As with any visit to a country abroad, when planning to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it is important to consider the best time of the year to go. This varies greatly between individuals and, depending on what sort of traveller you are, the weather may be your priority, or on the other hand you may be more concerned about how busy or quiet the region will be. Bhutan treks and tours in the months during spring and autumn are more comfortable because of the even temperatures and reduced chance of inclement weather; however, these peak times are naturally much busier as well. If you can travel early or late in the peak seasons you will still be able to enjoy good weather but visitor numbers will be a little lower. Another major factor to consider when planning Bhutan treks is the annual festival calendar; an opportunity to experience one of the many colourful events which take place all over the country is not to be missed.

The varying altitudes in the landscape of Bhutan mean that across the different elevations, there can be a huge variation in temperatures. The lower-lying southern regions have a more tropical climate, whilst in the higher valleys even in the milder months evenings can range from cool to very cold.

Spring

Spring runs from late February until the end of May and the temperatures range from around 13 -24 C in Bhutan. Treks during these months can see quite cool evenings and nights, but during the day you can expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine to warm your back on the trail. The Paro Festival, one of the biggest and most important of all the festivals in Bhutan, also take place in the spring.

Summer

The summer months in Bhutan are usually considered to run from the end of May until August. This period also includes what can almost be deemed a fifth season – the rainy season, which encompasses June though to September. The temperatures climb to an average of about 25 C but can often reach up to 29 C. Bhutan treks during the height of the summer months mean, not only extreme temperatures, but heavy monsoonal rainfall and the risk of landslides hampering your progress. Although the rains are welcomed by the farmers as they are vital for their crops, it is not the best time to plan a trek.

Autumn

By September, autumn has arrived in Bhutan. Treks and tours are ideal during the autumnal months as the rain and heat give way to wonderfully mild daytime temperatures with an average of 18 C. The clear skies and pleasant weather make the months between September and November probably the best time for Bhutan treks. They are certainly the most popular, and with good reason; this time of the year is delightful in Bhutan and there are also a lot of festivals which take place around the country.

Winter

Except for the lower-lying southern regions of Bhutan, snow falls over much of the country during the winter months, which are from around December to February. However, despite the colder climes, with an average daytime temperature of about 11 C, the days are often clear and bright and the vision of the snow-capped mountains serve as a magnificent backdrop to the stunning landscape of Bhutan.

Author Bio: Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan Treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Bhutan treks