When to go · Bhutan
Bhutan, month by month
The best months for Bhutan: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov. Months to avoid: Jul, Aug.
Month by month
- JanuaryMixedCold nights, clear days; Punakha is mild; some high roads icy.Western valleys: cool · Central valleys: cool · Southern foothills: best weatherCrowds: Low
- FebruaryMixedStill cold; Losar and Punakha festival; cranes in Phobjikha.Western valleys: cool · Central valleys: cool · Southern foothills: best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MarchGreatSpring starts, rhododendrons; Paro Tshechu in some years.Western valleys: best weather · Central valleys: fine · Southern foothills: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- AprilGreatWarm, flowering valleys; Paro Tshechu in some years; hazier views.Western valleys: best weather · Central valleys: best weather · Southern foothills: hotCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatWarm and green before the monsoon; good trekking at altitude.Western valleys: best weather · Central valleys: best weather · Southern foothills: hotCrowds: Medium
- JuneMixedMonsoon begins: cloud, leeches, landslides; flights delayed.Western valleys: rainy · Central valleys: rainy · Southern foothills: rainyCrowds: Low
- JulyAvoidWettest month; roads blocked; Haa summer festival for the committed.Western valleys: rainy · Central valleys: rainy · Southern foothills: rainyCrowds: Low
- AugustAvoidStill monsoon; green valleys but few views.Western valleys: rainy · Central valleys: rainy · Southern foothills: rainyCrowds: Low
- SeptemberMixedRain eases late in the month; Thimphu Tshechu in some years.Western valleys: fine · Central valleys: fine · Southern foothills: rainyCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberGreatThe best month: clear mountains, harvest colours, trekking season, Thimphu Tshechu.Western valleys: best weather · Central valleys: best weather · Southern foothills: fineCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- NovemberGreatClear and crisp; crane festival in Gangtey; cold nights.Western valleys: best weather · Central valleys: best weather · Southern foothills: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- DecemberGoodCold but sunny; National Day on the 17th; best Dochula views.Western valleys: cool · Central valleys: cool · Southern foothills: best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western valleysParo, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa | Cool | Cool | Best | Best | Best | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best | Cool |
| Central valleysBumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha (Gangtey) | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best | Cool |
| Southern foothillsPhuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best |
| High treksJomolhari, Druk Path, Snowman, Laya | Cool | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | OK | Cool |