Best Time to Visit Bhutan

• High Season: September - November
• Low Season: June - August
• All Seasons: September - November (fall), December - February (winter), March - May (spring), June - August (monsoons)
• The best time to visit Bhutan is between September - November, when the weather is pleasant, and the Himalayan views are just out of this world.
• March - May is also a good time to visit Bhutan, as the winter chill would have worn off, but due to all that cloud cover, your mountain views might be slightly limited.

Bhutan is the ideal country to visit for a number of reasons. Nestled in the bosom of the Himalayas, the country offers idyllic views of the mountains and great treks. For those who want to explore cultural tourism, Bhutan’s spirituality and spectacular Buddhist temples will give you something to look forward to. Except for the months of June to August, Bhutan is a country that can be visited during any month.

September to November is definitely the best time to visit Bhutan. The weather in Bhutan is idyllic, and the skies are clear. This is the perfect time for a trek as you will get stunning views of the mountains, especially towards the end of the season. Don’t worry - there are plenty of festivals for the culture aficionado in you.

Spring in Bhutan is incredibly beautiful as well. The weather, post-winter, is quite pleasant, but expect some amount of cloud-cover, and rainfall towards the end of the season. While mountain views might not be guaranteed, the valleys do look beautiful during this period.

1. September to November — Fall / High Season

September to November follows the rainy season and is characterized by beautiful weather and clear skies. Towards the end of the month, there might be light snowfall as well. There is very little rain, so it is ideal for those who want to explore the mountains as well.

• Avg. Temperature: 43 – 75° F / 6 – 24° C (in Thimphu)
• Rainfall: 6 – 60 mm
• Season: Fall
• Highlights: There are a lot of exciting things in store for those who want to visit Bhutan this season. This is the best time to visit Bhutan for people those who want to trek. Most trails are open, and the clear skies offer unparalleled mountain vistas. Make sure you definitely visit the quaint teahouses! There are some great festivals around this time as well - including the world famous Thimphu Tshechu (which has bright costumes and dances), the Black-necked crane festival in Phobjikha Valley, and more.

2. December to February — Winter / Shoulder Season

Himalayan winters can get rather unforgiving, especially in the higher altitudes. There is a lot of snowfall, and some thunderstorms as well. In fact, these winter monsoons gave Bhutan its name Drukyul, which means ‘land of the thunder dragon’. You can get some great views of the Himalayas during this season - but you have to be prepared to handle the chill in the air.

• Avg. Temperature: 30 – 57° F / -1 – 14° C (in Thimphu)
• Rainfall: 2 – 15 mm
• Season: Winter
• Highlights: This is the best time to visit Bhutan for those who want to avoid the crowds - as it is one of the seasons with the least visitors. Some trekking paths will be open, but both the valleys and the peaks will be quite cold, and snow-filled, so be prepared. It is the season when the endangered black-necked cranes nest in the country, so if you’re a wildlife fan, definitely head towards Phobjikha Valley.

3. March to May — Spring / Good Season

Spring is the driest month in Bhutan. The temperatures are slightly higher during this period, and there is some rainfall towards the end of the season, especially around May. The rains might restrict your views of the mountains though. This is the best time to visit Bhutan if you’re trying to explore the valleys and the urban centers as well.

• Avg. Temperature: 45 – 79° F / 7 – 26° C (in Thimphu)
• Rainfall: 25 – 32 mm
• Season: Spring
• Highlights: This is the best time to visit Bhutan for nature lovers. The pleasant weather combined with those rhododendron blossoms along the hillside make for some of the best trekking experiences in the world. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot the elusive blue poppy along the way! The Tsechu Festival in Punakha and Paro are a must-visit for those who want to explore Bhutanese culture.

4. June to August — Monsoon / Low Season

Summer is definitely one of the low seasons in Bhutan, due to the high temperature and excessive rainfall. This is a time when you simply cannot visit Bhutan, even though accommodation rates are at their lowest and you probably have the country all to yourself, without having to come across other tourists throughout your stay.

• Avg. Temperature: 63 – 79° F / 17 – 26° C (in Thimphu)
• Rainfall: 54 – 106 mm
• Season: Monsoon
• Highlights: Between June and August, the weather in Bhutan is quite wet, but it rains more during the night. Just carry an umbrella and a raincoat around with you if you must visit Bhutan in these months. Many treks might be closed, so be sure to check beforehand. You may even experience the unique Mushroom Festival in Bumthang and Thimphu in the month of August.