Last updated: August 21, 2025
In January, Punakha, Bhutan experiences a cool and diverse climate, where temperatures fluctuate from a crisp maximum of 16°C (61°F) to a chilling minimum of -16°C (4°F), with an average hovering around 3°C (37°F). The region welcomes 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, falling across 17 days of the month, contributing to a humidity level of 59%. This combination of conditions creates a unique winter atmosphere, making January a fascinating time to explore the beauty and serenity of Punakha.
In Punakha, Bhutan, January showcases a chilly climate, with temperatures ranging from a bone-chilling -16°C (4°F) at night to a mild 16°C (61°F) during the day, culminating in an average of 3°C (37°F). This month marks the coldest period of the year, with frost occasionally gracing the landscape. As the seasons transition, February begins to brighten, bringing slightly warmer nights at -9°C (16°F) and daytime highs reaching 18°C (64°F), which foreshadows a gradual warming trend leading into spring. The temperatures steadily rise through March to April, where average highs reach 22°C (71°F). This upward trajectory continues into May and June, with comfortable temperatures that entice both locals and tourists to embrace outdoor activities. Overall, January's frigid air gives way to progressively warmer days, revealing a breathtaking transformation as Bhutan starts to shake off winter's chill.
In January, Punakha experiences a noteworthy precipitation amount of 122 mm (4.8 in), spread over 17 rainy days. This sets the stage for a progressively wetter season, as precipitation increases sharply in the following months, peaking in the summer with July's staggering 835 mm (32.9 in). The transition from January to the following months is marked by a steady rise, from February's 176 mm (6.9 in) to March's 317 mm (12.5 in). As the region approaches the monsoon, the frequency of rain days intensifies, culminating in nearly a full month of rain in July with 31 days of precipitation. This trend reflects a distinct shift from the relatively drier winter months, emphasizing the dramatic change in weather patterns as Bhutan moves deeper into the wet season.
In January, Punakha, Bhutan, experiences a moderate humidity level of 59%, setting a backdrop of crisp air that hints at the coolness of winter. This figure slightly increases in February to 61%, signaling the approach of the wetter months. A notable trend emerges as the spring months unfold; by March and April, humidity levels drop dramatically to 38% and 34%, respectively, offering a brief respite before the monsoon season. As the year progresses into May, humidity rises again to 60%, marking a transition towards the rainy season. This culminates in the summer months of June through September, when humidity peaks at a staggering 93%, enveloping the region in a lush, tropical atmosphere. The humidity gradually recedes in October at 88%, followed by a decline as the year closes with November and December, registering at 80% and 75%. This cyclical pattern highlights the dramatic shifts in humidity that characterize Punakha’s diverse climatic seasonality, from refreshing winter to an intense, almost suffocating summer.
In Punakha, Bhutan, January greets residents and visitors with a UV Index of 8, placing it in the very high exposure category, where unprotected skin can burn in just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into February, the UV Index spikes to 10, maintaining that same high risk of sunburn. The trend intensifies in March and April, where the index escalates to 12 and 14 respectively, both categorized as extreme, requiring only a 10-minute exposure before damage can occur. This extreme zone continues through May and June, peaking at 15, before hitting 16 in July, marking the highest UV levels of the year. The intensity begins to decline in August and September, yet remains extreme before tapering off in October (UV Index 11). By November, the index drops to 9, signaling a return to very high exposure with a bit more leeway at 15 minutes for unprotected skin. Finally, December offers a respite with a lower UV Index of 6, categorized as high, allowing for 25 minutes of burn time. These trends underscore the importance of sun protection throughout the year in this stunning region. For more detailed information, visit Punakha UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Punakha, Bhutan, the sun shines brightly throughout the year, but January sets the stage with a respectable 220 hours of sunshine, hinting at the charm of winter days. As the months progress, the daylight hours steadily increase, peaking in May with 321 hours, signaling the arrival of spring and the lush greenery that follows. The trend begins to gently decline during the summer, with July experiencing the least sunshine at 182 hours due to monsoon rains. However, as summer fades, the sun re-emerges, with October boasting a striking 310 hours, making it one of the most delightful months to visit. The progression from the lower winter totals to the sunny highs of spring showcases Punakha's dynamic weather and vibrant landscapes, perfect for exploration year-round.
In Punakha, Bhutan, the likelihood of sunny weather in January stands at 25%, marking it as a time when clear skies are more probable than in the peak monsoon months that follow. As winter wanes into February, the chance of sunshine increases to 32%, hinting at an emerging trend toward brighter days. However, March takes a dip with only a 15% chance, while April revives the sunshine promise slightly to 29%. The data reflects a consistent decline through May and into the summer months, where the likelihood plummets to a mere 3% in July. As the year progresses towards autumn, sunny chances rebound, peaking again at 32% in October, before settling into more variable weather in November and December. Overall, January offers a fair start to the year, but early winter visitors might find better sunlit days in the following month.
In Punakha, Bhutan, January ushers in a winter ambiance with approximately 10 hours of daylight, laying the groundwork for a gradual increase in brightness as the year progresses. By February, the days stretch to 11 hours, heralding the approach of spring. The trend continues, peaking at 13 hours of sunlight from May to August, perfect for outdoor exploration and vibrant festivals. As summer fades, daylight begins to wane, with September and October dropping to 12 and 11 hours, respectively. The year closes with January reverting back to 10 hours of daylight, establishing a rhythmic cycle that beautifully enhances the region's natural beauty and seasonal transformations.
