PopularThe Essential Bhutan Journey
7 daysEffort: ModerateCulture
Two nights each in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
From $1,740 per adult
Bhutan in December
Quiet, bright, cold, winter on the western circuit.
Winter · low seasonPlan my December trip
- Temperature in Paro
- -1–14°C
- Season
- Winter
- Demand
- Low season
- Book
- A few weeks ahead
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
Western circuit (Paro / Thimphu)
Paro and Thimphu: -1 to 14°C (30–57°F). Bright winter sun, frosty mornings.
Punakha (lower valley)
Punakha: 6 to 19°C (43–66°F). Comfortable, winter's warmest western valley.
Central / east (Bumthang / Phobjikha)
Bumthang and Phobjikha: -4 to 10°C (25–50°F). Cold at night.
Festivals in December 2026
13 December 2026
Druk Wangyel Tshechu
Dochula, Thimphu
17–21 December 2026
Trongsa Tshechu
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
17–21 December 2026
Lhuentse Tshechu
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse
22–24 December 2026
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu
Samdrupjongkhar
24–26 December 2026
Nabji Lhakhang Drup
Nabji Lhakhang, Trongsa
Is December right for you?
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
- Insulated jacket and warm layers
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Hiking boots with grip
- Sunglasses (high-altitude sun is intense)
- Lip balm and moisturiser (very dry)
- Warm sleeping liner if staying central or eastern Bhutan
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. Booking your own hotels? You can still arrange a local guide with us.
Tours that suit December
PopularTravelling in December?
Pick a tour or tell us your dates, and we'll send an itemised quote for December.
Planning a little later?
- Bhutan in January-2 to 12°C in Paro and ThimphuCold, clear, quiet, winter at its calmest.
- Bhutan in February-1 to 14°C in Paro and ThimphuCold mornings, festival energy in Punakha.
- Bhutan in March3 to 17°C in Paro and ThimphuSpring blooms, Paro Tshechu, peak conditions begin.
- Bhutan in April7 to 21°C in Paro and ThimphuRhododendrons in full bloom, mild and clear.
← Bhutan in NovemberBhutan in January →Full month-by-month guideCompare trip lengths
Sources for planning your visit
The regional temperature ranges are seasonal planning estimates, not a forecast. Bhutan's official travel guidance explains the seasons and altitude differences. The festival dates below come from the tentative 2026 calendar. Dates in that calendar may already have passed; confirm the calendar for the year you will travel.
A practical start to planning Bhutan
A checklist, sample route, and cost notes for your first visit. We'll send the link straight away.
- 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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