Bhutan’s weather is a little like its landscapes—always changing, sometimes surprising, and often unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a trek, hoping to catch a festival, or simply dreaming of photographing misty valleys at sunrise, understanding Bhutan’s seasons will help you choose the perfect time to visit.
Think of this guide as a friendly walkthrough of the year—month by month—so you can pack right, plan better, and picture the journey ahead.
Bhutan stretches from subtropical southern foothills to high Himalayan peaks, so temperatures shift with altitude. But overall, Bhutan has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each with its own personality.
A local guide once told me, “The seasons here aren’t just weather, they’re moods.” And he was right.
Below is how Bhutan feels, month by month.
Smells like fresh rhododendrons and warm sunshine
Spring is one of Bhutan’s most loved seasons. Forests glow with blooming rhododendrons, weather is comfortable, and skies open up for mountain views.
Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings.
Perfect for: light treks, cultural tours, photography
Tip: Carry a light jacket + a scarf for breezy valleys.
Bright, clear, and colorful everywhere you look.
Perfect for: Jomolhari Trek, birdwatching, festivals
Fun note: Paro Tshechu usually falls this month.
Warm days with greener landscapes and longer daylight.
Perfect for: nature lovers, flower photography
Tip: Sunscreen—it’s sunny but gentle.
Green, lush, dramatic skies, and occasional mountain mist
It doesn’t rain nonstop, but showers are common. Valleys look like freshly washed rice bowls—intense green. Expect warm, humid weather in the south and mild temperatures in the mountains.
Warm with scattered showers.
Perfect for: cultural travel, slow exploration
Rainiest month, but peaceful.
Perfect for: travelers who prefer quiet and fewer crowds
Tip: Good waterproof shoes—paths can get muddy.
Still rainy but with beautiful cloud formations after storms.
Perfect for: photography of dramatic landscapes
Note: Treks may be limited.
Golden light, crisp air, and the clearest Himalayan skies
Autumn is another peak season—for good reason. The weather is stable, clean, and sharp. It’s the best time for trekkers.
Rain fades, everything feels fresh after monsoon.
Perfect for: photography, festivals, nature walks
Tip: Bring layers—weather shifts from warm to cool fast.
Perhaps the best weather of the entire year.
Perfect for: trekking, cultural tours, Thimphu Tshechu
Views: crystal-clear mountains almost daily.
Dry, cool, and golden.
Perfect for: highland treks, cultural festivals
Note: Nights are colder.
Quiet valleys, warm sun, and snow-dusted peaks
Winter in Bhutan is peaceful. Days are sunny and comfortable, though mornings and evenings can get cold—especially at altitude.
Cold but clear.
Perfect for: cultural travel, photography
Tip: Great time to visit western Bhutan with fewer tourists.
Coldest month.
Perfect for: snow sightings in higher regions
Note: Some high treks may close.
Winter begins to soften.
Perfect for: cultural tours, Punakha region
Fun fact: Punakha is warm and lovely this time of year.
March–May & September–November
Stable weather + clear skies = perfect mountain days.
March (Paro Tshechu), October (Thimphu Tshechu), November (Black-necked Crane Festival)
Festivals are colorful, cultural, and deeply meaningful.
October & November for landscapes
Spring for flowers and forests
Summer for dramatic clouds and greens
Winter for crisp mountain air
Bring layers—Bhutan’s altitude changes everything.
Always pack a scarf; it’s useful in chilly valleys and temples.
Sunscreen is essential, even on cool days.
Comfortable walking shoes make every season better.
A reusable water bottle helps at higher altitudes.
The truth is—Bhutan is beautiful year-round. Your “best time” simply depends on what you’re looking for: flowers in spring, adventure in autumn, quiet moments in winter, or misty greenery in summer.
Each month has its own charm, just like each valley in Bhutan has its own story.
And whenever you decide to come, we’ll be here—ready to show you the Bhutan that lives beyond guidebooks.
If this guide helped you picture your ideal time to visit, we’d love to help you plan a journey that feels right for you.
You’re always welcome to explore Bhutan with Namgay Adventure Travels—at your pace, in your style.