October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour. Heat and humidity increase from May, and from June to September the monsoon rains cover the mountains. If you're interested in seeing the rare black-necked cranes, we recommend visiting the Phobjikha Valley between late October and mid-February.
From December to February Bhutan is at its coldest; especially in the mountains, but clear skies reward those who brave the low temperatures. The valleys are warmer and sunny with clear views of the incredible Himalayas. Due to colder temperatures, visitor numbers will be lower.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |
March and April are among the most popular times to travel as temperatures are pleasant and the valleys are abundant in nature; especially as all the flowers start to bloom. Early April witnesses the Paro Tshechu, so book ahead to get the best accommodation and flights.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |
Temperatures increase in May, bringing humidity as well as cloud over the mountains. However, fewer visitors and lower prices can make it a perfectly viable time to visit. The rhododendrons should also still be in bloom - ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |
June to August (and sometimes into September) is monsoon season in Bhutan. Although showers can occur at night without spoiling daytime explorations, conditions aren't ideal for trekking. Sightseeing is still possible - just be prepared with a raincoat! It’s also ideal for retreating to a spa. Views are best in the mornings following night-time downpours.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |
September, October and November are ideal for hiking, seeing festivals (particularly the popular Thimphu Tshechu) and enjoying stunning views and pleasant temperatures. Expect it to be around 25C in the sun, but there will be cooler temperatures in the evenings and at higher altitudes.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |
The majority of travellers (around 80% of all international visitors) want to visit Bhutan in October, so plan well in advance to ensure you get your preferred accommodation and good value flights.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |
Black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to the protected Phobjikha Valley each year. They remain in the region from late October to early February. In Gangtey, a special festival is held every November to celebrate the arrival of the birds. Plan ahead if you want to be a part of it.
Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jakar | 10°C 5mm |
12°C 10mm |
14°C 32mm |
17°C 59mm |
20°C 129mm |
21°C 244mm |
21°C 271mm |
21°C 219mm |
20°C 155mm |
18°C 57mm |
14°C 10mm |
11°C 3mm |
Paro | 10°C 11mm |
11°C 24mm |
14°C 50mm |
17°C 87mm |
19°C 145mm |
20°C 262mm |
21°C 316mm |
20°C 250mm |
20°C 192mm |
18°C 71mm |
14°C 14mm |
11°C 4mm |
Thimphu | 10°C 10mm |
11°C 21mm |
15°C 48mm |
17°C 84mm |
19°C 145mm |
21°C 273mm |
21°C 325mm |
21°C 256mm |
20°C 193mm |
18°C 70mm |
14°C 13mm |
11°C 4mm |