Thimphu Bhutan Climate: and the Best Time to Visit Thimphu, Bhutan

Thimphu experiences both temperate and subtropical climate that influenced by the high Himalayan ranges’ altitude and the Indian monsoons. Located in the valley of Raidak River at more than 2000 meters above sea level, Thimphu has four distinct seasons a year.

It is essential for you to understand the climatic conditions to expect when visiting Thimphu. So here, we offer you the detailed weather information about Thimphu, telling you when the best time is and what to expect for the weather in different seasons.

General Weather Condition of Thimphu Bhutan by Season

Thimphu in Spring (March, April, and May)

Spring in Thimphu, lasts for three months from March to May, is one of the best seasons to visit Thimphu. The temperature of Thimphu in spring can drop below 7 degrees hence the need to carry warm woolen clothes with you. Outdoor shoes and clothes for trekking will also come handy.

Weather Condition of Thimphu in Spring

	Mar	Apr	May
Min Temperature	4	7	13
Max Temperature	16	20	24
rainfall	7	8	12
Clear days	25	25	22

● Average night temperature: 7 degrees C
● Average wind speed 13km/h
● Average monthly precipitation 57mm
● Average daytime temperature: 17
● The average number of clear-sky days per month 21 days

You can do a lot more activities during spring than at any other time of the year. Top of the list is the Jomolhari mountain trek. Jomolhari Mountain lies between Tibet and Thimphu boarder. It is considered to be a Buddhist sacred mountain and is only accessible during spring.

Spring encourages other outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling, and local Thimphu marathons. You will also enjoy the unending entourages of birds migrating into Bhutan in spring. You will see flocks of ibisbills, Spotted Laughing Trust, the Great Barbet and the Magpie Robins to name but a few.

Also, the springtime landscape glows with different flower colors such as the rhododendrons with an unobstructed view of the mountain peaks in the background; it is breathtaking! There is a Rhododendron festival that held in every April in Thimphu to honor the blossom of fauna after winter. From the Dochula pass, you can have a look at over 20 species of rhododendron species grown in Thimphu region.

Thimphu in Summer (June, July, and August)

Summers in Thimphu last from June to August. Summer days are wet due to torrential downpours, with July being the wettest month of the year. Light showers are frequent in summer afternoons, an effect from the Indian monsoons rain from the southern lowlands. On average, Thimpu receives around 365 mm of rain in summer alone.

However, summer temperatures in Thimphu can go as high as 28 degrees Celsius with the lowest being 15 degrees Celsius.

It is wise to carry an umbrella with you since this is the wettest time of the year. Additionally, take a moisturizer and sunscreen to help you with the summer sun. Raincoats and waterproof boots will allow you to wade in the rain without getting wet.

Weather Condition of Thimphu in Summer

	Jun	July	Aug
Min Temperature	15	15	16
Max Temperature	25	25	23
rainfall	18	25	21
Clear days	21	14	17

● Average daytime temperature: 23.5°C
● Average wind speed: 13km/h
● Average precipitation/month: 120mm
● Average nighttime temperature: 14°C
● Clear days/month: 20

Thimphu in Autumn (September, October, and November)

Dry weathers start in September marking the beginning of autumn in Thimphu. This time is perfect for tourists as the temperature and humidity are low. On a typical autumn day, Thimphu experiences a temperature of between 19 degrees during the day and 13 degrees at night. Rainfall drops drastically to an average of 155mm per month.

October is the most beautiful time for travelers visiting Thimphu. The October skies are clear, and the mountains are visible from any direction. The month receives low rainfall of about 38mm and warm temperatures well above 22 degrees Celsius during the day. Therefore, October is the ideal time for photography and outdoor trekking. Furthermore, the famous Thimphu Tsechu festival is always held in October; and you wouldn't want to miss that!

The fantastic October conditions hit a zenith in November. The temperature drops to the highs of 17 degrees and the lows of 5 degrees Celsius as Thimphu ushers in the cold winter. The month experiences little rainfall of only 8mm. However, the dry and cold November weather makes it an ideal season for trekking.

Weather Condition of Thimphu in Autumn

	Sep	Oct	Nov
Min Temperature	15	10	5
Max Temperature	22	18	15
rainfall	13	2	2
Clear days	20	27	28

● Average Maximum Temperature: 19 °C
● Average Minimum Temperature: 7 °C
● Average Temperature: 13 °C
● Precipitation: 66 mm

Thimphu in Winter (December, January, and February)

As expected, the winter in Thimphu is very chilly. Temperatures drop well below zero in the nights. However, the temperature is mild in the afternoon and permits a few hours outside. Furthermore, it seldom rains in winter, and the skies are ever blue, allowing you to have a glimpse of the mountains during the day.

