If you Google ‘when is the best time to visit Bhutan’, you will conclude that Spring and Autumn is the best time to visit Bhutan. It is true that Spring and Autumn has pleasant weather with clear blue sky but it would be wrong to conclude that Spring and Autumn is the best time to visit Bhutan. Winter and Summer has its charm and for some people winter and spring may be a better time to visit Bhutan.
Spring and Autumn is considered season time for travel in Bhutan and in order to get a visa for Bhutan for season time, you will have to buy a minimum daily package of USD 250 dollars per day per person. (Spring is March, April and May. Autumn is September, October and November)
Early spring and late autumn will be chilly in the evenings but compared to Winter, it will be far more pleasant. You can expect clear blue sky on most days in Spring and Autumn. Autumn will be colorful with the rice fields golden in color, ready and ripe for harvest. Since most cultural festival take place in open grounds and in courtyards of the Dzongs, absence of rain and cold is a desired weather to conduct a festival. Spring and Autumn is a good time to catch a cultural festival in Bhutan. Do expect some rain in Autumn and late Spring.
Disadvantages of visiting Bhutan in Spring and Autumn?
- You will see a lot more tourist compared to Winter and Summer.
- The hotels we like our guests to experience are the best three-star properties and it is very difficult to get rooms in these hotels during season. You will have to agree staying at hotels where rooms are available and although they are government approved three-star hotels, you may lose out on getting the best.
- It is more expensive compared to Winter and Summer.
Winter and Summer is considered low season and the minimum
daily package is cheaper and it will cost you 200 US dollars per day per
person.
(Winter is December, January and February. Summer is June, July and August)
Winter in Bhutan is cold but it only gets cold after sundown. Day time is warm under the winter sun and the clear blue sky is a common occurrence, unless it is snowing. Average day temperature will be about 10-15 degree celsius in places like Thimphu and Paro. Punakha and Wangdue is much warmer than Thimphu and Paro. Night temperature may drop a few degrees below zero. Summer in Bhutan is considered as the monsoon season but it does not rain continuously for days, nor does it rain heavily in the northern part of Bhutan which is popular with tourist. Trekking is not recommended in winter and summer.
Advantages of visiting Bhutan in Winter and Autumn?
- You will hardly see any tourist and will be one of the few travelers in the country.
- You will get to experience the best hotels.
- Easy to get air tickets, even during last minute bookings
- Low season minimum daily package is cheaper. USD 200 per day per person.
