Bhutan rises from near sea level on the Indian border to peaks above 7,000 metres in only a short distance. Altitude, more than the calendar, decides the weather you will meet.
By region
- Southern foothills: warm and humid, with heavy monsoon rain in summer.
- Western and central valleys: Paro, Thimphu and Bumthang have warm days and cool or cold nights. Punakha is lower and noticeably warmer.
- The high north: cold and alpine. Snow can fall at any time of year on the highest routes.
What this means for packing
Even in the warmest months, layers are essential. Mornings on the passes are cold, and a valley can be warm in the afternoon and chilly by evening. See our packing guide.