Many people associate Bhutan with spring or autumn, when the skies are particularly clear and the mountain views stretch for miles. These seasons are certainly beautiful, but they are not the only time to experience the country – in fact, there’s something beautiful in Bhutan during every season (we’ve mentioned how fantastic Bhutan is in January, for example).
Each season shows a different side of the country. The landscapes change, life looks slightly slower (or faster), and even places that might have been familiar take on a completely new vibe, depending on when you visit.
Summer has its own atmosphere, and for many travellers, that is exactly what makes it so appealing.
From June to August, Bhutan becomes remarkably green. The summer rains nourish the forests, rice fields, and valleys, bringing new life to the landscape. Some rainfall is part of the season, and it gives way to fresh air and changing skies, creating a landscape that feels different from one hour to the next.
Temperatures remain comfortable, especially in the higher elevations. The air is fresh, mornings are cool, and warmer afternoons are pleasant for exploring. It’s a lovely time to visit monasteries, walk through villages, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed from one place to another.
The softer light and occasional mist also give many landscapes a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality that many photographers and nature lovers who stay at the Sanctuary appreciate.
Summer is a quieter season. With fewer visitors travelling at this time of year, many of Bhutan’s cultural sites, hiking trails, and viewpoints feel more peaceful. There is space to linger a little longer, to take in the surroundings, or to enjoy a conversation with a local guide without the pace that naturally comes with busier months.
The season also fills the kitchen with fresh ingredients. Vegetables are harvested throughout the summer, herbs grow in abundance, and local markets reflect what is being grown across the valleys. Meals naturally become more colourful, while remaining rooted in the simple cooking traditions that have shaped Bhutanese cuisine for generations.
At our Sanctuary, the changing seasons are reflected in every menu. Much of our produce comes directly from our own vegetable garden, alongside carefully selected ingredients from local farms and trusted suppliers. Our kitchen prepares both Bhutanese and international dishes, always with the flexibility to accommodate individual preferences, dietary requirements, and wellness goals. Every guest should be able to enjoy each meal with complete ease, whatever their way of eating.
We believe that sharing fresh, thoughtfully prepared food is an important part of feeling at home, and summer’s abundance makes every meal feel especially pleasant.
Summer also suits the pace of a wellness retreat. A morning walk after gentle rain, time spent reading while clouds drift across the valley, or dinner made with ingredients picked only hours before all feel perfectly in keeping with the season. There is no need to fill every hour.
There really is no single best time to visit Bhutan. Every season offers something worth experiencing. Spring brings blossoms, autumn – crisp mountain views, winter has bright skies and quiet days, and summer covers the valleys in shades of green that disappear again as the seasons change.
For those who prefer fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and landscapes at their fullest, summer is a wonderful time to discover Bhutan.
Featured in Dressarte Paris
Nathalie Neuilly, Founder & Editor of Dressarte Paris, recently shared her experience visiting Bhutan in the summer. Read the full feature below.
→ Read the article ←