Visiting Bhutan in March: Spring Weather and Best Things to Do

February,26 20250 Comment

March is the start of spring in Bhutan with the warm and comfortable weather for visiting most attractions in the Himalayan Kingdom. It is also the beginning of the first peak season of the year for Bhutan travel. If you are planning visit Bhutan in March, here are the detailed weather condition and recommended things to do for the spring travel in Bhutan.

Weather and Temperature of Bhutan in March: The Start of Stunning Spring

March is actually one of the best time to visit Bhutan, as the winter weather gives way to more pleasant conditions. The bright spring skies are clear and fresh, and the views of the mountains are stunning. Temperatures begin to warm up in March, rising to comfortable daytime highs. Warm spring breezes start to defrost northern Bhutan and bring the country’s stunning scenery back to life. With the warming weather, vegetation starts to bud with renewed life, and by the middle of March, you can see lush new leaves covering trees across the countryside.

Destination	Average Max Temp	Average Min Temp	Average Rainfall
Paro	14°C	4°C	2mm
Thimphu	13°C	4°C	2mm
Punakha	22°C	10°C	2mm
Bumthang	4°C	-5°C	5mm

The weather in March is comfortable across most of the country, with only a few places still feeling a little chilly at night. In Paro and Thimphu, the temperatures rise throughout the month, averaging around 8-9°C during the daytime. On the hottest days, temperature can hit double-digit highs of 13-14°C.

Punakha has the best March weather out of any destination in the country. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunny days are ideal for sightseeing and trekking. Average temperatures during the day are usually around 16-17°C, and the valley often sees highs of up to 22°C on the hottest days of the month.

The valleys of Bumthang are a little colder than in the capital. Bumthang has an average temperature of 1-2°C across Dzongkhag and daytime highs that reach about 4-5°C. There are plenty of places in Bumthang where temperatures can still drop to below freezing at night. In Jakar, right in the middle of Bumthang’s four valleys, temperatures are generally higher than the average. Daytime temperatures average around 7-8°C, while highs climb up to as high as 12°C on the hotter days.

March is a time of almost no rain throughout the north of the country. From Paro in the west to Bumthang in central Bhutan, rainfall is as low as 2mm-5mm for the entire month. Winds are a little stronger in Bumthang and Punakha. The warming breeze that blows through the valleys makes for pleasant outdoor conditions.

The southern areas of Bhutan are generally warmer than the central and northern areas. Lowland areas such as Phuentsholing are already seeing temperatures as high as 25-26 degrees and have more monthly rainfall than further north.

Bhutan Weather in March

#1 Thing to Do: Enjoy the Stunning Spring Views of Bhutan

The warm spring season brings clear, bright weather for stunning views of the unique landscapes around Bhutan. From Paro to Thimphu and Punakha, sightseeing is an incredible experience in March, with the new growth of spring making the architecture of these stunning Dzongkhags come to life.

Blooming trees and flowers cover the landscapes. At Punakha Dzong, you can stand under the Jacaranda trees or see the colorful rhododendrons at Lamperi Botanical Gardens. March is also an idea month to take the Jomolhari Trek to surround yourself with stunning mountain peaks, or hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery for clear views of the Paro Valley from the dramatic setting perched on the cliffside.

View of the Himalaya Mountains in Bhutan in March

In March you can get a better view of the Himalaya Mountains in Bhutan.

#2 Thing to Do: Trek in the Himalayas of Bhutan

In Bhutan, March is the start of serious trekking season and is one of the most popular times of year for hiking in the mountains and valleys of this last true Himalayan Shangri La. The rising temperatures bring ideal trekking conditions for tackling the amazing routes of this stunning country. After the cold winter, the temperatures at night are more comfortable for camping out in a tent, which you will do on all of the beautiful treks in Bhutan.

The lush green of the new growth hits the trekking trails. Bhutan’s famous rhododendron trees come alive with dark emerald green leaves and the first of the new buds for the spring blossoms. Later in March, the rhododendron blossom starts to appear, and the valleys and hillsides of the many treks come alive with a colorful palette of pink, red, and white blossoms. Try the Druk Path Trek or hike up to the Taktshang Monastery to enjoy the amazing scenery.

March is the start trekking season In Bhutan

#3 Thing to Do: Experience the Punakha Tshechu Festival (March 9 to 11, 2025)

The Punakha Tshechu is a hugely popular festival for locals and tourists, which falls on the 10th day of the 2nd month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar. In 2025, the Punakha Tshechu Festival will take place from March 9-11 in the Gregorian calendar.

