Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in Thimphu, Bhutan is characterized by a crisp and cool climate, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 16°C (62°F) to a chilly minimum of -9°C (15°F). The average temperature hovers around a brisk 3°C (38°F), making it essential for visitors to bundle up. This month sees 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 19 days, contributing to the region's enchanting winter landscape. Coupled with a humidity level of 75%, December in Thimphu offers a unique blend of frosty air and the charm of Bhutan's wintry ambiance, perfect for those seeking a serene escape.
In December, Thimphu, Bhutan experiences a distinct drop in temperatures as it settles into the heart of winter. The month begins with nighttime lows averaging around -9°C (15°F), representing a chilling shift from the milder conditions of November. Daytime offers a brief reprieve, with average highs reaching about 16°C (62°F), providing a comfortable escape from the cold. The average temperature hovers around 3°C (38°F), indicative of a season where warm clothing becomes essential. This trend of colder mornings and slightly warmer afternoons is typical for December, setting a picturesque, serene atmosphere against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
In December, Thimphu experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns, with rainfall measuring 68 mm (2.7 in), similar to the previous month of November. This consistent precipitation is accompanied by 19 rainy days, slightly less than November's 21 days, suggesting a transition towards drier conditions as winter approaches. December marks the tail-end of the monsoonal season, paving the way for the drier months ahead, which typically follow in the colder part of the year. The gradual decline in both precipitation amount and rainy days highlights the region's shift from heavy monsoon influence to the cooler, drier climate characteristic of winter in Bhutan.
As December arrives in Thimphu, Bhutan, the air feels noticeably more humid, with levels reaching 75%. This marks a shift from the drier months preceding it, particularly in March and April, where humidity levels drop to their lowest at 38% and 34%, respectively. Following the dry spell, the humidity climbs steadily through the spring, peaking in the monsoon months from June to September at an impressive 93%. The gradual descent into winter is characterized by a substantial decrease to 80% in November before stabilizing at 75% in December. This trend showcases Thimphu's transition from the lush, wet summer season to a cooler, yet still humid, winter atmosphere, offering a unique blend of seasonal shifts.
As the year draws to a close, December in Thimphu, Bhutan, sees a notable shift in the UV Index, dropping to 7, categorized as high exposure with a burn time of 25 minutes. This decline reflects the transition from the intense summer months; from March to October, the UV Index frequently soared into the extreme range, peaking at 16 during the height of summer. As autumn approached, the levels gradually decreased, highlighting a seasonal trend that emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak months. With the UV exposure notably lower in December compared to the year's extremes, it offers a more forgiving environment for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, you can check the Thimphu UV Index.
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In December, Thimphu, Bhutan enjoys a remarkable 282 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunnier months as the year draws to a close. This level of brightness follows a trend of steadily increasing daylight hours, peaking in the spring with April and May showcasing the most sun, at 326 and 334 hours, respectively. Notably, winter months tend to see a drop compared to the peak, but December's hours remain relatively high, fostering a cheerful atmosphere as locals and visitors alike revel in the crisp air and clear skies. Following the lush greenery of summer, this sunny respite is a perfect prelude to the colder season, offering a beautiful contrast to the more muted hours of the rainy summer months.
In December, Thimphu boasts a 47% chance of sunny weather, closely aligning with the sunny tendencies observed in the preceding months of November (39%) and January (48%). This suggests a welcomed trend of increasing sunshine as winter approaches, offering a pleasant reprieve from the heavy rains of the preceding summer months. While visibility of the sun diminishes significantly during the monsoon season, the gradual uptick in December's sunlit days reflects a shift towards clearer skies as the region experiences colder climes. Thus, visitors can expect a charming winter ambiance, complete with a decent likelihood of sunshine to enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
In Thimphu, Bhutan, the daylight duration exhibits a fascinating seasonal rhythm throughout the year. Starting with 10 hours of daylight in January, the days gradually lengthen until reaching a peak of 13 hours in the summer months of May through August. As autumn descends, daylight begins to wane, tapering off to 12 hours in September and dropping back to 10 hours by December. This cyclic pattern highlights the region's significant changes in daylight, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the vibrant energy of longer summer days before settling into the tranquil, shorter days of winter.
In December, the gentle winds of Thimphu, Bhutan pick up slightly, reaching an average speed of 1.1 m/s (3 mph), reminiscent of the year’s earlier months. As we journey through the year, the wind speeds remain relatively consistent, with a subtle decline observed from January to July, where the speeds dip to their lowest at 0.9 m/s (2 mph). However, a revival occurs as autumn approaches, with speeds climbing back to 1.2 m/s (3 mph) in November before settling into December's mild breeze. This pattern creates a soothing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the serene landscapes that Thimphu has to offer during the winter months.
