July 29, 2025
Planning your journey to Bhutan? The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience—clear mountain views, cultural festivals, blooming forests, or peaceful solitude. Bhutan is beautiful year-round, but each month offers something different. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right season for your adventure.
January – Winter Calm & Crisp Views
Bhutan in January is cold, especially in higher altitudes like Paro or Bumthang, where snowfall is common. But skies are clear, and the Himalayas gleam with sharp definition. If you don’t mind chilly weather, this is a tranquil time to visit with few tourists. Expect quiet dzongs, cozy wood stoves, and potential snow hikes in Phobjikha or Haa Valley.
Best for: solitude, winter photography, clear skies.
February – Black-Necked Crane Farewell
February remains chilly but begins to show hints of spring. It’s the tail-end of the Black-Necked Crane season in the Phobjikha Valley, a rare chance to see these endangered birds before they migrate. Traditional life continues undisturbed, and tourist numbers are low.
Best for: wildlife viewing, off-season travel.
March – Spring Blooms & Ideal Trekking
By March, Bhutan shakes off winter. Rhododendrons begin blooming in the forests, and temperatures rise to pleasant levels. This is the start of Bhutan’s popular spring trekking season. High passes like Dochu La may still have snow, but the valleys turn vibrant with wildflowers.
Best for: early trekking, mild weather, flowering landscapes.
April – Rhododendron Glory & Paro Festival
April is one of Bhutan’s most sought-after months. Rhododendron forests explode in color, the weather is warm but not humid, and Paro Tsechu—the most famous Bhutanese festival—usually takes place this month. Expect stunning dances, masked rituals, and a deep dive into Bhutanese spirituality.
Best for: festivals, photography, scenic hikes.
May – Green Valleys & Fewer Crowds
May offers lush greenery before the summer monsoon arrives. Days are warm, wildflowers are still blooming, and trails are less crowded than in March or April. Some haze begins to appear in the skies, but lower-altitude treks like Gangtey or Punakha are excellent.
Best for: quiet nature travel, mid-season pricing.
June – Beginning of the Monsoon
By June, Bhutan’s monsoon season begins, especially in the southern foothills. Central valleys still enjoy long dry spells between showers, but cloud cover starts to limit mountain views. That said, this is a peaceful, deeply atmospheric time to visit—with terraced fields turning emerald green.
Best for: quiet escapes, verdant landscapes.
July – Rainy but Beautiful
July is one of the wettest months in Bhutan. While some rural roads may be affected by landslides, the valleys are lush, and temples sit surrounded by mist. This is the low season, so prices dip, and the experience becomes more intimate—ideal for travelers who don’t mind occasional rain.
Best for: budget-conscious travelers, wellness retreats.
August – Still Rainy, Yet Peaceful
August continues the monsoon trend, though rains are heaviest in the late afternoon or at night. This is a time for introspective travel, meditation retreats, or village homestays. The air is fresh, the crops are flourishing, and the forests are alive.
Best for: cultural immersion, regenerative travel.
September – Festivals Return & Trekking Season Begins
With the monsoon retreating, September marks the return of Bhutan’s peak travel season. Skies begin to clear, temperatures are pleasant, and festivals like Thimphu Tsechu make a grand return. Treks such as Druk Path and Dagala Thousand Lakes are perfect during this time.
Best for: festivals, trekking, cultural vibrancy.
October – Peak of Perfection
October is arguably the best month to visit Bhutan. The weather is dry, the skies are blue, and the views of the Himalayas are unbeatable. This is prime time for trekking, cultural exploration, and photography. Be sure to book well in advance, as it’s also the busiest.
Best for: everything—hiking, photography, festivals, and more.
November – Golden Landscapes & Harvest
November offers stunning autumnal light and fewer tourists compared to October. Rice fields are golden, forests are coppery, and crisp air makes hiking a pleasure. Festivals still occur, and wildlife spotting improves as animals descend from higher altitudes.
Best for: post-peak value, scenic walks, cultural experiences.
December – Spiritual Stillness & Winter Sun
December brings the year full circle. It’s cold in the mountains, but Punakha and the southern valleys remain relatively warm. The skies are clear again, and the atmosphere is serene. This is the time for quiet introspection—perhaps a retreat, perhaps just you and the road.
Best for: peaceful escapes, temple visits, crisp landscapes.
Bhutan welcomes different kinds of travelers at different times of the year. Whether you come for colors, solitude, celebration, or spirituality, there’s a season for your story here.
Looking to plan your trip around the right season, festival, or trek? We at Von Kathmandu partner with local Bhutanese guides and boutique lodges to curate journeys that match your travel rhythm—season by season.