Best Time to Visit Bhutan

In the eyes of travelers, Bhutan is always so mysterious and beautiful. It seems that it is not in the same world as the outside world. There is no modern atmosphere, only integration of primitive and nature. People here believe in Tibetan Buddhism, so here the architectural styles are all in Tibetan Buddhism colors, and every scenic spot is related to religion, full of myths and legends. This mysterious eastern country also attracts many people to explore. So when to visit Bhutan?

In general, the best time to travel to Bhutan depends on the climate, your interest, as well as the destinations or festivals that you want to visit.

Bhutan has mild weather and is suitable to travel all year round. From March to May and from September to November, the weather is good and visibility is high, making it the best season for hiking and trekking.

During June and August, it’s the rainy season, but you can appreciate the grandeur of blooming flowers and lush vegetation on the mountain.

Lasting from December to February, it’s the coldest period of the year but it’s mainly sunny, and you can clearly see the magnificent mountain scenery.

Climate Characteristics of Bhutan

Although in the subtropical zone, Bhutan has unique geographical and geological characteristics.

Bhutan is located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, its terrain is high in the north and low in the south, and the altitude changes dramatically, so Bhutan’s climate is very different.

Coupled with the influence of the warm and humid monsoon current from the Indian Ocean, the climate varies greatly from place to place.

At present, the main areas for tourists to travel are basically in areas with relatively low altitudes, which are suitable for tourism throughout the year.

In Bhutan, you can see different natural landscapes in the plateau cold zone, northern temperate zone, subtropical zone, and even tropical zone. Bhutan is mainly divided into three climate zones.

1. Northern Alpine Climate Region

The northern region is in the high mountainous area of the Greater Himalayas, so the temperature here is low throughout the year and belongs to the alpine climate.

However, the population is small, and the climate characteristics are very similar to that of Tibet. Except for adventure and mountain climbing, this area is rarely visited by tourists.

2. Central Temperate Climate Region

The central valley region, with an altitude between 2000-3000, has a mild and pleasant climate. It is a temperate climate. There is no intense heat in summer or severe cold in winter. The central region is also the culturally and economically most developed region of Bhutan. Conventional tourist routes mainly include visits to this region.

3. Southern Subtropical Climate Region

The southern region is the hottest place in Bhutan, below 1500 meters. The climate is relatively hot, rainy, and humid, which belongs to the subtropical climate. Due to the abundant rain, there are luxuriant plants, making it the main grain-producing area of ​​Bhutan. The southern part borders India, and border trade is relatively developed.

Best Time to Travel to Bhutan

There’re four distinct seasons in Bhutan. The climate is relatively mild from March to May and September to November each year, which is the best time to travel to Bhutan. And many festivals in Bhutan are also held during this period.

Autumn (September to November)

September to November is the best time to visit Bhutan. In autumn, you can see the most beautiful side of the Himalayas in Bhutan. According to the Ministry of Tourism of Bhutan, most travelers (about 80% of international tourists) want to visit Bhutan in October, so you may need to plan ahead to ensure your preferred accommodation and flights.

During this period, adventure activities, rafting, bird watching, photographing, hiking, and mountain biking are the most popular among tourists.

And black-necked cranes move from the Tibetan Plateau to the protected Phobjikha Valley for the winter every autumn.

And they would stay here from late October to early February. Especially in November, there’s a special festival held in Gangtey every year to celebrate the arrival of the black-necked crane bird.

Spring (March to May)

March to April is also a popular season for tourists when the climate is warm and pleasant. During this period, the valley is rich in resources; in particular, all the flowers begin to bloom, and you can also see various plants and birds. There’s a big festival Paro Tshechu at the beginning of April, so book in advance to get the best accommodation and flights.

Winter (December to February)

From December to February is the ordinary season to travel to Bhutan. The northern and eastern regions will be temporarily closed to tourists due to snow. But it is a good time to visit Paro and Thimphu in central Bhutan.

The clear sky is a reward for those who’re brave to travel in low temperatures. The temperature in the valley is warmer and the sun shines bright. If you are lucky, you will see incredibly clear views of the Himalayas.

Due to the lower temperature, the number of tourists will be lower. Traveling to Bhutan during this time can save a lot of travel expenses.

Summer(June to August)

Summer is the low season in Bhutan. If you choose to travel during this period, the monsoon rain will be added to your itinerary from time to time. It is recommended to bring rain gear with you. Nevertheless, the green farmland and lush forest are also beautiful scenery. In summer, the number of visitors is gradually decreased, and the lower price also makes it a perfect and feasible time to visit. In July, you can see the beauty of alpine rhododendron blooms.

Here’s the monthly temperature chart throughout the year.