The climate of Thimphu
Thimphu,
Bhutan's capital, lies within a vegetated area of the country's western interior. Its climate is classified as Temperate Highland Tropical with Dry Winters. This specific classification signifies the city's geographical position and correlating weather pattern. The city is encased in a high-altitude region, giving Thimphu a climate that can drastically fluctuate based on the time of year.
Thimphu exhibits typical variations in overall weather conditions on a monthly basis. Daylight hours fluctuate from 10.4 hours to 13.9 hours throughout the year. On average, Thimphu records sunshine hours between 5 hours and 8 hours daily. Notably, the annual UV index shifts significantly, attaining a maximum rated index of 12 in the summer months.
Precipitation trends in Thimphu are characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The city experiences an enormous increase in rainfall from
May to
September, with rain falling for an average of 20 days in
July and
August. In contrast, there is limited rainfall from
November to
March, with almost none in
December and
January. Interestingly, average temperatures in Thimphu range from -2.6°C to 25°C, signifying a tangible shift across seasons.
The best time to visit Thimphu
From
March to
May,
Thimphu enjoys mild weather - offering favorable conditions for outdoor exploration. During these months, the average maximum temperatures gradually rise from 16.4°C to 24.4°C accompanied by moderate rainfall. The predictable increase in both daylight and sunshine hours offers visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and numerous cultural sites around Thimphu during spring. Moreover, the UV index is moderate to high, suggesting the use of protection for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Thimphu
The time period between
June and
August encompass the city’s monsoon season and is generally considered an unfavorable time in
Thimphu as a visit during these months would result in confinement to indoor activities due to incessant rainfall. In addition to this, the city experiences its warmest months with average temperatures reaching 24.4°C and 24.9°C. Frequently, the city recounts rainfall exceeding 240mm, and heavy cloud cover reduces sunshine hours to a year’s minimum of 5 - 6 hours per day.
Spring weather in Thimphu
Thimphu welcomes the spring season from
March till
May. During these months, the city observes a gradual increase in daylight hours from 12 hours in March to 13.9 hours in May. The overall average daytime temperatures scale from 16.4°C to 24.4°C while nighttime temperatures fluctuate between 3.9°C and 15.2°C. The quantity of rainfall scene in the city escalates in this period, with minimal rain in March, shifting towards higher precipitation in May exceeding 120mm. The UV index is moderate to high in spring, indicating the need for suitable skin protection.
Summer weather in Thimphu
Thimphu's summer extends from
June through
August. In these months, average maximum temperatures fluctuate slightly, from 24.4°C to 25°C. Furthermore, minimum temperatures range from 15.2°C to 15.8°C. As the heaviest rainfall occurs in this period, exceeding 240mm in June and reaching over 370mm in
July, it has limited sunshine hours and the daylight hour scale from 13.7 hours to 13.1 hours. The UV index reaches its peak at 12, ensuring visitors would need to use high-level UV protection.
Autumn weather in Thimphu
From
September to
November,
Thimphu experiences its autumn. Maximum temperatures decrease gradually from 23.1°C in September to 17.9°C by November. Minimum temperatures fall similarly, from15°C to 5°C, during this time frame. Rainfall reduces drastically during autumn, from 155mm in September to just 8mm by November. Whilst sunshine hours increase from 5 to 7 hours daily, daylight hours dwindle from 12.3 hours to 10.8 hours.
Winter weather in Thimphu
Winter in
Thimphu spans from
December to
February. Throughout the winter months, maximum average temperatures fall from 14.5°C to a year’s low of 12.3°C in
January, before rising again slightly. The average winter minima range from -1.1°C to -2.6°C in the same period. Rainfall is extremely scarce, with an average monthly accumulation failing to exceed 13mm. The limited rainfall and lower temperatures result in less humid weather conditions that provide clear views of Thimphu's picturesque winter landscapes.
Weather in January
Transitioning from the colder year's end,
Thimphu’s weather in
January continues to be chilly, underscoring the city's continental climate. The low temperatures serve as a wintry backdrop for the unobstructed sunshine throughout the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar flips to
February,
Thimphu transitions delicately into slightly warmer Western Himalayan weather. As the city bids farewell to the frosty conditions of
January, precipitation stays low, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The
Thimphu weather in
March signifies the arrival of spring. It exhibits a noticeable jump in the city's temperatures, hinting at the oncoming warmer seasons. The increase in rainfall, from 31mm to 58mm, punctuates the daily temperature swings from 3.9°C to 16.4°C.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings notable changes in
Thimphu's weather with warmer afternoons and increasingly frequent precipitation events. The city's landscape bursts with spring vibrancy, accentuated by the rainfall. The range of temperatures rises notably, with values from 7.1°C to 20°C.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Moving into
May, the weather in
Thimphu undergoes a significant shift. A significant increase in rainfall coincides with the continued trend of rising temperatures. The temperatures reflect the arrival of late spring with the lows at 13.1°C and highs peaking at 22.5°C.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The weather in
June segues into
Thimphu's rainy half of the year. As summer sets in, the frequency and intensity of rainfall start to surge. Amidst the predominantly wet weather, temperatures remain mild with values between 15.2°C and 24.4°C.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Thimphu's weather in
July is synonymous with monsoon showers as it reaches the peak of the rainy season. The month is characterized by heavy rain and the prevalence of high humidity levels. Temperatures stay warm, measuring between 15.4°C and 24.9°C.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the monsoon trend in
Thimphu, featuring persistent rains and high levels of humidity. Reminiscent of
July's weather, the temperatures rise slightly from 15.8°C to 25°C. The daylight period begins to decline marginally, signaling the oncoming end of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Transitioning from the monsoon-laden summer,
Thimphu weather in
September experiences a decrease in rainfall. As the city moves towards autumn, the temperatures also begin to cool down, ranging from 15°C to 23.1°C. The skies showcase an expanding palette of colors during sunset, casting an irreplaceable charm over the cityscape.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Thimphu marks the start of fall with a drastic decrease in rainfall and cooler temperatures. A noticeable chill pervades the morning air while pleasant warmth characterizes the afternoons. The temperature ranges from a low of 10.4°C to a high of 21.9°C.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November weather in
Thimphu presents a dramatic shift as fall gives way to the city's winter. The largely dry weather, owing to a scanty rainfall of 8mm, complements the descending temperatures. November's daily temperature span from a chilly 5°C to a milder 17.9°C.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing the year,
Thimphu's weather in
December presents a full-fledged winter spectacle. As temperatures drop further, reaching lows of -1.1°C and highs of 14.5°C, the city slips into its coldest phase. Peculiarly, December experiences a curiously low rainfall of 13mm, asserting its position during the dry half of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]