Bhutan
Climate
Bhutan's climate ranges from tropical in the south,
to temperate in the center of the country, to cold in
the north...and like much of your adventure in the Himalayas
it will be quite unpredictable. The weather can vary
dramatically from place to place and can vary equally
dramatically from day to day or within the same day.
In the Thimphu and Paro valleys, the winter daytime
temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit during clear
winter days but drops well below freezing during the
night. Mid December to early January can be a beautifully
clear and dry time in Western Bhutan. Late December
through mid February is the period of heaviest snow
fall in the higher elevations.
The Summer monsoon from the Bay of Bengal
affects Bhutan from late May to early October. Views
over the Himalayas from the higher passes are usually
obscured from May to August. There are notable advantages
to visiting Bhutan during the wet season including
the spectacular rhododendron blossom from March through
May and the deep green valleys.
The spring season in Bhutan can
only be compared to a master artist's palette. Colors
that, until now, have only existed in the imagination.
Truly a spectactular time. The climate is best in
autumn, from late September to late November, when
skies are clear and the high mountain peaks are visible.
This is the ideal time for trekking and for travelling
throughout the country. The fall colors surround and
embrace your senses
Bhutan Temperature
There are four distinct seasons similar in
their divisions to those of Western Europe. The Monsoon
occurs between June and August when the temperature
is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F).
Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude.
Days are usually very pleasant (average about 10°C/50°F)
with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and
require heavy woolen clothing, particularly in winter.
Generally, October, November and April to mid-June
are the best times to visit – rainfall is at
a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active
days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant
during the winter.
Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons in the foothills, also linens
and waterproof gear, light sweaters and jackets for
the evenings. Upland areas: thick, warm clothing for
evenings, particularly during the winter months.
Bhutan - Dragon Kingdom,
from the ABC
Months |
Paro |
Thimphu |
Punakha |
Wangdue |
Trongsa |
Bumthang |
| Jan |
9.4 / -5.8 |
12.3 / -2.6 |
16.1 / 4.2 |
17.0 / 4.3 |
13.0 / -0.2 |
10.8 / -5.1 |
| Feb |
13.4 / 1.5 |
14.4 / 0.6 |
19.6 / 5.3 |
19.0 / 7.8 |
13.9 / 0.4 |
10.0 / -1.4 |
| Mar |
14.5 / 0.6 |
16.4 / 3.9 |
21.2 / 9.2 |
22.8 / 10.4 |
16.7 / 4.4 |
16.2 / 3.5 |
| Apr |
17.6 / 4.6 |
20.0 / 7.1 |
24.4 / 11.9 |
26.2 / 12.9 |
20.1 / 6.6 |
18.7 / 3.9 |
| May |
23.5 /10.6 |
22.5 / 13.1 |
27.2 / 14.8 |
29.1 / 17.7 |
21.0 / 11.6 |
21.3 / 9.5 |
| Jun |
25.4 /13.1 |
24.4 / 15.2 |
31.2 / 19.5 |
29.2 / 20.1 |
22.2 / 13.6 |
22.5 / 13.5 |
| Jul |
26.8 /14.9 |
18.9 / 13.4 |
32.0 / 21.6 |
18.4 / 16.2 |
25.3 / 15.3 |
14.1 / 10.9 |
| Aug |
25.3 /14.7 |
25.0 / 15.8 |
31.4 / 19.8 |
29.1 / 20.0 |
23.8 / 15.0 |
23.0 / 13.7 |
| Sep |
23.4 /11.7 |
23.1 / 15.0 |
29.9 / 20.0 |
27.5 / 19.1 |
22.6 / 14.2 |
21.6 / 12.1 |
| Oct |
18.7 / 7.4 |
21.9 / 10.4 |
27.8 / 18.9 |
26.1 / 14.7 |
21.8 / 11.7 |
19.5 / 5.9 |
| Nov |
13.9 / 1.4 |
17.9 / 5.0 |
22.3 / 13.0 |
22.6 / 9.6 |
19.8 / 6.4 |
16.1 / -0.5 |
| Dec |
11.2 /-1.7 |
14.5 / -1.1 |
15.0 / 7.9 |
19.1 / 6.3 |
18.2 / 2.5 |
12.3 / -2.3 |
|
