Climate of Bhutan:
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. The
fluctuations are not quite so great
during the summer and daytime
temperature often rises to the
mid-eighties Fahrenheit.
Punakha and the central valleys are
lower than their Western neighbours and
tend to always be a few degrees warmer.
The higher peaks will be snow-covered
all year. The higher passes,
particularly Thrumsing Labetween
Bumthang and Mongar, can be treacherous
during the winter as snow falls
frequently and ices up the road. Light
snow will often dust Thimphu and Paro in
winter but infrequently will there be
heavy snowstorms despite their location
in the Central Himalayas.
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
spectacular time.
The Autumn season, October through
November, is usually very mild and
clear. The Fall colors surround and
embrace your senses. |