Weather in Thimphu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Thimphu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is generally milder compared to January, with average temperatures around 3°C (38°F), while January sees a slight drop to an average of 1°C (34°F). December experiences a maximum temperature of 16°C (62°F), whereas January's peak is a bit cooler at 14°C (58°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December at 68 mm (2.7 in), occurring over 19 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) spread over 17 days. Additionally, December has higher humidity levels at 75%, while January's humidity drops to 59%. For more detailed information, you can check Thimphu weather in January.
December and February present notably different weather conditions. In December, the temperatures range from a minimum of -9°C (15°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), culminating in an average of 3°C (38°F). This month experiences approximately 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation spread over 19 days, alongside a relatively high humidity of 75%. In contrast, February is cooler, with minimum temperatures dropping to -13°C (10°F) and averaging slightly lower at 2°C (37°F), while the maximum remains similar at 15°C (60°F). February also sees a higher total precipitation of 100 mm (4.0 in) across 22 days, but with reduced humidity at 61%. For a detailed look at February's weather specifics, you can visit Thimphu weather in February.
December and March present notably different weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -9°C (15°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average of about 3°C (38°F). The month experiences higher humidity at 75% and 19 days of precipitation accumulating to 68 mm (2.7 in). In contrast, March sees slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of -7°C (21°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging 6°C (42°F). However, it experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 182 mm (7.2 in) over 29 days and lower humidity at 38%. For more details on this transition, explore Thimphu weather in March.
December weather in Thimphu is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (15°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over 19 days, alongside a high humidity of 75%. In contrast, April sees a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). However, it also brings more rain, with 193 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation spread across 28 days and much lower humidity at 34%. This stark contrast illustrates the transition from winter to spring in Thimphu. For more details on April weather, check out Thimphu weather in April.
When comparing the weather in December and May, notable contrasts emerge. December is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (15°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while May sees milder conditions, starting at a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and averaging 12°C (54°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 284 mm (11.2 in) over 30 days, compared to December's 68 mm (2.7 in) across 19 days. The humidity also varies, with December being more humid at 75% versus May's 60%. For further details on the weather patterns in May, you can check Thimphu weather in May.
The weather in December and June presents a stark contrast, with December characterized by chilly temperatures averaging around 3°C (38°F) and reaching a maximum of 16°C (62°F). In December, the region experiences approximately 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 19 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In comparison, June offers a much milder climate, with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F) that can peak at 25°C (77°F). June is notably wetter, receiving 366 mm (14.4 in) of precipitation over 29 days, and experiencing higher humidity at 83%. For more detailed insights into the weather in June, visit Thimphu weather in June.
The weather in December is notably colder than in July, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (15°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). In contrast, July features a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 23°C (74°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). December experiences less precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in) over 19 days, while July is much wetter, with a striking 566 mm (22.3 in) spread over 31 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in July at 93%, compared to 75% in December. For more details, visit Thimphu weather in July.
In December, temperatures in Thimphu range from a frigid minimum of -9°C (15°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average temperature of about 3°C (38°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in), but rain is frequent, occurring on 19 days, and humidity is at 75%. In stark contrast, August enjoys much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F). However, it is significantly wetter, with a substantial 385 mm (15.2 in) of rainfall over 30 days, resulting in higher humidity levels of 93%. For more detailed insights, you can check Thimphu weather in August.
In December, the weather is much colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -9°C (15°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (62°F), resulting in an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). Precipitation levels are also relatively low, with 68 mm (2.7 in) falling over 19 days, and humidity sits at 75%. In contrast, September experiences much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). However, it is significantly wetter in September, with a substantial 316 mm (12.4 in) of rain over 28 days and higher humidity at 93%. For more detailed information, you can visit Thimphu weather in September.
In comparing the weather conditions of December and October, we see a notable shift in temperatures and precipitation. December experiences lower temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (15°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while October boasts milder conditions, featuring a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). Additionally, October is significantly wetter, receiving 151 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation over 24 days, compared to December's 68 mm (2.7 in) over 19 days. The humidity also varies, with October having higher humidity levels at 88%, compared to December's 75%. For a closer look at the weather patterns, you can visit Thimphu weather in October.
In comparing the weather patterns of December and November, we see a notable decline in temperatures over the transition from November to December. November experiences a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F), while December's temperatures drop to a minimum of -9°C (15°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). Both months receive the same total precipitation of 68 mm (2.7 in), but December has slightly fewer days of rain, with 19 days compared to November's 21 days. Interestingly, humidity levels are slightly lower in December at 75%, compared to November's higher 80%. For more detailed insights on November weather, check out Thimphu weather in November.
As December settles in, Thimphu experiences a notable shift in weather, with temperatures dipping considerably compared to the milder months. The chill in the air often brings a sense of winter wonder, characterized by crisp days and frosty nights. With an average temperature hovering around freezing and frequent precipitation, residents and visitors alike should prepare for damp conditions and a heightened sense of humidity. This month's weather contrasts sharply with the warmer and drier spells of earlier months, making it an intriguing time for those aiming to explore the serenity of Thimphu in winter. For more insights into what to expect year-round, visit Thimphu Climate.