Bhutan in December
Quiet, bright, cold, winter on the western circuit.
December can offer clear days and quieter sightseeing, with cold mornings and nights. The Druk Wangyel Tshechu at Dochula is a reason to check the festival calendar before choosing dates. Higher roads may need a backup plan after snow.
Weather and temperatures in December
Paro and Thimphu: -1 to 14°C (30–57°F). Bright winter sun, frosty mornings.
Punakha: 6 to 19°C (43–66°F). Comfortable, winter's warmest western valley.
Bumthang and Phobjikha: -4 to 10°C (25–50°F). Cold at night.
Festivals in December 2026
Best for
Travellers comfortable with winter temperatures who want quieter visits and low winter light for photography. Confirm heating at your accommodation.
Caveats
High passes (Pele La, Thrumshing La) can close briefly with snow. Some homestays in Phobjikha and Bumthang close for the season.
What to pack for December
Pricing in December
Package prices can change. Your quote confirms the current price, hotel availability and any optional upgrades or custom arrangements for your dates. Quieter travel periods can offer more choice, but confirm hotels, flights, and visa arrangements before booking. See our full Bhutan cost breakdown for what's included and excluded, and our visa requirements guide for the entry paperwork.
Tours that fit December
Compare other months
The neighbouring months, useful if Decemberdoesn't quite work for your dates.
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- A workable seven-day itinerary
- A before-you-book checklist
- A simple guide to Bhutan's seasons
- Visa, permits, and the nightly SDF explained
- What to budget and what to pack
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