Winter is the most suitable time for photography due to its cloudless skies. A 17 km-drive up to Dochula will give you a 360 degrees view of the Himalayan mountain range. Also, when you take the flight to Paro International Airport before reaching to Thimphu, you will have more chances to enjoy a magical view of the Himalayas if you travel in winter time.

Thimphu snows for a single day in mid-January. This season is the most spectacular time for snow lovers, and even the local people get a public holiday. Kuenselphrodang, which is at the city center, gives a panoramic view of the city covered in snow.

However, you can still do a few outdoor activities when the snow before and after snowing period. White water rafting is available in winter as the water levels are low and mild. Some of the light trekking routes around Thimphu are also available in winter. Just remember to carry plenty of warm clothes when visiting Thimphu in winter.

Weather Condition of Thimphu in Winter

	Dec	Jan	Feb
Min Temperature	-1	-3	1
Max Temperature	12	12	14
rainfall	1.9	3	6.7
Clear days	29	27	23

● Average Maximum Temperature: 12°C
● Average Minimum Temperature: -1.5°C
● Average Temperature: 5°C
● Precipitation: 4mm

When is the Best Time to Visit Thimphu?

When to visit Thimphu is a crucial factor to consider when planning your trip. There are different exploration opportunities offered in different seasons.

However, most visitors prefer autumn in September and October. During this season, the skies are clear and offer spectacular views of the mountain ranges — furthermore, most Thimphu Bhutanese festivals and ceremonies are in autumn.

Spring is the second favorable time to visit Thimphu. During this time, you will beat winter’s cold and summer’s rainfall. Furthermore, spring enhances the scenic view as flowers and plants spring back to life.

Winter is the best time to enjoy a cheaper trip in Thimphu since it is the low tourism season in Bhutan. The fine weather in winter with more clear sky makes winter a good time to see the Himalaya Mountain regions from Dochula Pass near Thimphu.

How About the Weather like During Thimphu Tsechu and Thimphu Drubchen?

The famous Thimphu Tshechu and Thimgphu Drubchen are traditional Bhutanese religious Festivals that attract thousands of local people and international tourists to come. The two biggest festivals in Thimphu are held annually at Thimphu Tashichho Dzong in October.

The autumn weather makes the festival exceptional with less rainfall. And it is quite comfortable and pleasant during the festivals. You just need to bring a warm thin coat and trousers with you when you attend the Thimphu festival in autumn. It is also recommended to wear local traditional costumes to attend the celebrations, which will respect the local customs and get a better cultural experience.

When Is The Best Time To Have A Clear View Of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges At Dochula Pass?

Dochula is the legendary Bhutanese mountain that towers above Thimphu city at an incredible 3140 meters above sea level. It lies in the halfway from Thimphu city on your way to Phunaka. It is an excellent stopover or a short drive from Thimphu.

The exceptional location of Duchula pass provides an excellent view of the rest of the Himalayan range. In Late autumn and during winter, the clear skies offer a rare chance to have a clear picture of the mountain range from the Dochula pass. Beneath the pass is the 108 chortens which provides an exquisite foreground to the classic Himalayan background for your photos.

Is There Snowfall in Thimphu in Winter?

It generally snows in late December to mid-January in Thimphu, which makes it is one of the best cities, apart from Paro, to experience Bhutanese snowfall.

The view of the city covered in snow is breathtaking and a marvelous picturesque. Visitors climb up the kuenselphrodang from where they can have an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous city.

Also, the magnificent statue of Buddha is visible from kuenselphrodang when it snows. The figure was designed to overlook the valleys of Bhutan like a protector of the realms. Dochula pass lodges give an exquisite view of the mountains covered in snow.

Conclusion of Thimphu Weather and Climate

In conclusion, Thimphu is a beautiful destination for any traveler. However, the season and weather play a vital role in determining your adventure experience. As is evident from this article, different seasons have different packing list requirements as well as various sight-seeing activities.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for most travelers visiting Bhutan. Hence, the streets are full at this time of the year. If you are looking for a cheaper trip, despite the winter chill, winter can be a good choice to visit Thimphu.

No matter which season you decide to visit Thimphu, you can contact us for the first-hand local weather condition and packing list for your trip to Thimphu Bhutan.