Bhutan in September: Rain Easing, Season Opening
September is the end of the monsoon and the start of the autumn season. Rain is still common, though less than in August, and the first big festivals begin. Days are mild and nights are cool.
| September at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Weather | About 17°C by day and 8 to 9°C at night in Paro and Thimphu, with rain on 13 to 14 days |
| Highlights | Green valleys, rain easing, the first big tshechus of the season |
| Guest tip | Pack a light rain jacket and a warm layer for the evenings |
The weather
Long term averages for Paro and Thimphu show days near 17°C and nights at 8 to 9°C. Rain falls on 13 to 14 days, about 250 mm in the month, and sunshine averages 5 hours a day. That is much wetter than October, which has about 4 rainy days. These are long term averages for Paro and Thimphu, not a forecast.
Rain eases through the month. The first half is wetter, with short heavy showers, mostly in the afternoon and evening. The second half is usually clearer and drier, and the mountain views start to open up. Paro and Thimphu are mild. Punakha is warmer, and the southern border towns of Phuentsholing and Gelephu are hot, humid and the wettest. Heavy rain can slow the roads, so keep some room in your plans.
The monsoon is less predictable than it used to be. Rainfall records for Thimphu, Paro and Punakha from Open Meteo and NASA POWER show more September rain in 2006 to 2020 than in 1991 to 2005. In 2024 the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology said the monsoon, which usually ends by the end of September, would stay until mid October. September can still be wet in any year, including 2027, so do not count on a dry start to the month.
Festivals in 2027
In 2027 the big tshechus fall after September. The Tour of the Dragon mountain bike race, from Bumthang to Thimphu, is listed for 5 September. The Thimphu Drubchen is listed for 5 October, the Wangdue Tshechu for 8 to 10 October, the Thimphu Tshechu for 10 to 12 October and the Gangtey Tshechu for 13 to 15 October. The Haa Tshechu is listed for 6 to 8 November. The dates follow the lunar calendar, so the same festival moves from year to year. These dates are tentative until the Department of Tourism confirms them. Check our Festival Dates page for the year you travel.
Festival or drier weather
If you want to see a festival, ask us for the dates early. If rain worries you, October is the drier choice.
What to do in September
Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons, so plan your Tiger’s Nest walk and any long drive for early in the day.
Late September is when trekking begins to open up, as the trails dry out. A shorter walk such as the Druk Path Trek can suit this time of year. Read our guide to trekking in Bhutan for routes and seasons.
September is busier than August and quieter than October. Phobjikha’s black necked cranes arrive in late October, so September is too early to see them.
What to pack in September
- Rain | A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella | Rain can come on most days.
- Layers | T shirt or shirt, plus a fleece for evenings | Days are mild, nights are cool.
- Shoes | Comfortable walking shoes | Paths can be wet, so bring spare socks.
- Small items | Insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitiser | The sun is strong at this height, even on cloudy days.
At temples and dzongs, 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 a September journey
If you want a festival, we pick the dates first and plan the route around them. If you want the lowest chance of rain, we will tell you if October suits you better.
Also read: Bhutan in August and Bhutan in October.
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