Bhutan travel guide
The best time to visit Bhutan is March to May and October to November. April and October stand out, with mild days and clear mountain views. December to February is cold and dry, with freezing nights. June to August is the monsoon, when rain, cloud and road delays are more likely.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2° to 12°C | 5 mm |
| Feb | 0° to 14°C | 10 mm |
| Mar | 4° to 18°C | 20 mm |
| Apr | 8° to 21°C | 35 mm |
| May | 12° to 24°C | 55 mm |
| Jun | 16° to 25°C | 190 mm |
| Jul | 18° to 26°C | 260 mm |
| Aug | 18° to 26°C | 245 mm |
| Sep | 16° to 24°C | 170 mm |
| Oct | 10° to 22°C | 40 mm |
| Nov | 5° to 17°C | 10 mm |
| Dec | 0° to 13°C | 5 mm |
Bhutan's weather shapes how much of your trip you can enjoy outdoors. Mountain views depend on clear skies, and road journeys between valleys depend on dry weather. This guide explains each season month by month, so you can choose a window that suits your plans and your group.
The figures below are monthly averages from the research behind this guide. Treat them as a guide to what to expect, not as a forecast. Mountain weather can change within a single day.
Go between March and May, or between October and November. These windows give the best mix of clear views, comfortable temperatures and dry roads. April is one of the strongest months of the year. October brings peak autumn skies. Late September can also work, because the monsoon weakens and the sky clears gradually.
March is pleasant, with highs near 18°C and lows near 4°C. Rainfall is light, at about 20 mm. Rhododendrons begin to bloom, and trekking conditions improve. Days are cool enough for walking, and nights need warm layers.
April is one of the best months, with highs near 21°C, lows near 8°C and about 35 mm of rain. Days are mild, spring flowers are out, and mountain views are generally clear. Travellers often describe April as an attractive time for sightseeing and gentle activities.
May is warmer, with highs near 24°C and lows near 12°C. Rain rises to about 55 mm and humidity increases. The first half of the month is usually the more comfortable part. Showers become more frequent as the monsoon approaches.
The monsoon brings the heaviest rain of the year. Rainfall is at its highest from June to August, and humidity sits near 80 to 85 per cent.
June marks the monsoon onset. Highs reach about 25°C, lows about 16°C and rainfall about 190 mm. Cloud, rain and occasional road disruption become more likely.
July is the wettest period for many areas, with about 260 mm of rain. Lowland sightseeing is humid, and mountain views are often clouded. Landslides and travel delays are more likely.
August remains very wet, with about 245 mm of rain and humid conditions. Landslides and delayed road journeys are possible, so build spare days into any plan.
September is a transition month. Rain falls to about 170 mm, and the monsoon weakens. Late September is more suitable than early September, because visibility improves toward the end of the month.
Traveller reports do not show one month that Indian visitors consistently regret. Some describe September family trips positively. Still, the core monsoon months carry the highest risk of cloud, rain and road delays.
October is the peak autumn season. Highs reach about 22°C, lows about 10°C and rainfall about 40 mm. Skies are usually clear, mountain views are excellent and sightseeing conditions are favourable. Demand is high, so book early.
November is dry and clear, with highs near 17°C and lows near 5°C. Rainfall is only about 10 mm. It is an excellent month for culture and trekking, but evenings are cold. Pack a warm jacket for the valleys.
December is cold and dry, with highs near 13°C and lows near freezing. Visibility is good, but winter conditions affect high passes and remote routes. Plan for road delays in the upper valleys.
January is the coldest month in the research. Highs reach about 12°C and lows fall to about minus 2°C. Rainfall is only about 5 mm. Visibility is excellent, but nights are freezing and high-altitude snow is possible.
February is still cold, with highs near 14°C and lows near freezing. It is generally dry, at about 10 mm of rain. Mornings are cold, but the month suits cultural sightseeing, dzong visits and city walks in Thimphu and Paro.
Book Paro flights and hotels early, because Bhutan has limited flight frequencies and room inventory. Leave a buffer before any onward connection, since Paro flights are weather-sensitive. Pack warm layers for the evenings, even in spring and autumn. Keep Tiger's Nest for a separate day, never arrival day. Allow extra driving time in the monsoon and in winter, when mountain roads slow down.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and from traveller reports about Bhutan. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather is an average, not a forecast. Road conditions, flight schedules and entry rules can change, so confirm current details before you book.
Read where to stay and what to see in places to visit in Bhutan, then plan your activities in things to do in Bhutan. Check the budget in Bhutan trip cost, and flight options in how to reach Bhutan. Read the Bhutan visa guide for Indians before you book. You can also start from the Bhutan travel guide or browse all Bhutan tour packages.
Ready-made trips
Thimphu 2N · Punakha 1N · Paro 2N
Thimphu 2N · Punakha 1N · Phobjikha Valley 1N · Paro 2N
Thimphu 2N · Punakha 1N · Paro 3N
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Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Bhutan.
March to May and October to November are generally the best months. They offer clear views, comfortable temperatures and drier roads. April and October are especially strong choices for sightseeing, families and first visits.
The monsoon runs from June to August and brings heavy rain, cloud and landslide risk. Mountain views are often hidden and road journeys can be delayed. If you travel then, keep plans flexible and avoid tight schedules.
Yes. October is the peak autumn season, with clear skies, excellent mountain views and favourable sightseeing conditions. Highs reach about 22°C and lows about 10°C. Demand is high, so book flights and hotels early.
December to February is cold and dry, with freezing nights and possible snow at high altitude. Visibility is often excellent. Winter suits cultural sightseeing and wildlife interest, but pack warm layers and allow for delays on high passes.
March to May and October to November suit trekking best. Trekking conditions improve in March, and November is dry and clear. Choose the spring or autumn window and build rest days into any hike.
Shoulder months usually avoid the highest demand. Festival dates tighten rooms and raise rates, so avoid them if budget matters. Our planners can compare dates for you, but prices vary, so ask for a written quote.
April suits families well, with mild days and spring flowers. Choose shorter driving days, confirm family rooms and keep Tiger's Nest optional for young children. Our Family 5N package is built for a slower pace.
Yes, late September can work well. The monsoon weakens, and visibility improves toward the end of the month. Early September is still wet, so choose the later dates if you travel in September.
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