July is the wettest month of the year in Bhutan and also one of the hottest. The monsoon rains are at their peak, bringing frequent and often heavy showers throughout the country. Temperatures are generally warm, particularly in the south, where high humidity makes for a hot and damp environment. Despite these conditions, July in Bhutan has its own charm, offering lush, green landscapes, lower travel costs, and unique cultural experiences for those willing to embrace the rainy season. For the ones who wish to travel to Bhutan for trekking, July is not a great month to do so.
Weather in Bhutan in July
July sets the beginning of the monsoon season in Bhutan, and hardly any travelers are too keen on visiting the country during this time of the year. The monsoon precipitations, which come up from India and the Indian monsoon, make July probably the wettest month of the year in Bhutan, which is also an exceptionally damp period in the country as well. In the higher altitudes, visibility can be poor, with low cloud spread, and a great part of the country is extremely wet and sloppy for trekking, which is the most popular tourist activity in Bhutan.
The monsoon transforms Bhutan’s countryside into a vibrant green paradise, with fresh vegetation and blooming wildflowers, creating scenic views across rural areas. It is part of Bhutan’s low tourist season, so you can find lower prices for flights, accommodation, and tours. Even luxury and boutique hotels offer discounts, making July a more affordable time to experience Bhutan’s renowned hospitality. However, Monsoon rains can impact flights into Paro Airport and make mountain roads susceptible to mudslides. Travelers should be prepared for possible delays and avoid tight travel connections. Also, Cloud cover and rain often obscure views of Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks, so July may not be ideal for those hoping for clear mountain vistas.
Paro Weather in July
July is the wettest month in Paro, with more than 450mm of precipitation throughout the month. This place experiences an upsurge of cloud cover, and most days are usually overcast with pretty low visibility. The temperature averages 18 degrees lowest and can go up to 22 degrees during the day and around 14 degrees at night.Bumthang Weather in July
In July, most of Bumthang is warm, with a much lower percentage of rain than other parts of Bhutan, like Paro or Thimphu. The surrounding mountains actually protect Bumthang from heavier rains, and hence, it is one of the few drier places in Bhutan during July. During the daytime, the temperature can reach 21 degrees, and at night, it can drop to 13 degrees or so.Thimphu Weather in July
Thimphu is located just a few hours away from Paro, which is the capital city of Bhutan. It is one of the wettest parts of Bhutan during July, and the rate of precipitation during July is around 373 mm. At night, the temperature may go down to 13 degrees and it is around 18 degrees during the day. For travelers, Thimphu is a little cooler during July.Jakar Weather in July
July in Jakar is all about warm temperatures throughout the day with just a little bit of precipitation. Jakar, therefore, is relatively less wet and warmer than other parts of Bhutan. During the day, the temperature ranges up to 22 degrees and at night, it goes down to around 13 degrees Celsius. Hence, planning a trip to Jakar during July is pretty comfortable.Punakha Weather in July
Punakha is situated in the northern part of Bhutan, and it is one of the wettest areas in July. This place sees a very high amount of precipitation with as much a 740 mm all throughout the day. Temperatures are also warmer, and it's around 27 degrees during the daytime, which dips down to around 19 degrees at night. Punakha, therefore, is usually hot and humid during the month of July.Sightseeing in Bhutan in July
1. Kuensel Phodrang
Firstly, the Kuensel Phodrang, also known as the Buddha Point, is one of the heritage sights in Bhutan which you shouldn’t miss. It is a huge statue of Lord Buddha and is commonly known as the Buddha Point.2. National Library
In case you are a history buff, the National Library of Bhutan will give you an insight into the country along with a glimpse of its cultural heritage.3. Tashichho Dzong Fortress
Tashichho Dzong Fortress is another Buddhist Monastery in Bhutan which is located in the northern part of Thimphu and is a good place to explore during the month of July.4. The Folk Heritage Museum
This is a 150-year-old 3 storey, timber and mud building, which is actually a museum, conserving the heritage and culture of the Buddhist community.
5. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
And finally, this place will give you a feeling of peace and tranquillity as it was built to keep off the evil spirits and was built as per the designs in their Holy Scriptures.Local Festivals in Bhutan in July
Bhutan is all about celebrating life and happiness and hence, it has a bunch of local festivities which happens all throughout the year. Here are a few which you can experience being a part of during the month of July. Let's have a look!
1. Haa Summer Festival
Timing: The mid-July.
This is a festival to celebrate the unique nomadic traditions and culture of the Haa valley in Bhutan. It explores the traditional living culture of the valley with local songs, dances, and indigenous sports and also gives an insight into the real lifestyle of the nomadic herders. This festival also celebrates local cuisines, especially the food options in the Haa Valley.
2. Bumthang Nimalung Tsechu Festival
Timing: End of June-Early July.
This beautiful country celebrates each festival with grandeur. During this Buddhist festival in the Bumthang region of Bhutan, the local people perfectly capture the traditional Bhutanese heritage and culture through celebrations of dance, song, and food. This festival is actually the perfect mix of old and new in Bhutan, which you must not miss in case you are there in July.
Tips for Travellers in July
- Bhutan in July is generally wet in most parts of the country. Hence, you need to carry clothes accordingly.
- As it is the low tourist season in Bhutan, you can get the best rates in hotels and resorts. However, make sure that you book your stay early.
- Hiking is not safe during this month in Bhutan, and hence, you must avoid it at any cost.
- Buying tobacco or smoking in public is absolutely prohibited in Bhutan. You need to be extra careful regarding this in order to avoid any unnecessary issues during your stay there.
- In case you wish to explore the real Bhutanese culture, you can opt for a homestay. There are plenty of options regarding this, and choosing one shouldn't be a problem.
- Tuesdays are national dry days in the country and the sale of alcohol is prohibited during this day of the week.
