When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re after - do you want to trek in the Himalayas, attend vibrant festivals or simply soak up as much of the local culture as you can. We’re experts in planning trips to Bhutan, so here’s our guide on when is the best time visit.

Spring (March to May)

With clear skies and pleasant temperatures, springtime is popular time to visit Bhutan. The landscapes are green and lush, with vast rhododendrons blooming in the valleys and along pretty trekking routes. It's a great time to get out and do a trek, whether you want to do a short 2 or 3 day walk or tackle a larger route like the Trans-Bhutan Trail. Why not visit during the Paro Tshechu festival, where you can watch masked dancing in colourful costumes and learn about the sacred rituals performed by the monks. 

Summer (June to August)

The summer months bring the monsoon to Bhutan, with afternoon showers and high temperatures everyday. It's not the ideal time to visit but that doesn't mean it's completely off limits. If you're looking for a bargain it can be a good value time to visit, as well as being fairly quiet compared to more popular months. The country is lush and green from the monsoon rains and you'll find local life continuing as usual, with plenty of hustle and bustle in the rural villages as the fields and farms are full of maize and rice. The rain makes most trekking routes slippery, so it's a time of year to avoid if you want to do some hiking in the Himalayas. 

Autumn (September to November)

The crisp months of Autumn are usually regarded as the best time to visit Bhutan. The skies are blue and clear and the temperatures are pleasant as you head towards winter. It's a fantastic time for trekking; enjoy the spectacular views from the hiking routes and soak up the fresh air as you walk. There a several cultural festivals in September and October, including the Thimphu Tshechu, where you can enjoy traditional music and religious ceremonies as the locals commemorates Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. It's also harvest time, so the rural villages are alive with activity as they reap rice, chillies, maize and potatoes. 

I visited Bhutan in October which was a fantastic time to go. I had clear skies and sunshine and mild day temperatures throughout the trip which is an important factor to consider when you're looking to see beautiful mountain landscapes. Do bring layers for the night time though! - Graham Baker

Winter (December to February)

When you're this high up in the Himalayas, winters are pretty cold - Bhutan can reach -5°C in some areas. However, the sun still shines and dry weather makes this a nice time to visit, as long as you don't mind bringing a coat. The cooler temperatures keep visitor numbers low, again meaning less people as you explore the temples and monasteries in Bhutan's lush valleys. It's also a fantastic time for birdwatchers - from late October to mid February, black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet to the valleys of Bhutan, especially the Phobjikha Valley. Witnessing these incredible birds arrival is an iconic wildlife experience - definitely one to get the birdwatchers excited!

It's also a great time to visit if you want to combine your trip to Bhutan with a stop in India - spend some time admiring the monuments of Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal and eating tasty street food in Jaipur. 

Inspired to visit beautiful Bhutan?

No matter when you visit, Bhutan promises something magical. Soaking up the culture and landscapes of this tiny mountain kingdom is sure to be a trip of a lifetime. If you'd like to plan a trip to Bhutan, we can help. Whether you're looking to embark on an epic trek across the country, explore the local temples or relax in luxurious lodges, we can plan the perfect trip for you. If you want to extend your time and visit India and Nepal as well, we can help with this too - just request a quote or give us a ring on 1273 320 580.