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Contents
- The climate of Punakha
- The best time to visit Punakha
- The worst time to visit Punakha
- Spring weather in Punakha
- Summer weather in Punakha
- Autumn weather in Punakha
- Winter weather in Punakha
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Punakha
Punakha, a town nestled in the heart of Bhutan, falls under the realm of the Dwc Climate Classification, a category signifying Subarctic weather with dry winters and, predominantly, cool summers. This characterisation paints a clear picture of weather patterns this location experiences throughout the year.
A careful examination of the climatological parameters unveils the regularity within the weather fluctuations. High temperatures gradually ascend from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in January, peaking at 17.8°C (64°F) through August, decreasing and settling at 7.6°C (45.7°F) by December. On the flip side, low temperatures cast a colder profile with thermometers dipping as low as -2.6°C (27.3°F) in January and climbing to 11.9°C (53.4°F) between July and August, before descending to -0.5°C (31.1°F) in December.
Rainfall, another paramount factor in determining the climate, totals prove notable with precipitations escalating from 11mm (0.43") in January to reach a heady 196mm (7.72") pour in July, then dramatically receding to 7mm (0.28") in December. Simultaneously, snowfall reveals the strongest presence in the colder months, showing a sharp drop from 87mm (3.43") in January to completely absent from May to October, then re-emerging as 40mm (1.57") in December.
Daylight hours remain fairly consistent, revealing a slow increase from 10.6 hours in January to 13.9 hours in the sunny month of June, before declining back to 10.4 hours in December. In terms of wind speeds, data show nominal variations, oscillating between 6.4km/h (4mph) and 8.6km/h (5.3mph) on average throughout the year.
A careful examination of the climatological parameters unveils the regularity within the weather fluctuations. High temperatures gradually ascend from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in January, peaking at 17.8°C (64°F) through August, decreasing and settling at 7.6°C (45.7°F) by December. On the flip side, low temperatures cast a colder profile with thermometers dipping as low as -2.6°C (27.3°F) in January and climbing to 11.9°C (53.4°F) between July and August, before descending to -0.5°C (31.1°F) in December.
Rainfall, another paramount factor in determining the climate, totals prove notable with precipitations escalating from 11mm (0.43") in January to reach a heady 196mm (7.72") pour in July, then dramatically receding to 7mm (0.28") in December. Simultaneously, snowfall reveals the strongest presence in the colder months, showing a sharp drop from 87mm (3.43") in January to completely absent from May to October, then re-emerging as 40mm (1.57") in December.
Daylight hours remain fairly consistent, revealing a slow increase from 10.6 hours in January to 13.9 hours in the sunny month of June, before declining back to 10.4 hours in December. In terms of wind speeds, data show nominal variations, oscillating between 6.4km/h (4mph) and 8.6km/h (5.3mph) on average throughout the year.
The best time to visit Punakha
Considering the climatic patterns, one might argue that the most favorable months for visiting Punakha are between March and May. During this period, Punakha experiences a pleasant balance of warmth and reduced rainfall. High temperatures hover around 13.4°C (56.1°F) on average, while rainfall is around the manageable mark of 57mm (2.24") in March, and sojourner friendly daylight hours extend up to 13.5 hours in May.
The worst time to visit Punakha
In contrast, the least desirable time to visit Punakha, according to the climatic data, would be the heart of the monsoon, from June to August. This period is characterized by intensified rainfall measurements as high as 196mm (7.72") in July. Additionally, this is coupled with heightened humidity levels reaching up to 83% in the same month, making it less than optimal for travelers.
Spring weather in Punakha
Spring graces Punakha with the heralding of warmer temperatures, with highs averaging from 9.6°C (49.3°F) in March to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in May. This season also sees a drop in snowfall, plummeting from 23mm (0.91") in March to a negligible 1mm (0.04") in May. Meanwhile, rainfall manifests a gradual increase from 38mm (1.5") to 95mm (3.74") within the same period.
