Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tongsa, Bhutan, classified under the Koppen-Geiger climate system as Cwb, exhibits a unique blend of temperature extremes and moderate averages. With frigid January lows plunging to -21°C (-6°F), the region experiences a significant seasonal temperature variation, highlighted by a comfortable summer peak of 21°C (71°F) in June. The annual mean temperature hovers around 7°C (45°F), reflecting a climate that supports diverse ecosystems while presenting challenges to local inhabitants. This climatic characterization underscores the intricate relationship between elevation and weather patterns in this Himalayan region.
Tongsa, Bhutan, experiences marked seasonal temperature variations that characterize its climate throughout the year. The winter months, particularly January and February, showcase frigid conditions with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -21°C (-6°F) and -16°C (3°F), respectively, while average temperatures remain below freezing. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, transitioning to milder conditions, with March averaging 2°C (37°F) and April reaching 6°C (43°F). The summer months of June, July, and August bring the warmest temperatures, with daily maximums consistently hitting 21°C (71°F) and average temperatures hovering around 13-14°C (55-57°F). This trend continues into September before a slow descent into cooler fall temperatures in October, November, and December, where the minimums dip again, signaling the return of winter. Thus, Tongsa's climate reflects a distinct pattern of cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns, defining the region's climatic identity.
Trongsa experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) in January and a maximum of 21°C (71°F) in June. This variation reflects the region's diverse climate and seasonal changes, making it a unique destination. For detailed monthly temperatures and more information, visit monthly temperatures in Trongsa.
Tongsa, Bhutan, experiences significant seasonal variations in precipitation, with a marked increase from winter to summer. January begins the year with relatively low rainfall of 45 mm (1.8 in), followed by a sharp rise in February to 104 mm (4.1 in). The transition into spring continues with March and April witnessing escalating precipitation levels, reaching 207 mm (8.1 in) and 218 mm (8.6 in), respectively. May marks the onset of the monsoon season, dramatically increasing precipitation to 335 mm (13.2 in), setting the stage for the peak rainfall months.
The summer months are characterized by intense rainfall, particularly in July, when Tongsa sees its highest monthly total of 744 mm (29.3 in), resulting in an average of 31 rainy days. August follows closely, contributing 559 mm (22.0 in) of rainfall over 31 days. As the monsoon subsides in September, total precipitation decreases to 439 mm (17.3 in), signaling a gradual return to drier conditions. Precipitation significantly diminishes in the fall and winter months, with October receiving 171 mm (6.7 in) and both November and December experiencing minimal rainfall of 52 mm (2.0 in) and 44 mm (1.8 in), respectively. This seasonal pattern of precipitation plays a crucial role in shaping the local environment and ecosystems in Tongsa.
In Tongsa, Bhutan, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, marked by a steady increase from the winter months into summer. January starts with 210 hours of sunshine, gradually rising each month to reach 321 hours in May, showcasing the region's transition into the sunnier days of late spring. April and May are particularly notable, with hours of sunlight hitting 313 hours and 321 hours, respectively, representing the peak of brightness before the onset of the monsoon season. Though June retains a fair amount of sunshine at 287 hours, this marks the beginning of the rainy season, leading to a noticeable dip.
As the summer progresses, July sees a sharp decline in sunshine duration, plummeting to 190 hours as heavy monsoon rains dominate the weather. Following July, August experiences a slight recovery with 230 hours of sunshine, but it remains below the earlier summer months. The transition to fall brings an upswing in sunshine, with September capturing 252 hours and October rising again to 308 hours, offering clearer skies post-monsoon. November and December conclude the year with 273 hours and 260 hours, respectively, maintaining a substantial amount of sunlight as winter sets in. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the contrast between the lush, rain-soaked summer and the crisp, sunnier days of the cooler months in Tongsa.
The UV Index in Tongsa, Bhutan, displays a dramatic increase as the year progresses, peaking during the summer months. Starting at a moderate 7 in January, exposure levels are categorized as high, granting a burn time of 25 minutes. However, as February approaches, the UV Index escalates to 10, categorizing the exposure as very high and reducing the safe burn time to 15 minutes. This trend continues into spring, with March reaching 12 (extreme) and April soaring to 14 (also extreme). The maximum levels occur in May and June, both at 16, necessitating cautious sun protection measures due to the extremely high risk.
As summer continues, the UV Index remains elevated, with July also recorded at 16 before beginning a gradual decline in August to 15. September's index drops slightly to 14, while October sees a further decrease to 12 as the region transitions into fall. November reflects yet another decline to 9, classified as very high but allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Finally, December returns to a high exposure level of 7, echoing the start of the year with the longest burn time of 25 minutes. These patterns highlight the critical need for sun protection, particularly during the late spring and summer months when UV radiation is at its most intense in Tongsa.
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In Tongsa, Bhutan, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning with shorter days in the winter months. January kicks off the year with approximately 10 hours of daylight, a trend that extends into December, where daylight is once again limited to 10 hours. As February arrives, daylight begins to stretch to 11 hours, signaling the gradual approach of spring. March marks a notable shift, with daylight increasing to 12 hours, providing longer opportunities for outdoor activities.
The progression into late spring and summer brings the longest daylight hours, peaking at 13 hours from May through August. This extended daylight provides ample time for both agriculture and recreation in the region. As autumn arrives, daylight duration starts to taper off, with September returning to 12 hours and October decreasing to 11 hours. By November and December, Tongsa returns to its winter pattern of 10 hours of daylight. This cyclical variation in sunlight underscores the changing seasons and plays a vital role in the daily lives of the residents in Tongsa.
Trongsa, Bhutan experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plunge to as low as -21°C (-6°F) with significant snowfall, while July sees milder conditions with highs around 21°C (71°F) and heavy rainfall, peaking in June at 542 mm (21.3 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine with the most hours recorded in May (321 hours), contrasting with the cloudier, wetter months of July and August. For more detailed climate information, visit Trongsa climate.
In conclusion, Tongsa, Bhutan, showcases a diverse climatic profile marked by significant variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. With its distinct seasons, residents experience harsh winters transitioning into warm summers, characterized by a pronounced monsoon period and substantial rainfall. The region's high UV Index during the summer highlights the importance of sun protection amid extended daylight hours that peak in mid-year. These climatic patterns not only shape the natural environment but also influence agricultural practices, daily routines, and the overall lifestyle of the community, underscoring the intricate relationship between climate and human activity in this stunning Himalayan locale.