Last updated: January 18, 2025
Bumthang, Bhutan, exhibits a Cwb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by a unique blend of seasonal temperature extremes. The region experiences a minimum temperature plunging to -19°C (-1°F) in January, contrasting with a peak average temperature of 21°C (71°F) during the warmest month of July. Over the year, Bumthang maintains a moderate average temperature of 7°C (45°F), illustrating the distinct climatic variations that contribute to the area's ecological diversity and cultural significance.
Bumthang, Bhutan, showcases a striking seasonal temperature pattern characterized by notable variations throughout the year. The winter months of January and February display chilling lows, averaging around -2°C (29°F) and 0°C (31°F) respectively, with minima dropping to -19°C (-1°F) in January. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April with averages of 6°C (43°F), and continue to ascend in May and June, where averages reach 9°C (49°F) and 13°C (55°F), respectively. The summer months of July and August remain consistently warm, maintaining averages around 14°C (57°F), before transitioning into cooler autumn months where October and November see averages decrease again to 9°C (49°F) and 4°C (40°F). The year closes with December, which witnesses a drop in temperatures, reflective of the region's distinguishable seasonal contrasts and highlighting the climatic dynamics unique to Bumthang.
Jakar experiences a significant temperature variation throughout the year, with January being the coldest month, featuring a minimum temperature of -19°C (-1°F), while July sees a much warmer maximum of 21°C (71°F). For further details on the monthly temperatures in Jakar, you can visit the link: monthly temperatures in Jakar.
Bumthang, Bhutan, exhibits a significant variation in precipitation throughout the year, with marked increases during the summer months. January begins with relatively low precipitation of 40 mm (1.6 in), which gradually rises in February to 98 mm (3.9 in). The transition into spring sees a dramatic escalation, particularly in March and April, where rainfall reaches 200 mm (7.9 in) and 225 mm (8.8 in), respectively. May continues this trend, culminating in 332 mm (13.1 in) as the region prepares for the monsoon season.
The wettest months are observed in June and July, with rainfall peaking at 545 mm (21.5 in) and an impressive 698 mm (27.5 in). August remains relatively wet, receiving 541 mm (21.3 in), while precipitation starts to taper off in September, with 399 mm (15.7 in) recorded. The autumn months, particularly October and November, see a notable decrease in rainfall, down to 157 mm (6.2 in) and 54 mm (2.1 in), respectively, before December closes the year with 42 mm (1.7 in). This seasonal precipitation pattern, marked by the intensity and frequency of rainfall days, underscores Bumthang's climatic character, significantly influenced by the monsoon.
In Bumthang, Bhutan, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the winter months into the summer. Beginning in January with 197 hours of sunshine, the region experiences a gradual ascent as February and March see increases to 231 hours and 281 hours, respectively. The peak of sunlight occurs in the late spring months, with May receiving the most sunshine at 315 hours. This upward trajectory reflects the transition from the cooler, darker winter months into the vibrant spring, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture.
As summer approaches, however, sunshine hours begin to decline, particularly in July, which records only 193 hours—the lowest for the year. This decrease corresponds with the onset of the monsoon, bringing increased cloud cover and precipitation. The sunshine duration starts to rebound in August and September, with 234 hours and 253 hours of sunlight, respectively, before declining once more in the autumn months. Notably, October still boasts a substantial 303 hours of sunshine, indicating clear skies experienced during this transitional period. Overall, the sunshine duration in Bumthang not only underscores the climatic variations throughout the year but also highlights the importance of seasonal changes in shaping the region's natural beauty and agricultural patterns.
The UV Index in Bumthang, Bhutan, reveals a pronounced seasonal pattern, with elevated levels persisting throughout the year, particularly from February to September. January starts with a UV Index of 8, categorized as very high, necessitating a burn time of merely 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As winter transitions to spring, February heightens to 10, and by March, the UV Index spikes to 13, signifying extreme exposure, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. This trend reaches its apex in May and June, with the index peaking at an impressive 16 and maintaining this extreme level through July.
During the latter part of summer, the UV Index remains largely extreme, though slightly dipping to 15 in August and 14 in September. As the year progresses into autumn, the index begins to decline, with October recording a UV Index of 12, categorized as extreme but still requiring vigilance. By November and December, levels decrease further to 9 and 7 respectively, with the burn time increasing back to 15 minutes and 25 minutes. This data underscores the importance of sun protection in Bumthang, particularly during the peak months from March through October, when UV exposure poses a significant risk to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
In Bumthang, Bhutan, daylight duration exhibits a clear annual progression, beginning the year with approximately 10 hours of sunlight in January. As winter transitions to spring, February experiences an increase to 11 hours, followed by March, which sees a further extension to 12 hours. This trend of increasing daylight culminates in May and June, where the region enjoys the longest days of the year, averaging 13 hours of daylight. The extended daylight during these months not only enhances the landscape's beauty but also supports agricultural activities and outdoor pursuits.
As summer fades into autumn, daylight hours begin to decline gradually. From July through September, Bumthang maintains 13 hours of daylight, sustaining the positive impacts of the longer days. However, this duration decreases to 12 hours in September and further tapers off to 11 hours in October. As the year comes full circle, November and December revert to 10 hours once again, marking the return of winter conditions. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration offers insights into the seasonal changes within the region, reflecting the broader climatic influences that shape life in Bumthang.
Jakar, Bhutan experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees minimum temperatures plummet to -19°C, gradually warming to around 9°C by May, followed by a peak of 21°C during the summer months. Precipitation is highest from June to August, with July receiving a notable 698 mm of rain, while sunshine is abundant from March to May, averaging over 300 hours. For more details, visit Jakar climate.
In conclusion, Bumthang, Bhutan, presents a distinct climate characterized by marked seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences cold winters with significant UV exposure and gradually transitions into warmer months with ample sunlight, peaking in the summer. The pronounced monsoon season introduces higher precipitation levels, while the annual cycle of daylight duration emphasizes the rhythmic changes that define the local ecosystem. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents, visitors, and researchers alike, as they not only influence daily life and agricultural practices but also shape the rich cultural and natural heritage of this unique Himalayan region.