Best time to visit Bhutan

In terms of travel, there are three main seasons in Bhutan.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
Peak seasons (March to May and September to November): During these months, the weather is most suitable for traveling, as it tends to be pleasantly dry and mild. The spring is the season of gorgeous rhododendrons blooming, often depicted as a symbol of pure and divine beauty in Asian works of art. Walking along the trail under blooming rhododendron can be compared with Japan's famous cherry blossom trails. On the other hand, Himalayan peaks are at their most visible with the clear skies of autumn. You can take some fantastic shots of the snow-covered mountains while hiking. Furthermore, most Bhutanese holidays occur in autumn and spring, so it is worth planning your trip during these months.

The cold season: The winter months, from December to February, feature rather cold temperatures but are still mostly agreeable for those who are looking to travel the country during its most peaceful time of the year. On average, temperatures are unlikely to fall far below 0ËšC (32ËšF), and in extreme cases would reach -10ËšC (14ËšF). The skies are clear, and there are good chances for some beautiful snowfall in the mountains for fantastic views.

Monsoon season: The summer, from June to the end of August, is when heavy rains are constant. Such weather can make the trip very difficult to the point of being unbearable, and in general, this is not the best time to travel to Bhutan.

WHAT SORT OF WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?
Bhutan's climate varies widely due to the vast differences in altitude and the influence of North Indian monsoons. In the southern foothills, which continue into northern India, the elevation is as low as 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. In contrast, the highlands of the north, bordering the Tibetan Autonomous Region, reach over 7,000 meters (22,966 feet). When planning a trip to Bhutan, the easy rule of thumb is to assume that temperatures drop by around 7°C (12.6˚F) for every 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) of altitude gained.

Southern Bhutan has a hot and humid subtropical climate that is unchanging throughout the year. In Central Bhutan, where most of the population chooses to live (and most tours take place in), the climate is somewhat seasonal, with warm summers and dry winters. In the northern reaches, the weather is significantly colder during winter, including snowfall two to three times. Mountain peaks are permanently covered in snow, and valleys are chilly even in summer.