Last updated: August 21, 2025
January in Thimphu, Bhutan, brings a distinctive chill to the air, with maximum temperatures reaching around 14°C (58°F), while the average temperature hovers at a brisk 1°C (34°F). The nights can be particularly frigid, dropping to a minimum of -11°C (13°F). This month sees precipitation totaling 52 mm (2.1 in) across approximately 17 days, contributing to a humidity level of 59%. Despite the cold, January's scenery is marked by its crisp, fresh air and snow-capped mountain vistas, making it a unique winter destination.
In January, Thimphu experiences a winter chill that can plunge temperatures to a brisk -11°C (13°F) at night, but the days gradually warm up, reaching an average of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). This stark contrast showcases a clear trend of rising temperatures as the month progresses, reflecting the transition towards the milder months ahead. Compared to the frigid conditions of December, where lows also hover around -9°C (15°F), January maintains a similar average but hints at the approaching warmth of spring. The gradual ascent in daytime highs sets the stage for February, with temperatures dipping even lower at night but only slightly increasing overall. As winter holds on, Thimphu's January weather paints a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped peaks and crisp, invigorating air, perfect for outdoor adventures and enjoying the serene beauty of this Himalayan capital.
In January, Thimphu experiences an average precipitation of 52 mm (2.1 in), which is the driest month of the year, with rainfall occurring on 17 days. This sets the stage for the gradual increase in moisture as the months progress; February sees a rise to 100 mm (4.0 in) over 22 days. The trend intensifies in the spring months, with March and April featuring substantial increases, peaking in May with 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain over a full month's worth of precipitation days. The rainy season peaks in July, where Thimphu is drenched with an impressive 566 mm (22.3 in), reflecting a shift from the relatively dry January to a lush summer landscape. As autumn approaches, the rainfall begins to taper off, leading to a notable decline by October, illustrating the dynamic seasonal shifts that characterize the region's climate.
In January, Thimphu experiences a moderate humidity level of 59%, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the month progresses. As February rolls in, this figure climbs slightly to 61%, hinting at the upcoming transition into a more humid season. After this peak in early winter, the humidity takes a notable dip in the spring months, plummeting to 38% in March and falling even further to 34% in April, creating a crisp, dry atmosphere. However, as Bhutan moves towards summer, humidity levels surge dramatically, peaking at an impressive 93% from July to September, making these months notably damp. This pattern of fluctuation—with lower humidity in spring and higher levels during the summer months—highlights Thimphu’s unique climate cycle. As the year wraps up, humidity begins to decline again, landing at 75% in December, reminiscent of the drier conditions experienced earlier in the year.
January in Thimphu, Bhutan, welcomes visitors with a UV Index of 8, placing it in the very high exposure category. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, it's essential to take precautions when enjoying the crisp winter air. As the year unfolds, the UV Index rapidly escalates; by February, it soars to 10, and then reaches a staggering 16 from May to July, indicating a shift to extreme levels of UV radiation. This dramatic increase highlights the importance of sun protection as you transition from the cooler months into the intensity of summer. Notably, the trend sees a gradual decrease once September passes, ultimately ending the year with a UV Index of 7 in December, where burn time extends to 25 minutes. If you’re planning a visit, staying informed about the UV levels is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. For more information about UV radiation levels year-round, visit Thimphu UV Index.
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In January, Thimphu experiences 228 hours of sunshine, providing a bright start to the year as the days gradually lengthen. This trend continues into February, with sunshine increasing to 268 hours, signaling the arrival of spring. The sunshine hours peak in the vibrant months of April and May, reaching 326 and 334 hours, respectively. However, as the monsoon season approaches, there is a noticeable decline in sunlight during July, dropping to just 183 hours. The sunshine begins to rebound in the autumn months, with October shining again at 313 hours, before slowly tapering off in the final months of the year. Overall, Thimphu's sunlight patterns reflect a beautifully varied climate, marking the transition between the crisp winters and lush summers.
In Thimphu, Bhutan, January boasts a 48% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the best months for sunshine in the winter months. As we transition into February, the likelihood slightly dips to 42%, indicating that while the sun may be a bit less present, bright days are still common. The following months, notably March and April, witness a further decline, with chances dropping to 29% and 41%, respectively. The trend becomes more pronounced as the year progresses; from May's 19% down to a mere 4% in the heart of the monsoon season in July. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunny days begins a slow recovery in September and October, culminating again in December with a 47% chance of sunshine. This reveals a tantalizing pattern: while January is one of the sunniest months, winter and early spring offer a hopeful glimmer of sunshine amidst the seasonal shifts.
In Thimphu, Bhutan, January ushers in a lively display of 10 hours of daylight, a gradual increase that sets the stage for the upcoming months. As February arrives, daylight extends to 11 hours, hinting at the awakening of spring. The trend continues into March and April, where daylight stretches to a full 12 hours, offering a sense of balance. By May, the days become delightfully longer with 13 hours, a duration maintained through the humid summer months of June, July, and August. As autumn starts to settle in, daylight begins its retreat, dropping to 12 hours in September and subsequently decreasing to 11 by October. The trend completes its yearly cycle as November and December both bring back 10 hours of daylight, gently reminding us of the seasonal ebb and flow in this picturesque Himalayan capital.
