Asia
Bhutan in May
Pleasant valleys and fewer visitors, but mountain views are hazier and rain increases late in the month.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Bhutan. Pleasant valleys and fewer visitors, but mountain views are hazier and rain increases late in the month.
- Weather
- Paro highs near 72F (22C), warm, pre-monsoon showers
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Bhutan
May is warm and pleasant in the valleys, with Paro highs near 72F (22C). Pre-monsoon showers increase through the month, and the mountain views get hazier. Crowds thin out after April, and prices ease. The valleys are green and lovely for walks, and it is a good month for relaxed touring. Evenings are mild.
It suits travelers who care more about quiet valleys than big Himalayan views. Families will find it comfortable. If clear mountain views are the goal, come back in October or November, when the air is at its sharpest.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Bhutan this month.
Green valleys and fewer visitors
After the April rush, Paro and Thimphu feel calm, and the fields are fresh and green.
Thimphu's weekend market
Warm weekends are nice for browsing the market and visiting the Buddha Dordenma statue.
Bumthang's old temples
Spring is one of the best seasons to make the long drive east to Bumthang's temples.
What to pack for May
- A rain jacket
- Light layers
- Walking shoes
- Sunscreen
Our timing tip
Plan Tiger's Nest and Dochula for the early part of May, before rain and haze increase late in the month.
Book Bhutan for May.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BhutanOpens a hotel search for Bhutan in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in BhutanWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in BhutanTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bhutan for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Bhutan
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.
Punakha Dzong
The most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the jacaranda trees bloom around it.
Dochula Pass
108 memorial chortens and, on a clear fall or winter morning, a sweeping view of the eastern Himalaya.
Thimphu
The capital without traffic lights: the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, the weekend market, and the National Memorial Chorten.
Phobjikha Valley
A glacial valley where black-necked cranes winter from about late October to February. Quiet farmhouse stays and forest walks.
Bumthang Valley
Bhutan's spiritual heartland with some of its oldest temples. A long drive east, best in spring or fall.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Bhutan?
May is a good month to visit Bhutan. Pleasant valleys and fewer visitors, but mountain views are hazier and rain increases late in the month.
What is the weather like in Bhutan in May?
Paro highs near 72F (22C), warm, pre-monsoon showers.
Is Bhutan crowded in May?
Crowds in Bhutan are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Bhutan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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