When to go · Bhutan
Bhutan in February
Mixed month. Still cold; Losar and Punakha festival; cranes in Phobjikha.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Low
- Bhutan
- Prices
- Low
- Bhutan
Verdict
Still cold; Losar and Punakha festival; cranes in Phobjikha.
Is another month better than February?
February is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- MarchGreatSpring starts, rhododendrons; Paro Tshechu in some years.
- AprilGreatWarm, flowering valleys; Paro Tshechu in some years; hazier views.
- MayGreatWarm and green before the monsoon; good trekking at altitude.
- OctoberGreatThe best month: clear mountains, harvest colours, trekking season, Thimphu Tshechu.
Weather in February
- Western valleys · Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haacool
Punakha (1,200 m) stays mild in winter while Thimphu (2,300 m) drops below freezing at night; October–November gives the clearest Himalayan views.
- Central valleys · Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha (Gangtey)cool
Colder and higher; black-necked cranes winter in Phobjikha from late October to February.
- Southern foothills · Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkharbest weather
Subtropical and very wet in the monsoon; the land gateways to India.
- High treks · Jomolhari, Druk Path, Snowman, Layacool
Passes above 4,500 m hold snow in winter; October is the prime trekking month.
- Central Bhutan: Central Bhutan valleys · Bumthang districtApr
Mild, clear; ideal for trekking and festivals.
- Central Bhutan: Higher altitudes · Ura valleyJan
Cold, possible snow; good for winter scenery if prepared.
- Eastern Bhutan: Eastern Bhutan · Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar, Tashiyangtsecool
Monsoon peaks July–August; October–November offers clear skies.
- Thimphu13 °C (55 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 3 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 3 rain days
- Bajothang14 °C (57 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 5 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 5 rain days
- Damphu17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 3 rain days63 °F (17 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 3 rain days
- Dewathang0 °C (32 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 0 rain days32 °F (0 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 0 rain days
- Gedu16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 3 rain days61 °F (16 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 3 rain days
- Gelephu24 °C (75 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 5 rain days
- Jakar7 °C (45 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 4 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 4 rain days
- Khoma14 °C (57 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 3 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 3 rain days
- Khuruthang19 °C (66 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 2 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 2 rain days
- Lhuentse13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 5 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 5 rain days
- Mebisa18 °C (64 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
- Mongar16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 3 rain days61 °F (16 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 3 rain days
- Phobjikha9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 5 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 5 rain days
- Punakha14 °C (57 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 5 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 5 rain days
- Samdrup Jongkhar22 °C (72 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 7 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 7 rain days
- Tashiyangtse14 °C (57 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 5 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 5 rain days
- Trashigang14 °C (57 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
- Trongsa14 °C (57 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 3 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 3 rain days
- Tsimasham19 °C (66 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 4 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 4 rain days
- Ura14 °C (57 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 3 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 3 rain days
- Wamrong18 °C (64 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 3 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 3 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Losar (Bhutanese New Year) and Punakha Drubchen/Tshechu
Feb–Mar (lunar)
Family holidays; Punakha festival fills the valley's hotels.
Losar (Bhutanese New Year) check
Moves; Feb or Mar · Thimphu
Shops and offices close for days; families travel.
The King's birthday
21 Feb · Thimphu
Public holiday; events in the capital.
Losar, Bhutanese New Year
Mid-Feb or Mar (check) · Thimphu
Shops and offices close for days; families travel; some restaurants shut.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Bhutan
- Low
- Prices · Bhutan
- Low
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Bhutan, side by side.
Verdict
Feb: Mixed
Mar: Great (better)
Crowds
Feb: Low
Mar: Medium
Prices
Feb: Low
Mar: Medium
Festivals listed
Feb: 4
Mar: 4
February: Still cold; Losar and Punakha festival; cranes in Phobjikha.
March: Spring starts, rhododendrons; Paro Tshechu in some years.
Bhutan: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket
Where to go in February
Rated best or good this month
Southern foothills
Best weather of the year (Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar)
Best months: Oct–Mar
Best months: Oct–Apr (dry, cooler)
Best months: Oct–Mar
Best months: Oct–Apr
Best months: Oct–May