Visiting Bhutan in February: Does it snow in Bhutan in February?

Lying in the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by Tibet Autonomous Region, Nepal and India, Bhutan is a land of varying climates, with almost sub-tropical climates in the south along the border with India, and Himalayan temperature plateau climate in the north along the main ridge of the Himalayas.

It seems to be a cold land in winter when the mountain peaks are all covered by white snow. Does it snow in Bhutan in February? Will it be too cold to visit Bhutan in February? Knowing where you can visit in February is an important part of your Bhutan tour planning. And here, you can find the answers to the questions you may have about visiting Bhutan in February.

Does it snow in Bhutan in February?

With Bhutan lying on the southern edge of the Himalayas, you can safely say that it DOES snow in Bhutan in February. However, it may not snow in the lower altitudes, since the climates are very different from north to south.

Bhutan has four distinct seasons, and February falls in the winter season, which generally runs from late November to the beginning of March. Normally, at higer altitudes that have snow, you can expect to see the major snowfall in early February, and the snows can even disrupt road transport to eastern Bhutan. However, there is no set date for snowfall, and in some years, almost none is seen in the colder areas that normally see at least a little snow.

Where to See Snow in Bhutan in February?

If you want to see snow in Bhutan in February, you do not have to go that far. There are several places where you can go where you are more likely to encounter heavier snowfall.

The Tiger’s Nest, also known as the Taktshang Monastery, lies more than 900 meters above the Paro Valley, at an altitude that means more chances of getting snow. It is often seen at the top of the cliff in the colder winter months, though usually only a few centimeters at most, which soon melts within a few days.

Dochula Pass is another good place to find snow in February. The pass, which lies on the road from Thimphu heading east to Bumthang, is renowned for its 108 Memorial Chortens, and usually sees a light dusting of snow when it comes in February. Chele La Pass is another good place to see snow, on the road from Paro to Haa. At an altitude of 3,880 meters, this high pass can often see a fall of snow in the middle of February.

The main snowfall in the more tourist-related areas of Bhutan can fall in several Dzongkhags, including Thimphu, Haa, Paro, Gasa, and Bumthang. While these districts usually receive some snowfall in February, the weather can be unpredictable, and in 2017, Thimphu received its first snowfall of the year on March 11.

Unusually, while it is the winter feeding ground of the black-necked cranes, the Phobjikha Valley in Wangdue Phodrang often sees a very light amount of snowfall in or around February. While it is just a one-day snowfall, if you are there at the right time, you might get lucky. Other than that, the best places to see snow in Bhutan are on the high mountains of the Himalayas. Most of the higher peaks of the mountains have snow in the winter months.

General Weather Condition of Bhutan in February

Generally, the weather in Bhutan is getting a little warmer as February progresses towards March, and in the mountains, the snow is not quite as thick. However, at higher altitudes, the conditions are still just as harsh as in the rest of the winter months.

The month of February is generally characterized in Bhutan by the superb visibility, the crisp and refreshing air quality, and the unusually low rainfall for a country that has rain to some degree all year round.

Temperatures in Paro and Thimphu can reach highs up to around 11-14 degrees during the day, though daytime averages are more likely to be around 5-6 degrees.

Out in the east, Trashigang is already seeing daytime highs of up to 20 degrees. However, temperatures still fall rapidly at night, so your thermal underwear is still a necessity.

Out in Punakha, temperatures are already reaching up to 18-19 degrees, with averages of around 12-14 degrees during the day.

However, in Jakar in Bumthang, the temperatures are still colder. Highs of up to 8 degrees may be seen in extremes, but the average daily temperatures are normally around 0-1 degrees. And at night, it can still drop to around -6 to -7 degrees.

Is that too cold to do mountain trekking in February?

It does not mean you can't go trekking in Bhutan in winter. This varied landscape means that there is always somewhere that you can go hiking, and February is of no exception.

One of the most popular options at this time of year is the Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu via the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The relatively lower altitude means that it is not as cold as other places in February, and the treks are all still open and available.

Some short treks around Paro are also available in the send half of February, such as the famous Bumdrak Trek and the Sagala Trek. Both of these tours take 2 days, during which you will experience the cultural and religious sites around Paro. And when you trek through the Sagala trekking trail, you will have a chance to enjoy a stunning view of Jhomolhari.

What to Wear when Visit Bhutan in February

While temperatures may seem warmish in February, you should not be deceived, since most people mention the “high” temperatures, not the average ones. Aside from Punakha, all of the major tourist areas are still cold, and you still need to pack those thinner layers for keeping warm. You will also still need to have fleece or down jackets for the colder periods and in the evenings. And you should bring cotton pants, not jeans, and thermal underwear for the colder periods.

Whether or not you are hiking, you should bring some decent hiking boots with you, as the ground in many places can be rocky. Boots are better than shoes, as they can better support your ankles and provide better grip, but hiking shoes are adequate for those not intending to trek in the mountains. You should also being some comfortable shoes for wearing in the hotel and when traveling.

When it comes to sun protection, Bhutan is not as bad as Tibet for thinner atmosphere and high UV rays. However, it is at a higher altitude than most people are used to, and the sun’s UV rays are still stronger than at sea level in the tropics. It is a good idea to bring a decent hat, to both stay warm and keep off the harmful UV radiation. Sunglasses are also essential, and a good pair of gloves will keep your hands warm. And you may want to bring some moisturizer and lip balm with you, to protect your face and lips from the chaffing winds.

Cost of Visiting Bhutan in February

If you are planning to travel to Bhutan in February, then the cost of the trip is going to be different from certain other times of the year. Bhutan has a policy that requires all tourists to pay a minimum amount per night for tourism in the country. This is known as the Minimum Daily Package (MDP), and this amount changes depending on the season. In the peak seasons of spring and autumn, the cost of the MDP is set at 250 US dollars per person per night. In the winter and summer, however, this drops to just 200 US dollars per person per night, which means you can save 50 dollars per person per night by traveling in February.

You will also have to pay the supplements of 30-40 dollars per day on top of that if you are traveling in a couple or solo, but for those traveling in groups of three or more, there is no added supplement. What’s more, the cost of the trip paid as the MDP covers the entire trip, from your hotel and food to transport, guide, driver, and entrance tickets. This kind of “full-board” package is rarely seen outside Bhutan these days, and makes the cost of the whole trip a lot more sensible than you might have first thought.

Conclusion

Visiting Bhutan in February is a great way to explore the areas that are normally crowded with tourists in peace and quiet. With fewer tourists traveling to Bhutan in the winter months, you will be able to enjoy the attractions without lots of people getting in the way. There are down sides, in that there are some places which you may not be able to get to in February, especially if it has snowed over the higher passes and blocked roads. While this is not a common occurrence, it does happen. Overall, February is a great time to go to Bhutan to enjoy the amazing landscapes, stunning scenery, and the inspiring Bhutanese culture. Welcome to winter in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.