The Best time to visit Bhutan 2024 / 2025

The best time to visit Bhutan in 2024 / 2025 is March, April and May – Spring & September, October and November – Autumn. Visiting Bhutan is primarily decided by the four distinct seasons and weather conditions. Bhutan is situated in the midst of mountains blessed with rich culture and living traditions with abundant natural resources. It is one of the top ten bio – diversity hotspots in the world. One can visit Bhutan at any time of the year and still enjoy all the marvelous beauty of Bhutan. Bhutan in spring is filled with colorful flower blossoms, crisp air and blue skies and cultural festivals. Autumn in Bhutan is the harvest time and for colorful festivals.

Spring season (March, April, May) is the best time to visit Bhutan:

Bhutan truly comes alive in spring and is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There is a resilient greenery, valleys adorned with blooming flowers, snow covered mountain and vast blue skies. These months also feature colorful cultural festivals.  One can go for short day hikes where the forests are blooming with beautiful rhododendrons and seasonal flowers. Besides, some of the most spectacular Bhutanese festivals in Paro, Punakha and Bumthang fall at this time of the year. To witness the festival in Punakha or Paro, one can book a fairly short trip of 6 – 7 days. The colorful masked dances and folk dances are performed in the courtyard of ancient monasteries and majestic dzongs. The clocks spring forward, the sun warms up and the days are longer which is a perfect for photography.

Visiting Bhutan in summer (June, July and August):

The monsoon showers in Bhutan are light unlike in other parts of south – east Asia. Furthermore, the monsoon is late sometimes which would mean a great time to visit Bhutan. The road blocks are not very severe and do not hinder long travel in Bhutan. Days are longer and sometimes give way to light rain.

One can  also witness colorful festivals in Bumthang like Nimalung and Kurjey. The Haa summer festival gives unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Please check our Bhutan festival dates. One can also experience a night at one of the many homestays and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.

Visit to Bhutan in autumn (September, October and November):

Autumn is another best time to visit Bhutan. Crisp, clear days and there may be a bite in the air some days. All in all, it’s a beautiful season and a great time to be here. It is much sought after peak season and the start of the trekking season. Please check our highly recommended 12 days Laya Gasa trek itinerary. This season also has many cultural festivals in each calendar year. The grand Thimphu tshechu festival is one the biggest festivals in Bhutan. There are other major festivals in Bumthang and other places. It is the harvest time where lush green valleys and hills have turned mellow yellow fields.  One can have a great time of experiencing life at a slower pace.

Bhutan in winter (December, January & February).

The mountain passes receive a good amount of snowfall but the lower altitude remains fairly navigable. The days are warm but bit chilly in the morning and evening which allows you for a short day hikes. One can travel to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley to see the elegant black necked cranes in their roosting grounds. These migratory endangered birds fly into Bhutan from the great Tibetan plateau for three months in winter. The visit to Phobjikha valley is one of the highlights of our Bhutan itinerary 11 days.

The are also festivals like Nalakhar festival in Bumthang and Druk Wangyel festival in Thimphu. It is a unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or lay the people. There is less crowd during this time of the year. For some Bhutan visitors, it is still the best time to visit Bhutan.