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When to go · Thimphu

Thimphu in December

Good month. Cold mornings, sharp views; National Day on 17 Dec.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Temperature
12°C (54°F) / 0°C (32°F)
average high / low
Rain days
1
Crowds
Low
Bhutan overall
Prices
Low
Bhutan overall

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Thimphu

Cold mornings, sharp views; National Day on 17 Dec.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

Is another month better than December?

December is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in December

Long-term averages
  • ThimphuHighs around 12 °C (54 °F), lows around 0 °C (32 °F), rain on about 1 day
  • Western valleys, Bhutan · 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.

Winter season

Frost, sharp light and quiet streets.

Watch: Cold rooms, snow on passes and shorter hours.

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.

  • National Day

    17 Dec · Changlimithang and the dzong

    Ceremonies; roads and access restricted.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Bhutan overall
Low
Prices · Bhutan overall
Low

Bhutan overall: Cold but sunny; National Day on the 17th; best Dochula views.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Thimphu, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Dec: Good

    Mar: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Dec: 12 °C (54 °F)

    Mar: 16 °C (61 °F)

  • Night low

    Dec: 0 °C (32 °F)

    Mar: 4 °C (39 °F)

  • Rain days

    Dec: 1 (better)

    Mar: 6

  • Crowds

    Dec: Low

    Mar: Medium

  • Prices

    Dec: Low

    Mar: Medium

  • Festivals listed

    Dec: 1

    Mar: 3

December: Cold mornings, sharp views; National Day on 17 Dec.

March: Rhododendrons start; festival season begins.

Thimphu: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
  • Layers: a fleece or light jacket

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Bhutan in December →