Bhutan Weather

Bhutan climate

Bhutan's climate is as vertically stratified as its dramatic Himalayan landscape, ranging from subtropical heat in the southern Duars plains at 200 meters to permanent Arctic conditions on peaks exceeding 7,000 meters. Over 70% of the country is forested, and Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative nation, with its dense vegetation absorbing more CO2 than the country produces.

The Indian monsoon brings heavy rainfall from June to September, with the southern foothills receiving 5,000-7,500 mm annually while the inner Himalayan valleys receive considerably less. Thimphu at 2,320 meters has a temperate climate with cool summers averaging 20°C and cold winters where temperatures regularly drop below freezing with occasional snowfall.

The deep river valleys running north-south create distinct microclimates, with east Bhutan receiving more rainfall than the drier western valleys. The high-altitude passes above 4,000 meters experience extreme weather year-round, with the Black Mountain range dividing the country into climatically distinct eastern and western halves. Glacial lake outburst floods pose an increasing threat as climate change accelerates the melting of Bhutan's Himalayan glaciers.