Short answer
April to June for flooded fields and mist, September to early October for golden rice. July and August are lush green but hot and busy. Winter is bare and quiet.
Flooded fields: April to June
The terraces are flooded in spring, turning the valleys into mirrors. The exact timing depends on the village and the water supply, but late April to early June is the safest window. Mist is common, which makes the views atmospheric.
This is also the wettest period. Bring rain gear and grippy shoes. The April and May pages cover the conditions.
Golden rice: September to October
The rice ripens in late September and is harvested in early October. The terraces turn gold, and the light is clearer than in spring. This is the most popular season, so book guesthouses early.
The harvest timing varies by altitude. Check with your guesthouse before booking. The September page explains the transition.
Green summer and bare winter
July and August are green and lush, but hot, humid, and crowded with domestic families. Winter is bare and brown, with some guesthouses closed, but the villages are quiet and the walking is comfortable.
The Longji guide covers the villages, and the when to go hub compares the months.
Related questions
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