Bhutan · Best time to visit
When to go to Bhutan
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons: clear passes, mild days and most of the big festivals. Winter is cold, clear and very quiet.
The seasons
Festivals in spring and autumn
Spring (March to May) brings rhododendrons in flower on the passes and the Paro festival, one of the largest in the country.
Summer (June to August) is the monsoon: green valleys, few visitors, and cloud on the mountains. Flights into Paro are more often delayed.
Autumn (September to November) has the clearest views of the Himalaya and the Thimphu festival. Black-necked cranes arrive in the Phobjikha valley from late October.
Winter (December to February) is cold, especially in Bumthang, but bright and quiet. Punakha, lower and warmer, has its festival in February.
Month by month
Where to go in each month
| Month | Season | Where to go | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha; cranes in Phobjikha | Cold, especially in central Bhutan |
| February | Good | Punakha festival; cranes in Phobjikha | Snow possible on the passes |
| March | At its best | Paro festival; rhododendrons | Festival weeks book up early |
| April | At its best | Everywhere; the Tiger's Nest walk | Some haze |
| May | Good | Central Bhutan, Bumthang | Pre-monsoon showers |
| June | Some regions | Green valleys, few visitors | Monsoon begins |
| July | Some regions | Quiet monasteries and valleys | Monsoon; cloud on the mountains |
| August | Some regions | Quiet monasteries and valleys | Monsoon |
| September | Good | Thimphu festival in some years; clearing skies | Rain early in the month |
| October | At its best | Everywhere; clear Himalayan views | Festival weeks book up early |
| November | At its best | Everywhere; crane festival in Phobjikha | Cold nights |
| December | Good | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha; cranes in Phobjikha | Cold in Bumthang |
Region by region
The best months for each region
- Paro and Thimphu
- March to May and September to November
- Punakha
- October to April; the warmest valley in winter
- Phobjikha
- Late October to February for the cranes
- Bumthang
- April and May, September to November
- Treks
- April and May, October and November
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