There is no best time to visit Bhutan. Generally, the weather in this country is good throughout the year with four main seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Most travelers would choose to visit Bhutan in spring and autumn as it has the nicest weather and it is also the time when you can see the best of Rhododendron bloomings. Bhutan also has numerous traditional festivals and tourism activities all year round, which I think that no visitors want to miss. If Bhutan is your next destination on the way of joyfully enjoying Multi country Asia tours, this article would be your guideline.
Bhutan Weather and Seasons – Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Monsoon Season in Bhutan
Due to the vast altitude differences and the impact of the Indian monsoons from the South-West and North-East, the climate in Bhutan is very varied. The Southern part of the country witnesses significantly high rainfall from the South-West monsoon from early June until September. But from late September to November, after the monsoon season, which can be considered the autumn, the rainy weather is replaced by sunny days and sometimes early snowfalls in higher places.
Winter in Bhutan
Wintertime in Bhutan usually lasts from November to March every year. During this time, the country experiences strong winds passing through tall mountains and peaks. Together with that are the snowfall and frost in the coldest months. At night the temperature could drop below zero but during the day it still can be cool and sunny.
Spring in Bhutan
Like most countries on Earth, the best season of the year in Bhutan is Spring, which is why it is also the high season for tourism. Overall, the weather from March to May is dry and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The whole country is filled with stunning natural colors of green grass, bright flowers, and sweet fruits. The best way to enjoy your Bhutan vacation during this time of the year is taking an adventurous biking tour around the country.
Summer in Bhutan
The summer in Bhutan is a brief season right before monsoon, usually from the end of May to June. It is also a good choice if you want to spend the summer holiday here because the scenery is very pretty with lush green valleys and clear blue sky.
Best Time to Visit Festival and Events in Bhutan
Festivals are a great attraction for tourists as it is a gateway into the country’s most valuable form of performing arts and cultures. It is very convenient for travelers to visit Bhutan's most popular festival called Tshechu because it is celebrated in every destination in Bhutan throughout the year. The festival is special for traditional mask dances, blessings rituals and recreation of historic events. Other major festivals in Bhutan are the Jambay Lhakhang Drup, the Mountain Echoes festival, Haa Summer festival, …
Festivals and Events in Spring
The Bhutanese celebrate the best season in the year by holding plenty of exciting festivals. There are Tshechu festivals in Punakha, Talo, Gasa, Domkhar, and Rhododendron Festival (a festival that celebrates the season of the Rhododendron flower) and Chorten Kora (the festival to celebrate the beautiful stupa with the same name).
Among them all, the most popular festivals are:
- Paro Tshechu (April 4-8, 2020): This is definitely one of the biggest festivals in the country with an expected number of visitors up to thousands. You will find this exciting celebration in Rinpung Dzong. Note that a hotel room and guide should be booked in advance as they will be full soon before the festival takes place.
- Punakha Drubehen and Tshechu (March 4-7, 2020): This grand festival is held every year at the impressive Punakha Dzong to celebrate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan army from the 17th country.
- Ura Yakchoe (May 4-8, 2020): Held in the Ura Valley in Bumthang, which is famous for the traditional Ura Yakchoe dance, this festival is an opportunity for the locals to come and celebrate a holy relic. According to a legend, this sacred relic was the gift from a mysterious lama to return the favor for a kind lady.
Bhutan’s Festivals and Events in Summer
Because of the rainfall in monsoon season, there are not as many festivals and celebrations as in springtime. Apart from that, visiting Bhutan at this time of the year is a good way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the blooming greenish sceneries.
Popular festivals in the Summer:
- Haa Summer Festival (July 11-12, 2020): Haa is the name of a valley near Paro city. Every year, Haa Summer Festival is celebrated by the nomads who live here to honor their traditional culture. Attending this festival, travelers will have a chance to experience their lifestyle, cuisine and leisure activities.
- Kurjey Tshechu (June 30, 2020): Celebrated for one day every year at the famous Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang, this festival pays tribute to the guru who brought Buddhism to Bhutan - Guru Rinpoche. There are cham dances performed by the monks from Kurjey Lhakhang and the introduction of a giant thongdrel (a Buddha painting).
Visit Bhutan’s Festival in Autumn
The comfortable weather and beautiful nature of autumn make it perfect for festive events and celebrations. That is why you will find many big festivals and lots of crowds.
Main festivals during this season:
- Thimphu Tshechu (September 26-28, 2020): Every year in Autumn, thousands of locals and tourists gather at the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu city to celebrate one of the biggest Tsechu in the country. The Bhutanese believe that Tsechu is a sacred festival and those attending it will be blessed by the gods.
- Tamshing Phala Choetpa (September 26-28, 2020): Bumthang is a small district in Bhutan, it is famous for having the biggest number of ancient temples and sacred monuments in the country. Here, the festival of Tamshing is held for three days every year. This festival features special dances to honor Pema Lingpa, an important Bhutanese saint.
- Wangdue Tshechu (September 24-26, 2020): Held in Wangdue Phodrang, this festival is famous for a special mask dance called the Dance of the Ox and the exhibition of the sacred thongdrol of Guru Tshengye.
- Jambay Lhakhang Tshechu (October 31st, 2020): Takes place in one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan with the same name, this Tshechu is very significant compared to others. At nights of the festival, there will be a sacred fire ritual where locals gather to perform the ceremony and watch the naked dance.
Exploring Festivals in Bhutan in Winter
Due to the cold weather and snowfall, it is best to visit Bhutan before or after the peak of winter arrives. To a certain extent, it is a good time to travel to the Country of happiness because there will be fewer crowds and lower prices.
Most popular festivals in the winter:
- Trongsa Tshechu (January 4-7, 2020): The 400-year-old Trongsa Dzong is one of the biggest Bhutanese monuments. The Tshechu festival held here is the oldest in the country, which makes this destination be considered as the Tshechu.
- Druk Wangyel Tshechu (December 13, 2020): Unlike other traditional festivals in Bhutan, this Tshechu is rather new and unique as it is organized by the Royal Bhutan Army. The Druk Wangyel Tshechu celebrates the wise 4th king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the strength of the country’s army. The festival is held in Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range, Thimphu.
- Nomad Festival in Bumthang (February 23, 2020): Like the Haa Summer Festival, this event helps tourists to have a glimpse into the life of the proud community of nomads living in Bhutan. Here, visitors are welcomed to put on Bhutanese highlanders traditional costume, dine on delicious food and join in the local activities.
