the diverse terrains and altitudes of the country.
Weather is mildly sunny and chilly during this time, making it the second best season after spring to visit Bhutan. There is no rainfall and nature is equally majestic and rewarding at this time.
During this time, festivals like the Black-Necked Crane Festival that happens around the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley and the ThimphuTshechu around Thimphu, the modern-day capital unfold in full swing. Hotels are booked during this season and a lot of indigenous festivals happen across the country. The deeper you explore, the more festivals and gathering you will find.
The landscape that you are used to seeing in beautiful hues of green turn gold, with farmers harvesting rice crops during this season! This is the time of a lot of festivals, where each place has something unique to offer to its visitors. The festivals are marked by indigenous faiths, customs and traditions.
Being the festive season, hotels are again crowded and pre-booked. Prices go high and Bhutan flights get sold out too. Plan in advance if you want to book accommodations and flights at good deals.
Carry light clothes, adequate water and all essential trekking amenities and get started seeing the place on foot. This is the season.
Also get insured with an Asia Travel Insurance by Thomas Cook.
