Last updated: January 18, 2025
Chukha, Bhutan, experiences a Cwa climate classification, characterized by distinct seasonal variations. The temperature ranges from a chilly minimum of -3°C (26°F) in February, marking the coldest period of the year, to a warm maximum of 33°C (92°F) in August, illustrating the region's peak summer heat. With an average temperature of 17°C (63°F), Chukha presents a generally mild climate, influenced by its geographical features and elevation, making it a unique environment for both residents and visitors.
Chukha, Bhutan, showcases a dynamic temperature pattern across the year, transitioning from the cool crispness of winter to the warmth of summer. January begins with mild temperatures averaging 10°C (49°F), but February marks the coldest point, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F), before spring arrives in March, where temperatures start to rise significantly. April and May bring more warmth, with average temperatures climbing to 18°C (64°F) and 19°C (67°F), respectively, while June heralds the peak of summer, with highs reaching 33°C (91°F). The summer months of July and August maintain these warm averages, around 22°C (71°F), before temperatures gradually decline in September and October, signaling the approach of cooler autumn. By November, Chukha cools further, averaging 15°C (58°F), while December returns to the frosty beginnings of the year with temperatures dropping again to 0°C (33°F), completing the cyclical pattern of its distinct seasonal climate.
Daphu and Tsimasham experience similar temperature ranges, with minimums dipping to -3°C (26°F) in February and maximums rising to 27°C (82°F) in August, as detailed in their respective climate profiles: monthly temperatures in Daphu and monthly temperatures in Tsimasham. In contrast, Phuntsholing has a milder winter, with a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) in January, but it shares a peak summer temperature of 33°C (92°F) in August, highlighted here: monthly temperatures in Phuntsholing.
Chukha, Bhutan, exhibits a distinct precipitation pattern influenced by the monsoon season, with rainfall intensifying from late spring through summer. The year starts with relatively low precipitation, with January recording only 14 mm (0.5 in) over about 4 days. As spring progresses, February sees a notable increase to 38 mm (1.5 in), while March precedes the summer deluge with 75 mm (2.9 in). By April, the rainfall escalates to 128 mm (5.1 in), culminating in the peak precipitation months of May and June, which receive 237 mm (9.3 in) and a staggering 610 mm (24.0 in), respectively.
The monsoon months of July and August bring the highest rainfall totals, with July receiving an extraordinary 1,138 mm (44.8 in), contributing to the lush greenery characteristic of the region. September follows with significant precipitation at 548 mm (21.6 in), as the rains begin to taper off. The transition to autumn sees a sharp decline in rainfall, with October dropping to 170 mm (6.7 in) and November and December seeing minimal accumulation of 11 mm (0.4 in) each month over just a few days. This seasonal variability in precipitation plays a crucial role in shaping Chukha's climate and ecosystem.
In Chukha, Bhutan, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, beginning with shorter days in winter and transitioning to longer, sun-soaked summer months. January starts the year with 224 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 262 hours in February as the days grow longer. March marks a notable rise, surpassing 300 hours for the first time at 311 hours, while April and May continue this upward trajectory, peaking at 321 hours. This steady increase illustrates the region's transition into spring and early summer, where residents can enjoy the most sunlight.
However, this pattern shifts dramatically during the monsoon season. June witnesses a drop to 279 hours as monsoon clouds begin to dominate the skies, with July seeing the lowest sunshine duration at just 183 hours due to frequent rain and overcast conditions. The trend begins to recover in August with 232 hours, followed by a return to more abundant sunshine in September (241 hours) and October (306 hours), as the monsoon recedes. By November and December, the sunshine hours stabilize around 286 and 282 hours, respectively, closing the year on a relatively bright note, though still less than the spring peak. Overall, Chukha's sunshine duration highlights a vibrant interplay between seasonal shifts and climatic conditions, shaping both the landscape and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The UV Index in Chukha, Bhutan, reveals significant seasonal variations, particularly as the region transitions from winter to summer. Beginning in January, the UV Index measures 7, indicating a high level of exposure with a recommended burn time of 25 minutes. As winter gives way to spring, February sees a dramatic increase to 9, classified as very high, with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This upward trend continues into March and April, reaching 11 and 13, respectively, as the UV Index enters the extreme exposure category, with burn times dropping to 10 minutes. May further intensifies this peak, hitting 14, and June follows with an even higher index of 15.
The peak months of July and August maintain this extreme level at 15, where sun protection is paramount due to the minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. As the rainy season winds down, September and October experience a slight decrease, reflecting a UV Index of 13 and 11, respectively, yet still within the extreme category. By November, the UV Index drops to 9, categorized as very high, before returning to 7 in December, signaling a reduction in sun intensity as the year concludes. Understanding these fluctuations in UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions against the sun's harmful rays, particularly during the summer months when exposure is most intense.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Chukha, Bhutan, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern as the year progresses, marking a significant shift from winter to summer. In January, the days are relatively short, providing just 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 11 hours in February. As spring arrives, March witnesses an increase to 12 hours, a trend that remains steady through April. The days continue to lengthen into May, reaching a peak of 13 hours of daylight, which persists through June, July, and August, providing ample sunlight for activities and a vibrant atmosphere.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to decline, with September yielding 12 hours of daylight. This decrease continues into October, where daylight drops to 11 hours before falling back to 10 hours by November and December. The cyclical nature of daylight in Chukha reflects the region's geographic positioning, with longer days during the warm months and shorter durations in the winter. This variation directly influences both the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the local community, emphasizing the importance of understanding daylight patterns in this unique environment.
Daphu, Bhutan experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 0°C (33°F) in January to a warm 27°C (82°F) in August. Precipitation peaks dramatically in the monsoon months, particularly in July, which sees an impressive 1185 mm (46.7 in) of rainfall. Despite this, sunshine hours are abundant, especially between March and May, where the region enjoys over 300 hours of sun. The distinct seasonal variations make Daphu's climate unique, characterized by cold winters and warm, wet summers. For more detailed information, visit the Daphu climate.
Phuntsholing, Bhutan experiences a subtropical highland climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in the peak summer months of June and July. The region receives significant rainfall, particularly in June and July, with average monthly precipitation peaking at 1044 mm (41.1 in). Despite the heavy rains during summer, the city enjoys ample sunshine, especially from March to May, with March recording the highest at 321 hours. For more details, visit Phuntsholing climate.
Tsimasham, Bhutan experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 7°C (46°F) in January to a warm 20°C (68°F) in March, peaking at about 26°C (79°F) during May and July. The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly from June to August, with July seeing an average of 1185 mm (46.7 in) of precipitation. Despite the heavy rains in summer, Tsimasham enjoys considerable sunshine throughout the year, with March and April boasting the highest hours at 306 and 314, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Tsimasham climate.
In conclusion, Chukha, Bhutan, presents a fascinating interplay of climatic factors that shape its unique environment throughout the year. From seasonal temperature variations and fluctuating precipitation to dynamic sunshine and UV Index patterns, the region experiences a remarkable transformation that affects its ecosystem and daily life. The increase in daylight duration during the warmer months enhances outdoor activities and agricultural productivity, while the notable rise in UV Index during peak sun exposure necessitates appropriate sun safety measures for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for fostering a resilient community that can adapt to and thrive within the distinctive climatic conditions of Chukha.