Is it a Good Time to Visit Bhutan in June?
Summer in Bhutan experiences lower footfall due to the misconception that it is officially tagged as a monsoon month. But unlike its surrounding regions, Bhutan experiences, very little rain in June, mostly restricted to late afternoon showers leaving behind clear blue skies and rejuvenated greens. June is often a concern amongst travellers when it comes to the Himalayan belt. It happens to be an unpredictable period when the onset of the monsoon is expected. In Bhutan, monsoon sets its full swing by July. If the rains decide to tarry for a bit, you are in for a great retreat at off-season rates and without the crowd of travellers all around!Bhutan Weather in June
Temperatures go to a maximum of 22-degree Celcius. The average hovers around 17-degree Celcius. While June is not the month for the most torrential rains in Bhutan, it is still a month of strong winds across the kingdom. The temperatures remain around the average in central Bhutan, in the Bhumthang and Tronsang. They rise westward up to 30 degrees Celcius in the regions of Punakha and Thimpu.
Thimpu is only a short drive from Paro. It is higher than Paro and experiences rain over a short period, leaving most of the month sunny. Temperatures range from 12-21 degree celcius.
- Thimpu Weather in June
Lying in the Buthhang valley, Jakar is a lot warmer than Paro and Thimpu with less rainfall. The range of temperatures are similar to them, but they feel warmer due to the slower winds because the surrounding hills naturally protect them.
- Jakar Weather in June
Bumthang is renowned for its stunning landscape and jaw-dropping scenery. It has slightly warmer temperatures between 13-23 degree celcius. It receives moderate rainfall during June, with more than half the month being sunny and bright.
- Bumthang Weather in June
Lies to the east of Thimpu. It lies at a lower elevation than the capital and hence receives denser rains. Temperatures range between 19-23 degree celcius.
- Punakha Weather in June
How About Sightseeing in Bhutan in June?
Bhutan owes the seasonal grace to its relatively immense range of elevation and geographical vantage points that allow it to feature five seasons: all to the pleasure of the people. The weather in June is warm, with the southern parts of the kingdom bearing most of the monsoon brunt while the northern regions are comfortably humid. The rains are usually confined to later in the day, leaving a lot of time for touring and closing the day on a relaxing note.
Late June rains make it not the most ideal for treks. However, trails leading from Paro go towards higher altitudes which do not share the showers with the lower regions. The view at the top is a stunning expanse of snow-capped mountains and boundless prairies in the glorious sun. June is the month when trekkers begin their hike to catch the view before the monsoon covers the peaks entirely.
Festivals and Treks You Must Not Miss
Bumthang Valley
- Amidst all the ambiguities of the weather, the Bumthang Valley is the life of Bhutanese life, culture and nature in June. Bumthang offers the best of views to the best of festivals that allow you to peek into the confluence of nature and life of the locals.
- Treks in the Bumthang valley, are soft trails either through the forests or the rhododendron-lined mountain roads. The lower crowds during this season ensure that you experience Bhutan at its most pristine.
- Bumthang hosts one of the most revered temples of Bhutan, the Jakar Dzong. It lies on a ridge above Jakar town. It is the largest Dzong in the kingdom. Its circumference is more than 1500 meters and unavoidable if you are in the valley.
Punakha Valley
Punakha valley is the hub of terraced rice farming. The breathtaking serrated lush green fields can be sighted from the hills or along the trekking route. By this point in the season, the domineering light green shades have begun to turn into richer dark green. You must be handy with your rain gear, though an umbrella and a raincoat are enough to see you through the afternoon showers.In June, there are only two festivals in all of Bhutan, both, in the heart of Bumthang valley.
Nimalung Tshechu
Where: Nimalung Drashtang, Chimmi, BumthangNimalung Tshechu is a 3-day festival, begins with the chams and dances performed across Dzongkhags. On the final day, people receive blessings in the presence of Guru Tshengye Thongdrol. People also get to witness the Guru Tshengye cham, and Drametse Nga Cham performed by the monks of Nimalung Dratshang.
Kurjey Tshechu
Where: Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BumthangThis Tshechu is celebrated in Kurjey Lhakhang in the Bumthang valley. People attend it to pay obedience to Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is a one-day festival. The chams and dances include the Guru Tshengye and Shinjay cham performed by the monks of Kurjey Lhakhang. It terminates with the unfurling of a giant Buddha Thangka painting known as "thongdrel".
Insider Tips
- Treks are quite a task to sustain in June. Most treks start from the capital. Some terminate in peaks or viewpoints; others bring you to the lakes and valleys. No matter what the destination, you must be prepared with your rain gear in advance.
- Try to avoid visiting low lying areas. They tend to receive higher precipitation. The terraced fields in the valleys are a treat to the eye, but the rain makes it a muddy business in June. Equip yourself with a good set of boots and clothes that you don't mind soiling.
- While the first part of the month witnesses less rain, the rains become increasingly confined to the latter half of the day as we come close to the end of the month. The ideal part of the month to visit Bhutan would be the two weeks in the middle of the month, somewhere between the 7th-22nd of June.