The best seasons to visit Bhutan are during Spring (March, April & May) and Autumn (September, October & November). The major Bhutanese religious festivals are held during these seasons and fine Spring and Autumn weather makes it an ideal time for trekking in Bhutan and for traveling throughout the country enjoying great views of Himalayan mountains peaks.
Nevertheless, it is possible to visit Bhutan throughout the year as Bhutan has 4 seasons in a year and each season has its own charm as given below:
Spring Season-March, April and May
In Spring the trekking season commences in moderate altitudes. Above 3000 meters’ spectacular rhododendron forests bloom. It is also the perfect time for a rafting tour. In Paro, one of the largest monastic festivals - Paro Tshechu takes place. The temperature is pleasantly mild even up to the Alp regions. Rain comes only in May as the harbinger of the approaching monsoon.
Festivals in Spring:
- Punakha Domchoe from Feb 11-13, 2019
- Punakha Tshechu from Feb 14-17, 2019
- Paro Tshechu from March 27-31, 2018
Summer Season- June, July and August
The Summer brings with it the monsoon, but this weather should not deter Bhutan travelers. In the settled areas of the medium ranges of Central and Western Bhutan, pleasant summer temperatures without heat or humidity can be found. Rain falls for short periods daily but is manageable with adequate planning and equipment provided by Bhutan tour Operators /Bhutan travel agents like Discover Happiness Tours & Travel. Treks in high mountain areas, e.g. the Snowman Trek, are characterized by mild temperatures, verdant green meadows, and pastures of Blue Poppies and Edelweiss. Nomads tending their yaks in the high Alps are a common sight.
Festivals in Summer:
- Bumthang Ura yakchoe from April 26=29, 2018
- Haa Summer Festival from July 14-15, 2018
Autumn Season- September, October and November
Autumn is the traditional high season in Bhutan. September and October have the highest number of tshechus (monastic festivals). Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October and the low rainfall. Rice harvest means a picturesque landscape remarkable terraces and changing color.
Festivals in Autumn:
- Thimphu Drubchen on Sept 15, 2018
- Thimphu Tshechu from Sept 19-21, 2018
- Wangdue Tshechu from Sept 17-19, 2018
- Bumthang Thangbi Mani from Sept 23-25, 2018
- Bumthang Jambhay Lhakhang Drup from Oct 24-27 2018
- Bumthang Prakhar Tshechu from Oct 25-27, 2018
Winter Season-December, January and February
In Winter the South beckons. Dry and pleasant conditions make this the best time of year for bird watching in the jungles, village to village trekking in the lower altitudes or a bicycle trip along quiet mountain roads. The trekking routes in the high mountains are covered in deep snow and are impassable at this time of year. The impressive and endangered Black Necked Crane spends the winter in the high valley of Bumdeling (in eastern Bhutan) and Phobjika (in central Bhutan).
Festivals in Winter:
- Mongar Tshechu from Nov 15-18,2018
- Trashigang Tshechu from Nov 17-19,2018
- Bumthang Nalakhar Tshechu Nov 23-25,2018
- Dochula Druk Wangyel Tshechu Dec 13,2018