Best Time to Visit Bhutan: A Month-by-Month
Guide for 2026 Travelers
Bhutan may be small, but it is also extremely diverse – from its towering Himalayan passes, to its subtropical valleys, ancient dzongs, and loud festivals.
When you decide to go, determine what you will see, how you will feel, and which experiences you will be able to have. We have outlined months by the day with travel advice, local highlights, and safety/comfort tips that are based on climate and the 2025 festival calendar so that you can plan your trip with confidence.
January — Quiet, crisp, and culturally peaceful
It is the most silent month of January. The valleys are cold and dry during the day; the mountains can be snowy. It is a perfect month if you wish to have clear cultural visits without many tourists and also like to have crisp mountain views (if the weather is good). There are some areas in the east and the south that are a bit warmer, but you should be dressed in layers after the sun has set. If you happen to be a festival chaser in 2025, then January will be a good month for you as it has a few local tshechus − you should definitely check out the regional listings.
Good for: solitude, photography of frost-clear mornings.
Caveat: some high passes or remote trail routes may be closed or icy.
Also Read: 10 Must-Visit Monasteries in Bhutan
February — Transitioning toward spring
The temperatures start to become mild. February remains a low-season month and still can provide good weather with cold and clear days, which are perfect for city sightseeing (Paro, Thimphu) and short hikes. It is a quiet and reasonable low-crowd option for travelers, who do not like monsoon humidity and peak-season prices. You better check transport schedules, if you have planned a mountain trek; snow melt and local conditions may be different.
March — Blooming valleys and festival energy
March brings with it the early spring: the valleys become green, and the rhododendrons start to bloom. In 2025 the Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tshechu are scheduled for the beginning of March (the local authorities publish the tentative dates), thus, making this month a very lively one for cultural immersion. The weather is getting better for daytime trips and trekking at lower altitudes.
Good for: festivals in Punakha, mild hikes, birding.
April — Peak rhododendron season and major festivals
April is definitely one of the best months to come here: mountain panoramas are mostly clear as the rhododendrons are coming to their full bloom, and it is also the time of major festivals like Paro Tshechu which is scheduled for early April 2025 (Paro Tshechu: April 8–12, 2025). One can certainly expect a nice blend of both natural and cultural scenes − from the flower displays to the bright and vibrant cultural pageantry. In case you want to coincide with a certain festival parade, planning and booking your trip early is a must.
Good for: Photography, festivals, hiking in pleasant weather.
May — Warm, flowers peak, quieter after festivals
May still offers nice weather and most of the wildflowers continue to be in bloom in the central valleys. The period is suitable for walking multi-day trails and visiting valleys with fewer tourists (Bumthang region is beautiful in spring). Late-May may already feel the first signs of increased humidity as the monsoon draws near.
June — Green season begins; fewer tourists
June is the month that the green season starts. Most of the areas will have increased rain in the later part of the month even though the mornings can still be nice and clear. The main attractions are the beautiful green nature, the rice terraces reflecting the sun, and the fact that there are fewer tourists. However, you should also be ready for occasional rains and low cloud cover, which may block mountain views.
Good for: lower prices, green landscapes, birdwatching.
Caveat: some high-altitude treks become slippery or wet.
July & August — Monsoon: dramatic, wet, and vivid
Usually, the peak monsoon months for most of Bhutan are July and August (July is generally the wettest month), which bring heavy rains especially in central and southern valleys. Those months are perfect if you want to see nature in a dramatic green dress and you do not mind the rain. On the other hand, these months are characterized by poor visibility, and there may be road delays, and you may not be able to undertake treks at high elevations.
Also Read: Paro vs Thimphu vs Punakha
Good for: lush photography, cultural homestays.
Caveat: travel plans need flexibility; many long treks are not recommended.
September — The monsoon eases; the scenery refreshes
September is a month of change: the rains lessen and the sky gradually clear, thus, leaving very fresh landscapes and rivers that have replenished. Towards the end of September, you will get clearer mountain views and it will be cooler in the evenings, thus, making this the beginning of the autumn shoulder season. Most of the valley routes open fully again and festivals get underway once more.
October & November — Clear skies and prime trekking season
Autumn (mainly October and November) is generally considered to be the best time to visit Bhutan. Post-monsoon air is very clean, and the views of the high Himalayas are stunning, plus the temperatures are quite comfortable for long hikes. These months are targeted by a majority of travelers as the best period to combine good trekking conditions with cultural events. It is wise to lodge and permit booking early as these months are crowded.
Good for: long treks, clear mountain photography, festivals.
December gets cooler very fast but it is still great for cultural city visits and low-altitude sightseeing. Some of the mountain passes will begin to accumulate snow. Perhaps, if you like a quiet and thoughtful Bhutan and you are not in need of trekking at altitude, December might be a month of great returns.
Practical planning tips for 2025
Plan your trips during festivals. Festivals (tshechus) in 2025 are main attractions — for example, Paro Tshechu, Punakha events in March, and Rhododendron events in April — so that would be the time to check exact dates and make reservations for hotels and transfers.
Bring layers with you. Valleys may be warm during the day, but it is still a bit chilly in the mornings and at nights. If you are traveling between June and September, waterproof layers should be a part of your kit.
Be prepared for changes in weather from one region to another. The climate in Bhutan is very different at various altitudes; Paro and Thimphu (western valleys) will be cooler than Bumthang (central) or eastern districts.
Restrictions and other formalities.
Traveling independently is under control; you need to work with a licensed operator in order to get your permits, especially if you want to be the first to see the festival, or if you wish to go to the most remote areas.
Also Read: Bhutan visa requirements and permits
Final thought
Generally, 2025 travelers would find the most advantage in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) in terms of the clearest skies, comfortable hiking, and cultural experiences.
Book Now
with Your Trusted
Travel Partner
Travelangles.in!!
Discover Northeast India with ease – well-planned itineraries, trusted cabs, and comfortable stays, all managed by TravelAngles for a worry-free holiday
Your Journey,
Our Care !
From arrival to departure, TravelAngles ensures every detail of your trip is seamless — reliable drivers, handpicked stays, and experiences you’ll remember forever.
Bhutan Tours
