|
Bhutan's climate ranges from tropical in the
south, to temperate in the center of the country, to 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 and can vary equally dramatically 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 time in Western
Bhutan. Late December through mid February is the period of
heaviest snow fall in the higher elevations.
The
fluctuations are not quite so great during the summer and daytime temperature
often rises to the mid-eighties Fahrenheit. Punakha and the central valleys
are lower than their Western neighbors and tend to always be a few degrees
warmer. The higher peaks will be snow-covered all year. The higher passes,
particularly Thrumshing Labetween Bumthang and Mongar, can be treacherous
during the winter as snow falls frequently and ices up the road. Light snow
will often dust Thimphu and Paro in winter but infrequently will there be
heavy snowstorms despite their location in the Central
Himalayas.
The
Summer monsoon from the Bay of Bengal affects Bhutan from late May to early
October. 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 diring late summer season.
The
Spring season in Bhutan
can only be compared to a master artist's palette. Colors that, until now,
have only existed in the imagination. Truly a spectactular time. The Autumn
season, October through November, is usually very mild and clear. The Fall
colors surround and embrace your senses. The Spring and Fall seasons are
traditionally the most popular times to visit the kingdom.
|