The Punakha Tshechu takes place at Punakha Dzong, the former administrative capital. The highlight of the festival is the unfurling of one of the most remarkable Thongdroels in Bhutan. Thousands of people gather to watch the unveiling of the ancient brocade. It depicts the Guru Rinpoche in the seated lotus position normally accredited to Buddha, and Buddhists believe that the mere sight of the Thongdroel cleanses onlookers of the sins of the past year.

Like all major festivals in Bhutan, you’ll also be able to enjoy local food and see traditional performances. If you are planning to take a Bhutan festival tour during the Punakha Tshechu, it is better to book you tour as early as possible to ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid the risk of hotels or flights selling out during this popular event.

If you're visiting Bhutan this March, don't miss the Punakha Tshechu Festival, held from March 9 to 11.

#4 Thing to Do: Go Birdwatching in Phobjikha Valley in Central Bhutan

March is also the last chance to catch a final glimpse of the cranes in Phobjikha Valley before they migrate north for the season.

The famous black-necked cranes and other species come to Bhutan during winter, seeking warmer weather. In Wangdue Phodrang, you can see the graceful animals as they prepare for their annual migrations northwards in March.

As the weather warms up, the cranes get ready to depart for their summer breeding grounds in northern Tibet. As they depart, the cranes lift off as one, in great flocks. They circle the famous Gangtey Monastery three times before heading northwards, back to their summer resorts on the Tibetan plateau.

It is still possible to see black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley during your Bhutan tour in March.

How much does it cost to visit Bhutan in March?

March is the start of spring and the start of the tourist peak season for Bhutan tour. This means that the cheaper tours of the winter are now over. Tourism in Bhutan is heavily controlled, and all tourists are required to be on pre-arranged organized tours with a registered travel agency.

The cost of Bhutan tours in the peak months is often rated as expensive, but when you consider that the 250 US dollars a day that you are required to pay covers everything, then it begins to look a little less costly.

Bhutan has a policy of requiring a minimum daily amount of 250 US dollars per night for tourists, known as the Minimum Daily Package (MDP). This is required for all tourists and gives you a three-star hotel, full board for all meals, all transport and travel costs, your personal guide and driver with a private vehicle, complimentary bottled water for most tours, and all of the ticket and permit requirements. In fact, the only thing you pay for outside the MDP fee is the visa cost, and your personal purchases, such as alcohol, soft drinks, etc.

There is also a surcharge that is charged at 40 dollars per day for solo travelers and 30 dollars per person per day for couples. However, if you join a group tour, or are in parties of three or more, this surcharge is waived.

Bhutanese Ngultrum

What to wear when visiting Bhutan in March?

While it can get chilly at times in the late evenings, March is the first month when you may find yourself comfortable without a warm fleece jacket. T-shirts and light sweaters are the order of the day in this first month of spring, with light slacks or thinner jeans.

If you plan on trekking, dress in layers to be ready for the colder, high altitudes. Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots are recommended for everyone, as the ground in much of Bhutan outside the city streets is still rough and rocky.

You’ll be outside a lot of the time, so sun protection is essential. Bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your skin. This is especially important for those heading out trekking, as the sun gets stronger in March, especially in the high-altitude areas where the atmosphere is much thinner. While the winds are warm, they can also be chaffing for your lips and face. Make sure you carry moisturizer and lip balm to avoid dry and cracked skin.

Bring sunglasses when visit Bhutan in March

Don't forget to bring your sunglasses while visitng Bhutan in March.

Book Your Bhutan Tour Early for the March Peak Season!

The best advice for traveling to Bhutan during the peak season in March is to book your Bhutan tour as far in advance as possible. Planning 3-6 months ahead of time is not too early.

There is no limit to the number of tourists allowed in Bhutan, but reservations can fill up very quickly during peak times. Flight tickets, hotel rooms, and tour spots are limited compared to other countries. To secure the dates and itinerary you want, it’s best to make your plans far ahead of time.

Conclusion

March is the start of spring, the start of the peak tourism season, and the start of the warm trekking weather in Bhutan. Rated as one of the most popular months of the year, it is the best time for getting to see the new growth of the trees and foliage in Bhutan at the start of spring and is an auspicious time in Bhutan’s Tibetan Buddhism.

While it is not exactly as low-cost as the winter and summer months, it is a guarantee that you will find March is one of the most exciting and adventurous times to travel to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.