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Bhutan in June

Green and quiet, but views close in and road delays begin. The Nimalung and Kurjey festivals in Bumthang sometimes fall around now.

TradeoffsMonsoon arriving, highs near 75F (24C), frequent rain
Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
BhutanPhoto: Original: Nina R from Africa Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

June is a month of real tradeoffs in Bhutan. Green and quiet, but views close in and road delays begin. The Nimalung and Kurjey festivals in Bumthang sometimes fall around now.

Weather
Monsoon arriving, highs near 75F (24C), frequent rain
Crowds
2 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What June is like in Bhutan

June brings the monsoon. Highs reach about 75F (24C), rain is frequent, and the valleys turn very green. Mountain views close in, and landslides begin to cause road delays, especially heading east. The Nimalung and Kurjey festivals in Bumthang sometimes fall around now. Crowds and prices are low. Trails get muddy and leeches appear in the forests.

It suits flexible travelers who want green scenery and quiet dzongs and do not mind rain. It is not great for trekking. If you want dry weather and views, go in October, November, March, or April.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Bhutan this month.

01

Bumthang festivals, in some years

The Nimalung and Kurjey festivals sometimes fall in June. Ask your operator whether they overlap your dates.

02

Lush green valleys

Rice fields and forests are at their greenest in early monsoon.

03

Quiet dzongs

With few visitors, you often have courtyards nearly to yourself.

What to pack for June

  • A good rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothes
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Leech socks for forest walks

Our timing tip

Keep extra time in your itinerary for road delays, since monsoon landslides can close sections of the main highway.

Book Bhutan for June.

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Things to do in Bhutan

Full guide
01

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.

Tickets and tours →

02

Punakha Dzong

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

Tickets and tours →

03

Dochula Pass

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

Tickets and tours →

04

Thimphu

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

Tickets and tours →

05

Phobjikha Valley

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

Tickets and tours →

06

Bumthang Valley

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

Tickets and tours →

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 June, quick answers

Is June a good time to visit Bhutan?

June is a month of real tradeoffs in Bhutan. Green and quiet, but views close in and road delays begin. The Nimalung and Kurjey festivals in Bumthang sometimes fall around now.

What is the weather like in Bhutan in June?

Monsoon arriving, highs near 75F (24C), frequent rain.

Is Bhutan crowded in June?

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

Keep planning Bhutan.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Bhutan in MayThe month before: Paro highs near 72F (22C), warm, pre-monsoon showersGood
  2. 02Bhutan in JulyThe month after: Peak monsoon, highs near 77F (25C), heavy rainThink twice
  3. 03Bhutan in OctoberThe next best month: Clear and dry, Paro highs near 68F (20C), cool nightsBest

Also at their best in June

Everywhere in June

Where else is good in June?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

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