Are you planning a trip to Bhutan in February? Read on to learn more about February weather in Bhutan, clothes to wear for the weather, February's travel situation, and best places to visit in Bhutan in February.
Bhutan Weather in February: Overview
- Average temperature range: 0–17°C (39–62°F)
- Average rainfall: 30–80 mm (1–3 inches), depending on location
- Average rainy days: 4–10
- Average sunny days: 10–20
February is the last month of winter in Bhutan. The weather of Bhutan is cold in high altitude places and pleasantly cool in the lowlands, with an average temperature range from 0°C to 17°C. At high altitude, including in Thimphu, Paro, and Bumthang, the low temperatures can drop to -4°C (25°F) and the lowlands at the east can get up to 25°C (77°F).
Bhutan's Major Cities' Weather in February
| City | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | 1 | 14 | 11 |
| Paro | -4 | 9 | 10 |
| Punakha | -6 | 8 | 12 |
Thimphu: The weather of Thimphu is cold at night and cool during the day, with the daily temperature ranging from 1°C (33°F) to 14°C (57°F) on average. Rainfall is rare in Thimphu in February, with typically only 1 day of rain.
Paro: It is dry and cold in Paro in February. The daily low temperature averages -4°C (25°F) and the high temperature reaches just 9°C (48°F) on average. Rainfall in February is around 10mm, which usually falls on 1–2 days.
Punakha: It is very cold and dry in Punakha in February. The daily low temperature is around -6°C (22°F) and the average high temperature is 8°C (46°F). Rainfall is rare in February, with about 1–2 days of rain.
Find more travel tips about planning a trip to Bhutan.
The Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in February
February is the last month of winter in Bhutan. More travelers visit Bhutan as February goes on, especially later in the month. It is a good time to save money. Here are some of the best places you can visit in February:
1. Explore the Oldest National Park: Royal Manas Park, Thimphu
February is a good time to visit Royal Manas Park, as the weather is not so cold in this low altitude area. The oldest national park in Bhutan, Royal Manas Park is Bhutan's top wildlife park for animal specialists and nature lovers. Covering an area of 1057 sq. km (408 sq. mi), the park is well-known for its great biodiversity, which covers numerous endangered wildlife species, including the one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, Gangetic dolphin, Himalayan black bear, and many more. If you are lucky enough, you can see the rare golden langur in the park. It is a popular destination for family travelers with kids. Remember to wear good walking shoes/boots and carry waterproofs in case of rain or cold winds.
2. Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum
If you are interested in Bhutanese folk culture and heritage, the National Folk Heritage Museum should be on your list. Established in 2001 in Thimphu, the three-story earthen building holds numerous artefacts, including those used for wine brewing, rice roasting and pounding, oil extraction, and other traditional Bhutanese life practices. The museum is set amidst green mountains, paddy fields, wheat fields, vegetable fields, and flower gardens. The whole spot is a popular photography site.
3. Enjoy the Natural Beauty and Cultural Sights of Rinpung Dzong, Paro
If you don't want to go out hiking in the cold weather of Paro, then Rinpung Dzong can be a good place to learn more about Bhutan's culture in February. Located at the top of a hill above Pachu, Rinpung Dzong is regarded as a house of intangible-heritage jewels in Bhutan. There are 14 shrines and chapels in this dzong (a fortified monastic/administrative compound), one of the best-known religious sites in Bhutan. Its perfect location on a steep hillside offers amazing views of the valley and hills. Numerous photography gurus are attracted by its breathtaking views.
4. Visit the National Museum, Paro
If you need an idea for what to do in the cold afternoons in Paro, then the National Museum is a good choice to enrich your knowledge about Bhutan and its culture. Located above Paro Dzong in Paro district, the National Museum is not only famous for its large numbers of collections but also for its stunning views and its unique building structure. Collections in the National Museum include arms, ritual objects, clothes, jewelry, religious articles, scroll paintings, and much more. A half-day there can bring you closer to the culture of Bhutan.
5. Send your personalized stamps from Philatelic Bureau, Thimphu
Especially if Thimphu is your last destination in Bhutan, then the Philatelic Bureau is a good place to send your postcards to friends and family. It is also a must-visit place for people whose hobby is collecting stamps. You can make your own customized stamp by using your own pictures in this post office at a reasonable price. It could be a great surprise or delight for your friends/family to receive a personalized stamp or postcard from a faraway country.
Crowding and Costs in February
February is the last month of winter in Bhutan. There are few travelers visiting Bhutan in this month. You don't have to worry about crowds at all. Tours and hotels are still using their low season prices. It is a good time to get great deals in Bhutan's luxury boutiques or top-rated accommodations.
What to Bring/Wear in February
It is definitely cold in February in Bhutan. You'd better pack plenty of warm clothes —sweaters, thick trousers, jeans, winter coats... — with some lighter trousers and a lighter coat to change into as mild temperatures may be encountered in the lowland on warm days. An outdoor technical shell layer with removable fleece inner would be ideal. Rainfall is rare in February in most parts of Bhutan. An umbrella is probably inadvisable. Waterproof jackets that double as windproof layers will cope with rainy days and windchill.
Explore Bhutan with Asia Highlights
If you want to explore Bhutan and experience its many delights, get in touch with us. We can help you navigate Bhutan's changing seasons and assist you in picking the perfect time to visit its top attractions. With Asia Highlights, you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).
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