Travel info

Climate

Bhutanese horizon

Generally Bhutan 's climate is tropical in the south, temperate in the center of the country, 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.

Punakha and the central valleys are lower than their Western neighbors and tend to always be a few degrees warmer. 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. Occasionally, the lower valleys like Thimphu and Paro experience snowfalls.

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 during late summer season (August).

The spring season in Bhutan can only be compared to a master artist's palette, truly a spectacular 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 its clearest, affording magnificent views of the Himalaya range. The spring and fall seasons are the most popular times to visit the Kingdom.