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Best Time to Visit
Bhutan is a year-round destination. Each season brings something different — flowers, festivals, clear mountain views or quiet green valleys.
The four seasons
- Spring (March–May) — rhododendrons and jacaranda in bloom, warm days, many festivals including Paro Tshechu. A favourite for culture and gentle hikes.
- Summer (June–August) — the monsoon. Rain usually comes in afternoon bursts; valleys turn deep green and there are far fewer visitors. Roads can be slow.
- Autumn (September–November) — clear skies, harvest colours and the big autumn festivals, including Thimphu Tshechu. The most popular season; book early.
- Winter (December–February) — crisp, sunny days and cold nights, the clearest mountain views, and black-necked cranes in Phobjikha. Quiet and good value for hotels.
Month by month
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January–February | Cold, clear and quiet. Cranes in Phobjikha. Punakha is pleasantly mild. |
| March–April | Spring flowers, Paro Tshechu (usually), Punakha festivals. Busy. |
| May | Warm; rhododendrons in the high forests; the start of pre-monsoon cloud. |
| June–August | Monsoon greenery, fewer visitors. Good for flexible travellers. |
| September | Rains ease; rice ripens. Thimphu Tshechu sometimes falls this month. |
| October–November | Clear, crisp and colourful — peak season for culture and treks. |
| December | Dry and sunny with mountain views from the passes; cold evenings. |
Festivals
Tshechu festivals happen in different districts throughout the year, following the lunar calendar, so dates change every year. The best-known fall in spring and autumn. Tell us your dates and we will check which festivals are on — see our Festivals page for an overview.
Trekking seasons
Most treks are best in spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November). Higher routes close with snow in winter; the monsoon makes trails muddy and leech-prone in summer.
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