Bhutan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Bhutan

20°C (68°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear mountain views with visibility extending 200+ km (124+ miles) - the Himalayas appear so close you can see individual prayer flags on distant ridges
Perfect hiking weather with cool mornings 2-8°C (36-46°F) warming to comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) by afternoon - no monsoon mud or leeches
Peak rhododendron season in lower valleys - massive blooms of red, pink and white flowers create impressive photography opportunities from 2,000-3,500m (6,562-11,483 ft)
Optimal festival season with genuine winter celebrations like Thimphu Dromche and local village harvest festivals - fewer tourists mean more real feels

Considerations

High altitude passes above 3,500m (11,483 ft) may close due to snow, limiting access to remote eastern regions and some tiger's nest alternative routes
Hotel heating systems inconsistent outside Thimphu and Paro - expect 8-12°C (46-54°F) indoor temperatures in budget accommodations
Limited daylight hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 5:30pm) reduce trekking and photography time by 3-4 hours compared to summer months

Best Activities in December

Tiger's Nest Monastery Trek and Temple Circuit

December offers the most spectacular conditions for this iconic 3-hour roundtrip hike. Morning frost creates ethereal mist around the monastery clinging to the cliff face at 3,120m (10,240 ft). Clear, dry air means unobstructed views of the Paro valley below. Start early (8am) when temperatures are crisp 5°C (41°F) - you'll warm up quickly on the ascent and avoid afternoon winds.

Booking Tip: Book through certified tour operators 2-3 weeks ahead as December visitor permits require additional processing. Expect to pay Nu 2,500-4,000 ($30-48) for guided temple circuits. Most operators include traditional lunch and monastery entrance fees.

Thimphu Weekend Market and Traditional Crafts Tours

December brings the year's best selection of preserved yak cheese, dried chilies, and winter root vegetables to Thimphu's weekend markets. The 12°C (54°F) temperatures make walking the stalls comfortable while keeping produce fresh. Local artisans work indoors during winter months, creating the perfect opportunity to watch traditional weaving, woodcarving, and thangka painting without summer heat disrupting the delicate processes.

Booking Tip: Join cultural walking tours on Friday-Sunday when markets are most active. Tours typically cost Nu 1,800-3,200 ($22-38) and include tastings of winter specialties. Book locally through your hotel or see current options in the booking section below.

Punakha Valley Cycling and Fortress Exploration

At 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation, Punakha maintains mild 15-18°C (59-64°F) daytime temperatures perfect for cycling the terraced valley floors. December's dry conditions make rural roads accessible, and the harvest season creates golden rice terrace landscapes. The massive Punakha Dzong fortress sits dramatically at the confluence of two rivers, with winter's low water levels revealing ancient stone foundations.

Booking Tip: Rent mountain bikes locally for Nu 800-1,200 ($10-14) per day or join guided cycling tours for Nu 3,500-5,500 ($42-66) including lunch and fortress entry. Book 5-7 days ahead during peak December season.

Bumthang Valley Cultural Immersion and Farmhouse Stays

December is harvest festival season in Bumthang's traditional farming communities at 2,600m (8,530 ft). Families welcome visitors to participate in traditional winter food preservation - making dried yak meat, fermenting turnips, and distilling ara (local spirits). The high altitude creates brilliant stargazing conditions with zero light pollution and crystal-clear December skies.

Booking Tip: Authentic farmhouse experiences cost Nu 2,000-3,500 ($24-42) per person including meals and activities. Book through community-based tourism operators at least 10 days ahead as December slots fill quickly with repeat visitors.

High Altitude Hot Springs and Meditation Retreats

Natural hot springs at 3,800-4,200m (12,467-13,780 ft) elevation become magical in December when outdoor air temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) while spring water maintains 42°C (108°F). The contrast creates dramatic steam clouds and an otherworldly experience. Several remote monasteries offer 2-3 day meditation retreats combining hot springs with traditional Buddhist practices.

Booking Tip: Hot spring day trips cost Nu 4,500-7,000 ($54-84) including transport and guide. Multi-day retreats range Nu 8,000-15,000 ($96-180) per person. Advance booking essential as winter access requires 4WD vehicles and weather permits.

Himalayan Photography Expeditions and Wildlife Viewing

December's stable weather patterns create optimal conditions for photographing 7,000m+ (22,966 ft+) peaks including Jomolhari and Gangkar Puensum. Wildlife descends to lower elevations seeking winter shelter - blue sheep, red pandas, and takin are most easily spotted. Early morning shoots at 6am capture golden light on snow-capped summits before clouds form.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost Nu 6,000-12,000 ($72-144) per day including specialized guides and high-altitude transport. Wildlife viewing success rates highest in December - book 14+ days ahead for premium guides.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Thimphu Dromche Winter Festival

Ancient masked dance performances at Tashichho Dzong featuring winter-specific cham dances performed by monks in elaborate costumes. Locals gather to receive blessings for the coming year and share traditional winter foods like thukpa and momos in massive community kitchens.

Late December

Punakha Domchey Religious Festival

Spectacular fortress courtyard comes alive with sacred mask dances and traditional music echoing off ancient walls. The winter setting against snow-dusted mountains creates an incredibly photogenic backdrop, and December crowds are 70% smaller than spring festivals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Merino wool base layers - essential for 2°C (36°F) morning temperatures that rise to 20°C (68°F) by afternoon, synthetic materials become uncomfortable with temperature swings

Down jacket rated to -10°C (14°F) - mountain weather changes rapidly above 3,000m (9,843 ft) and restaurant/hotel heating inconsistent

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails can have black ice early morning and loose rock on exposed sections

SPF 30+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - UV reflection off snow at high altitude causes rapid burning even in 45% humidity

Portable battery pack rated for cold weather - phone batteries drain 3x faster in sub-zero temple visits and high-altitude photography

Electrolyte tablets and water purification - high altitude dehydration accelerated by dry December air, local water safe but mineral content different

Cash in small denominations (Nu 20, 50, 100 notes) - rural areas and markets prefer exact change, ATMs limited outside main cities

Buff or neck gaiter - protects against mountain wind and dust on rural roads, also respectful covering when entering religious sites

Headlamp with red filter - sunset at 5:30pm means early darkness, red light preserves night vision for stargazing and doesn't disturb wildlife

Compact umbrella despite low rainfall - useful sun shade during midday temple visits and protects camera equipment from dust

Insider Knowledge

Local families invite strangers to join harvest celebrations if you bring small gifts like quality tea or dried fruits from Thimphu markets - creates authentic cultural exchanges impossible to book commercially

December morning temperatures require pre-warming your camera equipment 30 minutes before sunrise shoots - condensation will fog lenses when moving from heated vehicles to outdoor locations

Most tourists skip eastern regions in December due to weather concerns, but local drivers know alternative routes that remain open - offers unprecedented access to traditional villages without crowds

Monastery kitchens serve communal meals to visitors during winter months when tourist restaurants reduce hours - brings authentic interaction with monks and costs fraction of hotel dining

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - 18°C (64°F) afternoon temperatures plummet to 2°C (36°F) by 7pm, caught unprepared ruins evening activities

Planning too many high-altitude activities without acclimatization days - December's clear skies tempt visitors to rush to viewpoints, but altitude sickness doesn't discriminate by season

Assuming all accommodations have reliable heating - budget hotels and guesthouses may only heat common areas, bringing proper sleepwear essential for comfortable nights