The best time to visit Bhutan

Beautiful Bhutan is a melting pot of climates, with sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north with perpetual snow, subtropical plains in the south, and the east being warmer than the west. The temperature can depend very much on the elevation, so it’s worth planning your trip carefully.

Bhutan in a nutshell

October-December            
Dry weather and bright skies

September-November
Clear skies and less rainfall

December-February
Very cold but wonderful snowy views

March-May
Great for hiking, rhododendrons in bloom

June-August
Monsoon season and best avoided

Giant Buddha, Thimphu, Bhutan

The best time to visit Bhutan

To help you plan your tour, we’ll show you the best time to visit Bhutan with an overview of the temperature in Bhutan for each month.

Bhutan through the seasons

Bhutan in December, January and February

Bhutan is at its chilliest from December to February, particularly up in the mountains, and nighttime temperatures can drop below zero degrees at night. Road closures are also common. However, visit at this time and you will be rewarded with clear and crisp skies with beautiful views of the Himalayas and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. October to late February is also the perfect time to visit Phobjikha Valley to see the rare black-necked cranes.

Bhutan in March and April

The best time to visit Bhutan in our opinion is the late spring months. The country’s famous Rhododendrons bloom in late spring, creating a carpet of colour in the valleys and until April the climate remains dry and pleasant. The valleys are alive with nature and the temperature is pleasant.

Bhutan in May

Photographers and nature lovers might find May the best time to visit Bhutan, as the rhododendrons are still in flower, plus the higher humidity means fewer visitors and lower prices.

Bhutan in June, July and August

Monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rain and the thick cloud obscuring the mountains.

Bhutan in September, October and November

Autumn is the peak visitor season in Bhutan, due to the gloriously colourful landscape. Book well in advance if you want to visit at this time.

We hope you’ve found our guide to the best time to visit Bhutan helpful! Find out more information on Bhutan here or contact our team to start planning your Sri Lanka holiday.