Are you thinking of travelling to Bhutan? Do you want to know the best weather to experience the best of Bhutan?
Bhutan’s climate is hugely affected by its altitude. Bhutan’s diverse weather can somehow be closely linked to two primary things: the country’s huge elevation variations and the impact of the North Indian monsoon season. It’s not surprising that Bhutan’s weather is extremely variable. Its topography ranges from tall mountains and deep valleys to dense tropical vegetation. The height can range from 200 meters above sea level to over 7,000 meters in the northern regions, that border Tibet and the eastern Himalayas.
In Bhutan, rainfall is significantly influenced by altitude, much like humidity and temperatures. The Bhutanese Valleys, located in the subtropical center and mountains, benefit greatly from the 1,000mm of annual rainfall that receives every year. In contrast, rainfall averages roughly 7,800mm in the south, which is significantly wetter. Most people in Bhutan prefer to settle in Central Bhutan, which is distinguished by its deep tropical forest and relatively uniform weather.
Bhutan Seasons and Monsoons
Bhutan has typical four seasons as mentioned below:
- Summer (June, July, and August)
- Winter (December, January, and February)
- Spring (March, April, and May)
- Autumn (September, October, and November)
Bhutan has four different seasons, with the yearly monsoon rains often occurring around the same time as summer and the start of fall.
The climate of southern Bhutan is warm and humid, with little seasonal variation. The range of temperatures is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59- 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm summers and moderate, dry winters are the norm in the country’s central region, which itself is covered in moderate and evergreen forests. Wintertime temperatures are substantially lower in the kingdom’s far Northern regions. Because of the high elevation geography, mountain summits are always capped with snow, and lowland areas are still cool in the summer.
The climate is snow in the country’s northern regions, where Bhutanese mountains reach heights of up to 7,000 meters. The climate is humid and hot in the summer and moderates in the winter as one proceeds south, closer to India. The monsoon season brings a lot of rain. The lower portions can be beautiful in the winter, but the higher points are cold.
Bhutan in Winter
Late November marks the start of winter, which lasts until early March. Heavy snow is expected to impact areas over 3,000 meters, and spots of frost can be observed all around the nation. Bhutan’s nickname, “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” comes from gale-force winds which roar over the top of mountain peaks in the wintertime and create a frightening noise.
The country’s most isolated monasteries, temples, and communities, and the highways, especially in the east, will be challenging to travel to. However, while the central highlands and farther south will be much warmer yet still great for trekking, high mountain slopes experience near frigid temperatures. Despite the generally sunny weather, Bhutan’s winter temperatures regularly drop under zero. During this cool season, you can try out their traditional dresses like Gho and Kira.
Bhutan in Spring
The spring season in Bhutan is rather short, typically lasting from early March until mid-April, when the summer rains begin. The weather is pleasant, with low humidity and little rain; melting snows give birth to stunning wildflowers that blanket the hillsides. But the clarity of the views is what encourages travelers to visit Bhutan in the spring. At high altitudes, you can anticipate some extremely breathtaking Himalayan landscapes along with Bhutan national animals.
Bhutan in Summer
Mid-April marks the start of the long summer, which lasts until mid-September. As numerous monsoons drench areas of the country, notably in the south, rainfall peaks from late June on. During the summer, there is a chance of flash floods, which may have an impact on domestic flights, rural areas, and driving conditions. Despite the high humidity, there may still be significant temperature reductions after sunset, especially in northern regions. The east of the country can have highs of 31.5°C in July, the warmest month of the year in Bhutan, while the capital, Thimphu, experiences highs of about 26°C.
Bhutan in Autumn
Autumn, which begins in late September or early October and is primarily crisp, bright, and sunny, is preceded by rain. Again, this is another high season because the views are frequently breathtaking at this time of year. As the autumn months pass, higher elevations in the north may very probably have some early snowfall. During this season you can also visit to temples in bhutan and many other places.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?
The best times to visit Bhutan are in the spring and fall if you are fascinated with its beautiful valleys, want to experience a complete understanding of trekking, or want to be astounded by the breathtaking Bhutan Himalaya Range. At these times, the sky is extremely clear, the valley rhododendrons are mostly in full bloom, and the trekking pathways are in excellent condition.
Although any time of the year would be suitable, despite the rainy season, if you wish to take a thorough Bhutan tour, enjoy a culture-themed vacation, or learn about Bhutan’s traditional skills like woodwork, painting, weaving, and papermaking (Typically from June to late September).
If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, it’s a good idea to arrange for a 7°C temperature drop for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain.
The best seasons to tour Bhutan are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November), once the weather is pleasant, dry, and sunny. Whatever the season, pack a few warm garments for your trip. Beforehand, you can also learn about the Bhutan cities, that you want to visit.
Bhutan is often thought to be best visited in the spring, between March and May, or in the fall, between September and November. The weather is typically pleasant dry and mild during these months, and the naturally stunning scenery is at its most breathtaking. It should come as no surprise that the busiest tourist destinations in Bhutan, such as Taktsang Goemba, Punakha Dzong, and Tashichho Dzong, can get busy in the spring and fall. However, even then, since there are stringent limits on the number of visas issued, there are rarely long lines.
Bhutan has a wide range of accommodations, but they are all prepared to look after winter visitors effectively. Thick, cozy blankets are on the bed, and your room may have an open fire or an electric heater. Although you can usually get away between late spring and autumn by only wearing light gear, it’s best to always take a few warm clothes and some waterproofs.