Best Time to Visit Bhutan: Bhutan Weather, Climate and Temperature
13 September 2022 Last updated at 13:44
What is the best time of year to go to Bhutan?
Bhutan is a landlocked country in Southern Asia, which belongs to the northern subtropical zone. But, actually, affected by lots of factors, Bhutan has a mixed weather and climate, varying from seasons and areas, including its special location in the south of the Himalayas, getting warm and humid monsoon form India Ocean, sharp descend of terrain from the high-altitude mountains in the north to the lower valley regions in the south, nearly 80% of forests covered and so on forth. Also, temperature can vary widely between day and night. Check below detailed guide of Bhutan climate, weather, temperature and seasonal scenery to choose a best season or month to travel to Bhutan, ensure you harvest the best travel experience on discovering happiness.
Best Season and Months to Visit Bhutan
Located in subtropic zone, Bhutan owns its distinct four seasons with different monthly temperature. In general, weather and climate in spring and autumn of Bhutan is moderate and comfortable with excellent sight. Summer is warmer with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25°C, while winter temperatures are chilly, usually below 15°C. Besides, due to special location and geological characters, weather and climate in Bhutan are obviously different in the north, central and south regions. The good news is, currently, the major destinations tourist will visit in Bhutan, including Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, are at lower altitude areas. With elevation ranges from 2,000~3,000m, these places are suitable for travelling all year round.
In consideration of natural scenery and comfort level for travel, the best time to visit Bhutan is from March to May in spring and from September to November in fall, when the weather and climate is most mild and pleasant for travelling and temperature on day time is moderate between 20~28 degrees Celsius. Still, many joyful and bustling Bhutanese lcoal festivals are held during the two periods. You are highly suggested to plan your Bhutan travel in advance and make sure you get hotels and flights arranged, because accommodation and air tickets will be intense during the spring and fall tourist peak seasons.
Most Popular Bhutan Tours:
Best time to visit Bhutan: March to May & September to November
Bhutan Weather and Climate in Different Regions
Broadly, climate, weather and temperature in March, April and May, September, October and November are the best months of a year to travel to Bhutan. Summer is is the rainy season (monsoon season), when temperature is relatively high and warm current from the Indian ocean brings a large number of precipitation. Bhutan weather in December, January and February during winter could be little cold. However, different altitudes, locations and landform lead to three different kinds of climate zones in Bhutan. Figure out the actual regional climate and weather of Bhutan to select a best time to go.
1. Weather and Climate in Central Bhutan (Best Places to Visit in Bhutan)
Top Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Best Travel Season/Month: Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to November)
The central regions of Bhutan enjoys a moderate climate - best suitable for travel. Annual average temperature is around 8~12 degree Celsius. Such mild and pleasant weather and a clear distinction of four seasons make it the most developed districts of Bhutan’s culture and economy, and the most popular destinations for regular travelers, such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and etc. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit central Bhutan.
☛ Useful Links: Thimphu Weather | Paro Weather | Punakha Weather
● Spring: In Central Bhutan, temperature in Spring (March to May) is getting much warmer. The blooming flowers and lush forests make up a picturesque landscape of Bhutan. Bhutan’s natural scenery in spring is the best in spring. If you are lucky, you may view the beautiful Punakha Dzong decorated by the purple jacaranda in spring.
● Summer: Summer from June to August is not too hot, for the average temperature is bout 20 degree Celsius. But it rains a lot in Bhutan during this season. Most rainfalls concentrate on the south slopes of mountains. It’s NOT suggested to visit Bhutan during summer (June, July and August), because it’s the rainy season, not convenient for traveling around. Roads to remote areas probably would be cut off for heavy rainfall.
● Autumn: During Fall months of September to November, it turns to be cool with quite a lot sunshine, high visibility and little rainfall. It is another best season for Bhutan after spring.
● Winter: Chilly Winter comes from December to February of the following year, it’s a little bit cold, temperature can drop to below zero sometimes. High mountains area at elevation of 3,000m would snow during late autumn to early summer while valleys areas maybe get a short period of snowfall. Visitors touring Bhutan in winter should keep warm and check with the hotels have heating facilities.
Tips: Major destinations in Central Bhutan like Thimphu and Paro share similar weather, temperature and climate.
