Bhutan Climate

Climate of Bhutan

Bhutan has a subtropical climate of the cool and mountainous variety. Due to its location at different altitudes, we can distinguish several climatic varieties.

The valleys of central Bhutan (Punakha, Langdu Phodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhuntse) have a subtropical monsoon climate. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant seasons, with temperatures moderate, above 20°C, and rains not too troublesome. Summer (June-August) is much warmer, between 25°C - 30°C, but also more rainy, with the monsoon bringing frequent and intense rainfall, above 2,000 mm. Winters (December-February), on the other hand, are neither snowy nor too cold, with the mercury bar oscillating between 5°C and 15°C.

The situation is similar around Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa and Bumthang. The difference is that it is colder in winter. Temperatures can drop below 0°C and there is occasional snowfall.

In contrast, the south of the country (including the Dooars plains) is a slightly warmer and more monsoonal variety of subtropical climate. Temperatures are a few degrees higher, but summer monsoon rains are also stronger (about 3,000 mm). Winters, on the other hand, are cold and foggy.

In the Lesser Himalayas, which occupy the central part of Bhutan, the climate is more severe. This is associated with significant altitudes ranging from 1,500 meters to 4,500 meters above sea level. Winters can be cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 4°C, but also often falling below 0°C. Summers are reasonably warm and sunny, around 20°C - 25°C. Rainfall in these areas is relatively low, on the order of 650 mm per year.

The areas comprising the Greater Himalayas (from about 5,000 meters to above 7,000 meters above sea level) covering the northern part of the country are characterized by an alpine climate. It is cold all year round, with average temperatures not exceeding 0°C. At night, especially in winter, there are severe frosts as low as -30°C. Precipitation is low and occurs only in the form of snow. Areas lying from 5,000 meters above sea level upwards are called cold desert, and this is where the perpetual snow limit runs.