Bhutan Travel Tips
Take note of peak & non-peak periods
The peak tourist seasons are Spring: March – May and Fall: September – November. In particular, March, April, October and November are especially busy. If you’re considering visiting during these months, it’s best to book your tour package and flight tickets at least 3 months ahead to ensure your reservation.
During peak time, due to the availability of only two airlines, tickets are often booked well in advance. So, to avoid disappointment, we’d advise you to plan ahead. More tourists tend to travel during this period as they are the ideal months for festivals and trekking, which are naturally big draws.
If you want to avoid the crowd of the peak tourist period, consider travelling during the non-peak period.
Know the Seasons
It really depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to trek, April, May, September and October are the best months with optimum weather. Although it is colder, the skies are generally clear and blue, and most importantly, it won’t be muddy. Do note that the monsoon season in Bhutan is from July – August and during this time, light rain (1-2 hours) in the morning is typical. Heavy downpours are rare, but we generally do not recommend trekking, unless they are short day hikes.
Winter is a good time to catch the endangered black necked crane in their winter home, the Phobjika valley and summer is a wonderful time for mushroom picking (there’s even a Matsutake Mushroom Festival) and to catch glimpses of (sometimes double) rainbows over the valleys. If you’re there to seek solace or for spirituality reasons, anytime would be a good time to go.
LOCAL WEATHER: Bhutan lies at the same latitude as Miami in the US, so expect plenty of sunshine all year round. The varying altitudes of the valleys within the Kingdom make for different microclimates, for example the lower valley of Punakha enjoys a sub-tropical climate whereas the higher Gangtey valley warm summer and cold temperatures throughout the winter.
SPRING & AUTUMN: (March to May & September to November) Warm days & cool nights (max 26°C: min 4°C), some chance of rain – Camping Trek Seasons (freezing temps at high camps) SUMMER: (June to August) Hot days & balmy nights (max 28°C: min 14°C), chance of rain – best time for flowers and birdlife
