Climate Bhutan
Situated straddling the Himalayan range, Bhutan has wide variations in altitude and topography, which give rise to significant meteorological disparities. There are three climatic zones néanmoins : subtropical in the south, temperate in the centre, alpine and harsher in the north. The Thunder Dragon Country also experiences a particularly strong monsoon period from mid-May to mid-September. While it is advisable to visit Bhutan during the intermediate periods (spring and autumn), the country offers year-round treasures to be discovered and contemplated. Spring is ideal to admire the rhododendrons in bloom and enjoy the mild temperatures. From March to September, treks are legion, while in autumn, Bhutan lives to the rhythm of festivals. Although temperatures rarely reach 0°C, the Bhutanese winter is rather harsh, but the spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan peaks is also worth a look.
Three climate zones
Perched in the Himalayas, Bhutan is marked by three climatic zones influenced by altitude: subtropical in the south, it becomes progressively colder and harsher as one gets closer to the mountain peaks. In the narrow southern strip, in cities such as Gelephu and Phuentsholing, the great plains of the south have a tropical climate. Summers, subject to the monsoon, are very hot and humid, with an average temperature of 30 °C and often torrential rainfall, winters are rather mild and clement, with maximum temperatures close to 23° C and very hot springs. In the central part of the country, winters are relatively cold and dry, and summers are hot and humid, but with less rainfall than in the southern regions. While the eastern hills and valleys are temperate and drier than the western valleys, in the west, the Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa and Bhumthang valleys experience harsher temperatures and some snowfall in winter. In the north, where the altitude often exceeds 3,000 metres, the country is subject to a harsh alpine climate and the highest peaks are perpetually under snow. The winters are cold, sunny and rather dry, with a daytime temperature of no more than 4°C! The summer is rather cool, with temperatures that do not exceed the 13°C barrier.
Marked seasons
The country of the Thunder Dragon is characterized by two seasons: a dry season, from November to April, sunny but which can be very cold, and a rainy season (from June to September). With the exception of the south of the country, the winter which sets in from mid-November to mid-March is rather harsh. The Himalayas are covered with a thick blanket of snow and the passes leading to the central valleys are impassable. Temperatures average between 16 and 18 °C during the day and between -5 and - 10 °C at night. The central valleys are dry and sunny. In spring, the days get longer, the temperatures get milder (in May they can reach 27 °C during the day) and the nights stay cool. This is the season when the country, dotted with rhododendrons in bloom, is adorned with a thousand and one colours and when treks are in full swing. Beware of cold snaps and snow that can still surprise! June heralds summer and its monsoon and, with it, the decline in the number of visitors. The days are hot (sometimes even almost scorching: over 40°C in Thimphu). The rains are heavier in the south of the country, especially at the end of the day. In the north, the peaks act as a barrier against the rains coming from the Bay of Bengal. If the summer season remains a particularly favourable period for observing Bhutanese fauna and flora, it is nevertheless not recommended to discover Bhutan during this season, as the rains often make the roads muddy and travel difficult. From September to November, autumn sets in, often without warning: the tourist season resumes, with trekking enthusiasts flocking in. The sky clears to offer a sublime panorama of the Himalayas. During this period, festivals take place just about everywhere. Temperatures decline slightly but can approach zero when night falls.
And in my suitcase, what do I put?
In general, we advise you to bring half season clothes: light for the day, with a warm jacket for the evening. If you are going to Bhutan in winter, bring sweaters, hats and gloves and a large jacket. In the summer, light, waterproof and natural fibre clothing will be perfect for the south and central plains. Always carry a sweater and jacket for the cooler evenings than the days in cities like Thimphu and Punakha. Finally, if you plan to climb higher altitudes, wear special cold weather clothing.
