Asia

Bhutan in August

Still rainy, but some travelers like the empty dzongs and green rice terraces. Keep itineraries flexible.

TradeoffsMonsoon continues, highs near 77F (25C), lush and wet

Paro Taktsang, Bhutan — BhutanPhoto: Original: Nina R from Africa Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Bhutan. Still rainy, but some travelers like the empty dzongs and green rice terraces. Keep itineraries flexible.

Weather: Monsoon continues, highs near 77F (25C), lush and wet
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What August is like in Bhutan

August is still monsoon season, with highs near 77F (25C) and frequent rain. The valleys are lush and wet. Some travelers enjoy the empty dzongs and green rice terraces, but views are rare and roads can close. Crowds and prices are low. Leeches are common on forest trails, and flights into Paro can be delayed by low cloud. Toward the end of the month, rain sometimes starts to ease.

It suits flexible travelers who value solitude over views. Keep plans loose. If you want clear skies and festivals, wait for late September or October.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Bhutan this month.

Empty dzongs

Punakha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong are calm, with few other visitors.

Green rice terraces

The terraces are lush and green before they turn gold in September.

Low rates

August is one of the cheapest months for tours and hotels.

What to pack for August

A rain jacket and umbrella
Waterproof hiking shoes
Leech socks
Layers for cool evenings

Our timing tip

Book refundable or flexible travel in August, since landslides can close roads for hours or days.

Book Bhutan for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Bhutan
Opens a hotel search for Bhutan in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Bhutan
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Bhutan
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bhutan for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Bhutan

Full guide

Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

The cliffside monastery is a steep 2 to 3 hour hike up. Start early for cooler air and softer light on the temple.

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Punakha Dzong

The most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the jacaranda trees bloom around it.

Tickets and tours →

Dochula Pass

108 memorial chortens and, on a clear fall or winter morning, a sweeping view of the eastern Himalaya.

Tickets and tours →

Thimphu

The capital without traffic lights: the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, the weekend market, and the National Memorial Chorten.

Tickets and tours →

Phobjikha Valley

A glacial valley where black-necked cranes winter from about late October to February. Quiet farmhouse stays and forest walks.

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Bumthang Valley

Bhutan's spiritual heartland with some of its oldest temples. A long drive east, best in spring or fall.

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Beat the crowds

Visit in November rather than October: the weather is just as clear and demand eases after the Thimphu Tshechu.
If you want a festival without the biggest crowds, look at smaller district tshechus rather than Paro or Thimphu. Your tour operator can match one to your dates.
Hike Tiger's Nest as early as the trail opens, or pick a weekday outside festival weeks when domestic visitors are fewer.
Consider December through February for Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha: cold, clear, and very quiet, with lower hotel demand.

Know before you go

Most visitors book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, and a licensed guide is required for most travel beyond Thimphu and Paro. Check current entry rules before booking.
Dzongs usually open to visitors only outside office hours on working days and fully on weekends and holidays; some sections stay closed to visitors at all times.
Monsoon landslides (June to August) can close sections of the lateral highway for hours or days, especially heading east toward Bumthang.
High treks such as the Snowman Trek have short windows, mainly in October, and are often cancelled when passes are snowbound.

Bhutan in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Bhutan?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Bhutan. Still rainy, but some travelers like the empty dzongs and green rice terraces. Keep itineraries flexible.

What is the weather like in Bhutan in August?

Monsoon continues, highs near 77F (25C), lush and wet.

Is Bhutan crowded in August?

August is one of the quieter months in Bhutan; most sights can be done without long waits.