What is the best month to visit Bhutan?

Spring and autumn are the favoured seasons: clear views, mild temperatures and major festivals such as Paro Tshechu in March and Thimphu Tshechu in October.

When is the monsoon in Bhutan?

From late June or July to late September, strongest in the south of the country.

Is Bhutan worth visiting in winter?

Yes. Days are clear and sunny, the valleys are quiet, and black-necked cranes winter in the Phobjikha valley. Nights are cold and high passes can be closed by snow.

The best time to visit Bhutan

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the favoured seasons: clear mountain views, mild days and the great festivals. Winter is crisp, sunny and quiet. The monsoon from late June or July to late September brings rain, and floods and landslides can disrupt roads.

Updated 30 October 2026

Bhutan by season

Spring: March to May

Dry weather from early March to mid-April, with nature in full bloom; showers become more frequent from mid-April. Rhododendrons flower across the hills, and the Rhododendron Festival at Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu, is planned for 22 and 23 April 2027. Paro Tshechu, one of the best-known festivals, falls on 18 to 22 March 2027.

Summer and monsoon: June to September

The monsoon arrives in late June or July and lasts until late September. It is strongest in the south. Valleys are green and visitors are few, but rain, floods and landslides can delay road journeys, so allow buffer days.

Autumn: late September to November

Bright, sunny days after the rains, early snow on the high peaks and the season of feasts and festivals. Thimphu Tshechu takes place on 10 to 12 October 2027. In the Phobjikha valley the rare black-necked cranes arrive for the winter, and the Black-necked Crane Festival is held every year on 11 November at Gangtey Goenpa.

Winter: December to February

Crisp, clear and sunny, with frost at night and snow above about 3,000 metres; high passes can be windy or closed. The black-necked cranes stay in the Phobjikha valley through the winter.

Average temperatures

Long-term averages from Bhutan's National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, as published on Wikipedia. Daytime high / night low in °C.

Average daytime high and night low temperatures
Place (altitude)	January	April	July	October
Paro (2,406 m)	13 / -1	21 / 8	25 / 16	21 / 9
Thimphu (2,310 m)	15 / -2	22 / 8	27 / 17	24 / 9
Punakha (1,236 m)	19 / 6	27 / 14	31 / 21	27 / 17

Festival dates 2027

Tentative dates published by the Department of Tourism. Festival dates follow the lunar calendar, so confirm them before you book.

Festival dates 2027
Festival	Place	2027
Punakha Tshechu	Punakha Dzong	16 to 18 February
Paro Tshechu	Rinpung Dzong, Paro	18 to 22 March
Rhododendron Festival	Lamperi Botanical Park	22 to 23 April
Thimphu Tshechu	Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu	10 to 12 October
Jakar Tshechu	Jakar, Bumthang	6 to 9 November
Black-necked Crane Festival	Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha	11 November
Jambay Lhakhang Drup	Bumthang	14 to 17 November

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Bhutan?: Spring and autumn are the favoured seasons: clear views, mild temperatures and major festivals such as Paro Tshechu in March and Thimphu Tshechu in October.
When is the monsoon in Bhutan?: From late June or July to late September, strongest in the south of the country.
Is Bhutan worth visiting in winter?: Yes. Days are clear and sunny, the valleys are quiet, and black-necked cranes winter in the Phobjikha valley. Nights are cold and high passes can be closed by snow.