Bhutan Travel Expert, James Irving, offers his advice on the best time to Visit Bhutan
‘The best time to visit Bhutan?’ This is a question often asked. Check out James’ latest video and read on below for more details.
Bhutan is genuinely an ‘all-year round destination’ and a rewarding experience is on offer every month of the year. However, depending on your interests, some periods may be more suitable than others.
Hot Tip! – Go in the low season periods of June-August (summer) or December-February (winter) to beat the crowds & pay less!
Excellent reasons to travel to Bhutan any time of year!
Winter Period – DEC-FEB:
* Often clear days and very dry, so great for cultural sightseeing, exploring & valley hiking.
* Perfect for photography with plenty of sunshine. Himalaya vistas on offer.
* Only occasional snow, the capital Thimphu only averages 3 falls per winter.
* Cold overnight & early mornings (frosty) but pleasant, often mild, daytime temps.
* Less tourist visitors and lower pricing.Spring Period – MAR-MAY:
* Settled weather with warmer temps and little chance of rain.
* Suitable for high-altitude trekking with more chance of avoiding snow, ice and storms.
* A number of major festivals take place during these months.
* More tourist visitors so a better chance of small group tours operating.
* Excellent time for motorcycling!
* Peak season pricing applies. Himalaya vistas also on offer.
* More tourist visitors so a better chance of small group tours operating.
* Great time for using domestic flights to central Bhutan or eastern Bhutan to reduce the amount of driving on your tour itinerary.Summer Period – JUN-AUG:
Special Note! It has been our personal experience that climate-change has caused the summer monsoon season to move from JUN-AUG to JUL-SEP. This means June is often still drier and a great time to visit for hiking/motorcycling and general exploring.
* Warmer weather with regular afternoon/overnight rain.
* Bhutan is so green and waterfalls abound. A very pretty time to visit!
* Low tourist numbers and low season pricing.
* Often cloudy so Himalaya vistas less likely.
* Domestic flights in Bhutan can be erratic during July-August. Best for shorter road itineraries.Autumn/Fall Period – SEP-NOV:
Special Note! September, often an important month for festivals, has become wetter over the last decade. It is now NOT recommended for high-altitude trekking.
* A great cultural period for those wanting to visit festivals.
* OCT to mid-NOV excellent for high-altitude trekking & motor-biking.
* Weather stabilizes from early OCT and remains drier. From mid-NOV there is increasing chance of snow at high passes.
* More tourist visitors so a better chance of small group tours operating.
* Peak season for pricing. Himalaya vistas on offer from OCT onwards.
* Great time for using domestic flights to central Bhutan or eastern Bhutan to reduce the amount of driving on your tour itinerary.
 | Bhutan Travel Expert – James Irving. James has worked in the travel industry for over 40 years & has been involved in the leisure, corporate, group, sport, incentive & wholesale travel genres. James loves rugby union, and keenly supports the Queensland Reds and the Australian Wallabies. |
