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When to visit Bhutan

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass

You can visit Bhutan any time of the year. There is no ‘appropriate season’ as such, which is to say that Bhutan’s warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country.

Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Seasonal Attractions:

Mask Dancers at the Tsechu

Spring (March, April & May) is considered the most beautiful time of the year, resplendent and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is the time when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation and fruit trees are blossoming – the time when locals are naturally mirthful and cheery; when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro tsechu festival.

Paro Valley in Autumn

Autumn (September, October & November) is lovely with clear and crisp blue skies, providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate and you can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks and somber views of  dzongs and monasteries.

Lake Tshophu

Monsoon (June, July & August) During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather is a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a cup of warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a detour through the town!

Black Necked Cranes at Gangtey(Phobjikha)Valley)

Winter (December, January & February) is sunny, cool and agreeable to say the least. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley where you can expect to see a wide expanse of rolling plain with bamboo shrubs. The graceful Black-Necked Cranes come to roost at the plain from the Tibetan plateau during this time of the year offering you wild-life picture opportunities. At the Dochula Pass en route to Punkaha, you can view the Himalayan peaks including the highest mountain peak in Bhutan – Gangkar Puensum when the weather is clear and sunny as it is during most winter days.

Seasons

High Season (March, April, May, September, October & November).

  • The weather is best in spring and autumn.
  • Himalayan views are best in October.
  • Rhododendron blooms peak in March and April.

Mid Season (December, January & February).

  • The weather is still good, though it can be cold in December and January.

Low Season (June, July & August).

  • Monsoon rains and leeches put an end to most treks.
  • High altitude flowers are at their peak blooming season.

Weather Forecast Links

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