☛ Useful Links: Paro / Thimphu / Punakha Travel Guide & Tour Packages
Beautiful Spring Scenery
Taktshang (Tiger's Nest)
Tshechu Festival
2. Weather and Climate in Northern Bhutan
Elevation:over 3,000m (high-altitude mountains) - Not Suitable for Travel
The northern regions of Bhutan are located at an elevation of 3,000m and above. It means that thin air, cold, intensive ultraviolet radiation, little rainfall, long frozen winter days and an annual average temperature of 20~28 degrees Celsius are the typical features in these high altitude areas. Snow in Bhutan often happens in the northern regions from September to next June, lasting about 10 months long. Each year, there are up to 200 days when temperature is below zero degree Celsius.
All climate and weather factors result in no clear seasons but obvious Dry Season and Wet Season in the northern regions. The Dry Season begins from October to May of next year, when the weather is very dry, cold and windy. Wet Season is from June to September, showers and night rains often occurs. As the climate is so inclement, few people live in this region, let alone tourists.
Himalayas Viewed in Northern Bhutan
3. Weather and Climate in Southern Bhutan
Elevation: 1,500m and below
The southern regions of Bhutan located at elevation of 1,500m and below are the subtropical climate zone. The weather and climate here is hot, windy, humid and moist most time of a year. The annual mean temperature is about 14 degree Celsius. As the first range receiving the warm current from the Indian Ocean, this area gets abundant rainfall, which is perfect for luxuriant vegetation and farming.
According to temperature features, there are three seasons in the southern regions: summer, rainy season and cool season. The hot summer is from March to June with an average temperature of 25°C, possibly would be as high as 35 °C. Then, there is a lot of rain from July to September, and rainstorm is common in this time. It’s quite often to see tense frog and poor visibility during the rainy season. Cool season from October to February takes little snowfall in places at high elevations. But most southern regions have no snow throughout the year, only the temperature falls a little bit in cool season.
Idyllic Farmland in Southern Regions of Bhutan
Tips for Bhutan Travel:
1. Book Your Bhutan Tour in Advance
Air tickets and hotels would be quite tense during peak tourist seasons from March to June and September to October. Thus, you are high suggested to confirm your Bhutan travel months earlier. Afterwards, we will take some time to help you apply for Bhutan Visa and book your flight ticket and hotels in Bhutan.
2. Worry Free of High Altitude Sickness
Though Bhutan is located in south side of the Himalayas and mountains covers large area in Bhutan, most places tourist will visit are valleys at lower elevation. You don’t need to worry about the high altitude sickness during your Bhutan trip. If you are going to places at high altitudes, you are suggested to acclimatize yourself in lower altitude areas first, have a good rest, keep warm and follow the advice from tour guide.
We list some elevations of major destination for your conference:
Paro twon (alt: 2,250m) / Paro Airport (alt: 2,200m)
Thimphu (alt: 2,500m) / Punakha (alt: 1,300m)
3. Packing and Dressing During Your Bhutan Trip
With great altitudinal variations, Bhutan has a mixed climate and weather in various areas. So tourists should pack and dress properly and accordingly. Also Bhutan is a religious country full of monasteries, Dzongs (fortresses) and sacred religious sites, therefore, long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn to show respect while visiting those places. You can dress in layers, easy to put on and off. Warm clothes are needed for winter travel and high-altitude areas. As for trekking, a pair of comfortable and durable shoes is recommended.
How to Plan Your Bhutan Tour
A Bhutan trip usually starts from Paro where the Bhutan’s only international airport is located in, then travel eastward to Thimphu and Punakha, which is the most classic itinerary in Bhutan, taking 5~6 days to finish. Never miss the icon of Bhutan - Tiger’s Nest (the symbol of Bhutan) in Paro. If your time is quite limited, you can skip Punakha. If you want an in-depth Bhutan tour, we suggest you extend your trip to Phobjikha, Gangtey, Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan, which costs you about 9~10 days. You can also spend more time in Bhutan to explore more features of Bhutan, such as trekking, birding, Tshechu festival, etc. It is strongly recommended to travel Bhutan with Nepal. Check Nepal Bhutan tours to find a suitable tour or contact us to customize your own unique experience.
☞ 5 Days Bhutan Classic Tour (Paro & Thimphu & Punakha)
☞ 9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
☞ 12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour Package
Travel with Us
Traveling with Himalayas Discovery, you are assured to use our high-quality travel services, including vehicles, professional tour guide and experienced driver, well-organized itinerary, assistance of visa and permits application and other travel related services. We will settle all arrangements in advance to make sure you always enjoy a worry-free journey.
Our dear guests visiting Bhutan
Bhutan Travel Guide
Most Recommended Bhutan Tour Packages
Following are 3 most recommended Bhutan tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
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9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Trongsa / Bumthang / Wangue Phodrang / Paro