In January, Thimphu experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.3 m/s (3 mph), creating a crisp atmosphere perfect for winter exploration. As winter gives way to spring, the wind speeds slightly decrease in February and March, settling around 1.2 m/s and 1.1 m/s respectively. This trend continues into April, where winds remain a manageable 1.2 m/s, ideal for outdoor activities. As the months transition into summer, the winds become even quieter, with speeds dropping to 1.0 m/s by June and maintaining a calm 0.9 m/s in July and August. This stillness in the air persists into September and October, before a subtle uptick in November brings back the slightly stronger breezes at 1.2 m/s. As the year wraps up in December, the winds settle back to 1.1 m/s, encapsulating the cycle of Thimphu's serene yet dynamic winter climate.
Weather in Thimphu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Thimphu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. January tends to be slightly warmer with average temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). In contrast, February experiences a lower minimum temperature of -13°C (10°F) but has a marginally higher average of 2°C (37°F) and peaks at 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in February, totaling 100 mm (4.0 in) over 22 days compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) across 17 days. Additionally, humidity remains relatively stable, with February recording 61% against January's 59%. For more detailed insights into February weather, you can check Thimphu weather in February.
January and March present a notable transition in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a moderate maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of about 1°C (34°F). The month is characterized by 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 17 days and a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, March sees a significant rise in temperatures, with minimums around -7°C (21°F) and maximums reaching 18°C (64°F), averaging 6°C (42°F). However, March experiences much higher precipitation, totaling 182 mm (7.2 in) over 29 days, but with notably lower humidity at 38%. For a more in-depth look at March weather, you can check Thimphu weather in March.
In January, the weather is quite chilly with average temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F), and a minimum plunge to -11°C (13°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 52 mm (2.1 in) over 17 days, along with a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, by April, temperatures rise more comfortably, averaging 9°C (48°F) and peaking at a maximum of 20°C (68°F), although it is also the wettest month, with precipitation soaring to 193 mm (7.6 in) spread over 28 days. The humidity drops considerably to 34%, making April feel milder despite the increased rainfall. For those looking to explore further, the detailed conditions can be found at Thimphu weather in April.
In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), averaging around 1°C (34°F). The month experiences around 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 17 days, while humidity sits at a cool 59%. In contrast, May brings a significant shift with milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm 23°C (74°F), averaging at 12°C (54°F). However, May is also much wetter, with precipitation soaring to 284 mm (11.2 in) spread over 30 days and a slight increase in humidity to 60%. For more details on the weather during this vibrant month, check out Thimphu weather in May.
The weather in January and June shows a stark contrast in both temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a mild maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 1°C (34°F). Precipitation is relatively low during this month, totaling 52 mm (2.1 in) over 17 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 59%.
In contrast, June brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). However, it also brings substantial rainfall, amounting to 366 mm (14.4 in) over 29 days, and significantly higher humidity at 83%. For more details on the weather in June, visit Thimphu weather in June.
Comparing the weather in January and July reveals a dramatic shift in climate. January is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average of only 1°C (34°F), while July brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation also differs significantly; January sees 52 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall over 17 days, whereas July is much wetter, receiving an impressive 566 mm (22.3 in) over 31 days. The humidity levels are strikingly higher in July at 93%, compared to January's 59%. For a closer look at the weather patterns, you can visit Thimphu weather in July.
January and August present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F), with an average of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum reaching only 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 52 mm (2.1 inches) over 17 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, August experiences much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). However, it is also significantly wetter, recording 385 mm (15.2 inches) of rainfall over 30 days and higher humidity at 93%. For more details, you can refer to Thimphu weather in August.
January and September present stark contrasts in weather. January features colder temperatures, with averages hovering around 1°C (34°F) and extreme lows dipping to -11°C (13°F). In contrast, September enjoys milder temperatures, averaging 15°C (59°F) with highs reaching 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is another key differentiator; January sees 52 mm (2.1 in) over 17 days, while September experiences significantly higher rainfall of 316 mm (12.4 in) across 28 days, contributing to a much higher humidity level of 93%. For more specifics on September weather, check out Thimphu weather in September.
In January, the weather is much colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), coupled with an average temperature of just 1°C (34°F). The precipitation during this month totals 52 mm (2.1 in) over 17 days, and the humidity sits at 59%. In contrast, October brings relatively milder weather with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a comfortable maximum of 22°C (72°F), averaging around 11°C (53°F). However, October is considerably wetter, receiving 151 mm (6.0 in) of rainfall spread over 24 days, and the humidity increases to 88%. For more specific insights, you can explore Thimphu weather in October.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), and an average temperature of just 1°C (34°F). During this month, Thimphu experiences 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 17 days, and the humidity hovers around 59%. In contrast, November brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F), an average of 7°C (44°F), and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 68 mm (2.7 in) across 21 days, along with a rise in humidity to 80%. For more details, check out Thimphu weather in November.
In January, the weather is typically colder than in December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F). In contrast, December sees slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -9°C (15°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in December, occurring on 19 days and totaling 68 mm (2.7 in), while January experiences 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 17 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level of 75%, compared to January's 59%. For a deeper dive into December weather conditions, visit Thimphu weather in December.
January in Thimphu ushers in a cool, crisp atmosphere distinct from the warmer months, characterized by an average temperature hovering around 1°C. The chill is palpable, with nighttime lows dipping to -11°C, making it a time for bundling up. Unlike the summer season's heavy rains, January experiences a lighter touch of precipitation, with 17 days of light snow or drizzle adding a serene beauty to the landscape. The average humidity sits comfortably at 59%, providing a refreshing change from the sticky warmth of other months. For those curious about what to expect throughout the year, more information can be found at Thimphu Climate.