WinterLow season

Bhutan in February

Cold mornings, festival energy in Punakha.

February is still off-season cold, but the calendar warms up — late February brings the Punakha Drubchen (sacred ritual) followed immediately by Punakha Tshechu (public festival), one of the most photogenic events of the Bhutanese year. Black-necked cranes are still in Phobjikha until mid-February.

Weather in February

Western circuit (Paro / Thimphu)

Paro and Thimphu: -1 to 14°C (30–57°F). Bright winter sun by day, near-freezing at night.

Punakha (lower valley)

Punakha: 6 to 19°C (43–66°F). Comfortable for sightseeing — the warmest spot for the festival.

Central / east (Bumthang / Phobjikha)

Bumthang and Phobjikha: -4 to 10°C (25–50°F). Crane viewing in Phobjikha until ~mid-February.

Festivals in February 2026

Lhamoi Dromchhen
22–24 February 2026
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
Punakha Drubchen
24–26 February 2026
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Tshechu
27 February – 1 March 2026
Punakha Dzong
Full Bhutan festival calendar →

Best for

Travellers who want the western circuit at low-season prices with a festival anchor. The Punakha Drubchen+Tshechu pair is one of the best festival experiences in Bhutan and far less crowded than Paro Tshechu.

Caveats

Cranes leave Phobjikha around mid-February — if crane viewing is a priority, plan early in the month.

What to pack for February

Warm jacket — afternoons are mild but mornings bite
Layers (15°C swing between morning and afternoon)
Hiking boots
Camera with good zoom (cranes & festival masks)
Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen

Pricing in February

February is low season — accommodation, hotel tier upgrades, and tour rates often run 10–20% below peak. Booking lead time can be as short as 2–3 weeks (visa permitting). See our full Bhutan cost breakdown for what's included and excluded.

Tours that fit February

Compare other months

The neighbouring months — useful if Februarydoesn't quite work for your dates.

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