Bhutan/ Climate

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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 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 neighbors and tend to always be a few

degrees warmer. The higher peaks will be snow-covered all year. The higher

passes, particularly Thrumshing 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 June 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. Many species of wild orchids are in full bloom

diring late summer season.

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 Autumn season, September through November, is usually

very mild and clear. The Fall colors surround and embrace your senses. The sky

is usually at it's clearest, affording magnificent views of the Himalaya range.

The Spring and Fall seasons are traditionally the most popular times to visit

the kingdom.

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