Bhutan in October: Clear Skies and Festival Season
October is one of the clearest months in Bhutan. Rain is rare, the mountain views are sharp, and many tshechus fall in this month or close to it. Days are mild and nights are cold.
| October at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Weather | About 15 to 16°C by day and 3 to 4°C at night in Paro and Thimphu, with little rain |
| Highlights | Clear skies, mountain views, tshechus in Thimphu, Wangdue and Bumthang |
| Guest tip | Bring layers for cold evenings, and ask us early about festival dates |
The weather
Long term averages for Paro and Thimphu show days at 15 to 16°C and nights at 3 to 4°C. Rain falls on about 4 days in the month, against 13 or 14 in September. Sunshine averages 7 hours a day, and the sun is strong at this height. Nights get colder as the month goes on. These are long term averages for Paro and Thimphu, not a forecast.
Festival season
Many of the big festivals sit in September, October or November, and the year decides which. In 2026 the Jakar Tshechu in Bumthang is listed for 18 to 21 October and Jambay Lhakhang Drup for 26 to 29 October. In 2027 the Wangdue Tshechu is listed for 8 to 10 October and the Thimphu Tshechu for 10 to 12 October. These dates are tentative until the Department of Tourism confirms them. Check our Festival Dates page for the year you travel.
A busy month
October is one of the busiest months for guests. Festival weeks fill hotels and flights first, so ask us early.
What to pack in October
- Layers | T shirt or shirt, fleece, warm jacket | Days are mild and evenings are cold.
- Sun | Sunscreen and sunglasses | The sun is strong at this height.
- Rain | A light jacket | Only about 4 days of rain, but it can happen.
- Shoes | Comfortable walking shoes | You walk a lot on steps and uneven paths.
At temples, dzongs and festivals, cover your shoulders and knees, and take your hat off. For the full list, read our guide to what to pack for Bhutan.
How we build an October journey
If you want to see a festival, we pick the festival dates first and build the route around them. If you want a quieter month, we will tell you honestly whether November suits you better.
Also read: Bhutan in September and Bhutan in November.
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