Climate, Bhutan

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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, 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 La, between 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, and occasionally there will be heavy snowstorms despite their location in the Central Himalayas.

The Summer monsoon from the Bay of Bengal affects Bhutan from late May to late September. 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 (August).

The Spring season in Bhutan can only be compared to a master artist's palette, truly a spectactular time. The autumn season, late 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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General Tips about Bhutan

» Required travel documents for Bhutan
» Electric power
» Area code to Bhutan
» Tashigang
» Punakha
» National Museum
» Paro Dzong
» Phobjika
» Credit & debit cards
» Currency exchange
» Currency
» Shopping
» Food & Drink
» Required clothing
» Telephone
» FESTIVALS (TSHECHUS, DROMCHOES)
» WHAT TO BRING
» Food
» TRANSPORTATION
» Climate
» ACCOMMODATIONS
» CURRENCY
» CUSTOMS AUTHORITY
» Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL)
» Visas
» Phajoding
» Trongsa
» Paro
» Bumthang
» Thimphu
» Trekking
» Visit Bhutan

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