Bhutan Travel Seasons
Bhutan has a wide range of climates, from hot and humid jungles of the southern foothills to frigid snowcapped peaks in the north, which rise to 7,700 meters. Broadly, the climate of Bhutan can be divided into four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
The four distinctive seasons in Bhutan show off the country and the life of its farmers in four distinct hues. And a drive from South to North covers a wide range of temperatures and altitudes. The contrast is overwhelming: an eight-hour drive starting in the south would take you from the heat of the South Asian lowlands, to a comfortable Mediterranean-like climate one hour later, a cool temperate climate within four hours, and a chilly Siberian climate on the high passes in the North.
SPRING
Spring is a delight as the raw and natural beauty of the earth characterizes Bhutan’s environment. It begins towards the end of February. As the life in the nature begins, farmers welcome the season only to begin their long-awaited farming and hope for a good harvest.
With the bitter cold of the winter fast evaporating and soft touches of heat caressing the whole chime, spring is one of the best seasons to travel and experience beauty in its own way. While farmers get busy in the field, you will also see children robed in identical uniforms with backpacks seeking their own better tomorrow.
Recommended Travels: Trekking in moderate altitude, Rafting, Kayaking
SUMMER
Summer marks the cry of nature. Although the heat gains its prominence towards the equator, the thick lumps of cloud it evaporates escape and move towards the Himalayas bringing the Himalayans a wet monsoon. The rainy season begins around late June and lasts until mid-September.
It is one of the best seasons as the environment and nature mirthfully(Fun, Entertainment) glow in their best green. However, traveling during the summer season would not be described as the best. Due to heavy rain, landslides and floods occur throughout the country creating roadblocks for days. Conveniently nature’s wrath is depicted in the daily tariff and the season itself is declared ‘Low Season.
However, short tours of 4-5 days in the western part of Bhutan can be arranged without having to miss any sites listed in the tour itinerary.
Recommended Travels: Trekking in high altitudes
AUTUMN
Autumn is the judgment season of the farmers and their hard work will have finally paid. Stacks of hay start to pile before most households while meek signs of sudden coolness are felt more towards the evening. The green of nature slowly gives way and the weakened brown twigs fall to the ground.
It is the peak tourist season and most of the much-awaited festivals happen. Thimphu Festival is a popular festival and it is at these times a traveler can see the most colorful Bhutanese people and their culture. You will also witness the rare masked dances which are performed during festivals.
Recommended Travels: Festival Tours
WINTER
The winter has its moments. The days are filled with sunshine and the evening with bitter cold. Landscapes are bare and soft tufts of cloud drape lazily over mountain tops waiting for a new life to blow it across the horizon.
A brush of soft drizzle marks the coming of winter and eventually snowfall becomes common in the northern part of the country. It is a nature’s beauty in white… it is nature’s way to mask its bare landscapes. ‘Bukhari’ is the most common way of the Bhutanese people to keep themselves warm during winter and you can see a slender smoke exhaust peeping out from every household.
Winter is when you see Switzerland in Bhutan.
Recommended Travels: Bird Watching, Trekking in low altitude, Bicycle Trips.