In Punakha, Bhutan, the wind gently whispers through the valleys in January, maintaining a consistent average speed of 1.1 m/s (2 mph). This mild breeze carries through the winter months, with February sharing the same tranquil pace. As spring approaches in March, the winds slightly ease, dipping to 0.9 m/s, a trend that continues into the warmer months, where the winds hover around 0.8 to 0.9 m/s. However, as the year begins to close, a slight resurgence occurs, with November and December returning to a brisker 1.0 m/s. Overall, January's winds encapsulate a serene start to the year, setting a peaceful tone that lingers throughout the seasons.
Weather in Punakha varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Punakha, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February present distinctly different weather patterns, though both months remain chilly. January features a minimum temperature of -16°C (4°F) and averages around 3°C (37°F), while February sees warmer temperatures with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). Precipitation also increases from 122 mm (4.8 in) over 17 days in January to a wetter February with 176 mm (6.9 in) falling on 22 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise slightly from 59% in January to 61% in February, contributing to a damp atmosphere. For more insights into February's weather, check out Punakha weather in February.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F). The month sees 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 17 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 59%. In contrast, March offers a milder climate, with temperatures fluctuating between -9°C (16°F) and 19°C (66°F), and an average of 7°C (45°F). However, March experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 317 mm (12.5 in) over 29 days, but with lower humidity at 38%. For more detailed insights about the weather in March, you can visit Punakha weather in March.
January's weather can be characterized by its cold temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -16°C (4°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F). The month experiences relatively high precipitation, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over about 17 days, coupled with a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with minimum temperatures around 0°C (32°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), peaking at a maximum of 22°C (71°F). However, April is significantly wetter, with precipitation reaching 248 mm (9.8 in) across 28 days, while humidity drops to 34%. For more details, check out the Punakha weather in April.
In January, Punakha experiences chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of around 3°C (37°F), while the maximum can reach 16°C (61°F). The month sees about 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation spread over 17 days, resulting in a relatively dry atmosphere with a humidity level around 59%.
In contrast, May brings significantly warmer conditions, where the minimum temperature rises to 4°C (39°F) and the average settles at 13°C (56°F), with maximums peaking at 24°C (75°F). However, May is much wetter, with precipitation soaring to 339 mm (13.3 in) over 30 days, accompanied by a slight increase in humidity to 60%. For more detailed information, you can check out Punakha weather in May.
In January, the weather features a wide temperature range, with minimums plummeting to -16°C (4°F) and averages around 3°C (37°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation at 122 mm (4.8 in) over 17 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, June brings a significant warm-up, with minimum temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and average highs reaching 26°C (78°F). However, June sees much heavier rainfall, accumulating 496 mm (19.5 in) across 29 days, and a higher humidity level of 83%. For a more detailed look at Punakha's weather in June, you can visit Punakha weather in June.
The weather in January is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), giving way to a mild maximum of 16°C (61°F). In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (55°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F), reaching highs of 25°C (76°F). Additionally, January experiences 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 17 days, whereas July sees a significant increase in rainfall, totaling 835 mm (32.9 in) across 31 days, contributing to higher humidity levels of 93%. For more details on July weather in Punakha, visit Punakha weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -16°C (4°F) at night, with an average of 3°C (37°F) during the day, while the maximum reaches 16°C (61°F). This frigid month experiences 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 17 days, accompanied by a moderate humidity level of 59%. In contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and peaks at 24°C (76°F). However, it also brings heavy rainfall, totaling 674 mm (26.5 in) over 31 days, and increased humidity at 93%. For more details, check out Punakha weather in August.
In January, the weather is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F) and an average temperature of around 3°C (37°F). The month sees a fair amount of precipitation at 122 mm (4.8 in) over 17 days, with humidity levels at a relatively moderate 59%. In contrast, September brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and rising to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging at 16°C (61°F). However, September also experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 515 mm (20.3 in) over 29 days, coupled with increased humidity levels reaching 93%. For more detailed information on the weather during this month, check out Punakha weather in September.
January and October present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a frigid -16°C (4°F) as the minimum to a pleasant maximum of 16°C (61°F), with an average of 3°C (37°F). This month sees 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 17 days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 59%. In stark contrast, October experiences milder conditions with minimum temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and a comfortable maximum of 23°C (74°F), averaging at 13°C (56°F). However, it also brings higher precipitation levels of 202 mm (8.0 in) across 23 days and a notable increase in humidity at 88%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Punakha weather in October.
In January, temperatures reach a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and can peak at 16°C (61°F), averaging around 3°C (37°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The month sees a total precipitation of 122 mm (4.8 in) over 17 days, with a moderate humidity level of 59%. In contrast, November presents milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F), averaging 9°C (48°F). Although November experiences slightly less precipitation at 102 mm (4.0 in) over the same number of days, it is characterized by a higher humidity of 80%. For more specifics about November weather, you can visit Punakha weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, January tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures dipping to -16°C (4°F) compared to a milder -11°C (13°F) in December. The average temperature in January is 3°C (37°F), slightly lower than December's average of 5°C (42°F). While both months experience considerable precipitation, January sees a bit more with 122 mm (4.8 in) over 17 days, compared to December's 114 mm (4.5 in) across 20 days. Additionally, December has higher humidity levels at 75%, compared to January’s 59%. For more details on December weather, you can refer to Punakha weather in December.
January in Punakha presents a distinctive climate compared to other months, marked by chilly temperatures that can plummet to -16°C at night, emphasizing the region's profound winter chill. The average temperature hovers around 3°C, while daytime highs barely reach 16°C, making this one of the coldest months of the year. With 122 mm of precipitation spread across 17 days, January also sees a notable increase in humidity at 59%, contributing to a damp atmosphere. This blend of low temperatures and frequent moisture sets January apart, offering a unique winter experience that contrasts sharply with the warmer and drier months ahead. For a deeper understanding of the varying weather conditions throughout the year, visit Punakha Climate.