Summer weather in Punakha
Summer, spanning from June to August, introduces sweltering conditions, with high temperatures soaring to 17.8°C (64°F) in August. Alongside, humidity levels escalate to an extolling 80%. Yet, amidst this intense setup, snowfall bids goodbye, giving way to plentiful rain, with showers intensifying up to 196mm (7.72") in July.
Autumn weather in Punakha
Autumn heralds a change in the winds with high temperatures fluctuating between 15.9°C (60.6°F) in September and 10.2°C (50.4°F) in November. However, after the copious summer downpours, this season witnesses a retreat in rainfall figures, dwindling from 103mm (4.06") in September to a mere 10mm (0.39") in November.
Winter weather in Punakha
Chilly vibes take over during winter, from December through February, with high temperatures dropping to as low as 5.8°C (42.4°F) in January. Also, the winter season ushers in the snowfall era, onsetting at 13mm (0.51") in November and accentuating to a peak of 146mm (5.75") in February. Meanwhile, rainfall scales down to its annual low, hitting 7mm (0.28") in December and 11mm (0.43") in February.
Weather in January
Winter in Punakha, Bhutan, fully introduces itself in January, coaxing the residents to bundle up. The days often start off pretty chilly and reach to average high temperature of 5.8°C (42.4°F). Being the coldest month of the year, January sees a remarkable contrast from the mild climate prevailing in the end of December. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As Punakha transitions from January to February, there's a subtle break from the frosts of winter. Ironically, February is colder at night with a low of -1.1°C (30°F), compared to January's low of -2.6°C (27.3°F). February does not deviate greatly in its climatic behavior from January, having the same humidity level of 57% relative humidity. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March brings a warming trend to Punakha, offering a telltale sign of spring on the horizon. With the mild increase of average high temperatures to 9.6°C (49.3°F), March paces the transition from winter to spring. This month chalks up the most significant switch in weather conditions, marking an end of the snowfall that has usually surrounded the city since January. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Punakha paints a refreshingly vibrant picture with a pleasant shift from the cold to a moderate 12°C (53.6°F). It carries the legacy of increased precipitation from March, with occasional rains livening the cityscape. In April, the possibility of sighting any snowfall in Punakha has faded completely. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May steps up the warmth in Punakha by serving as a gateway to summer. It presents an increase in the maximum temperature by almost another 2°C (35.6°F), up from April's average high temperature of 12°C (53.6°F). A gradual increase in temperature is therefore noticeable as months go by. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Punakha is a treat to those enamored with the warmer weather. Temperatures high strike at 16.7°C (62.1°F) and when combined with the highest humidity of 78% relative humidity, it truly signals the arrival of summer. After May, June endures the second highest rainfall amount, which somewhat alleviates the effect of the warmth. Weather in June »
Weather in July
Making headway into summer, July in Punakha brings along the warmest weather Punakha city has seen so far. At 16.9°C (62.4°F), the average high temperature lashes out the high heat but is somewhat counterbalanced by the high cloud cover of 51%. Weather in July »
Weather in August
With August arriving in Punakha, the escalating heat from July begins to trend downward to 17.8°C (64°F). Though August does not deviate extensively from July in terms of climatic conditions, it does register a small decrease in temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September announces the fall in Punakha in a rather timid manner with an average maximum temperature of 15.9°C (60.6°F). It's interesting to note that September weather does not carry August's weather extremities over into the autumn months. Weather in September »
Weather in October
The pleasant weather continues into October in Punakha which sees a shift towards a lower average high temperature of 13°C (55.4°F). It's distinctly refreshing, veering away from the overpowering temperature and rainfall figures of September. Weather in October »
Weather in November
As November rolls in, the anticipation for winter becomes palpable in Punakha, with temperatures plunging to an average high of 10.2°C (50.4°F) from 13°C (55.4°F) in October. Though the snowfall is negligible, the city still gears up for colder times ahead. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December marks the return of winter in Punakha, bringing the year to a soothing end. A sharp decrease in temperature renders a cold environment with low temperature at -0.5°C (31.1°F). December's snowfall pattern reflects that of January, hinting at a cyclical pattern in Punakha's weather. Weather in December »
Frequently asked questions
What time of the year is the coldest in Punakha?
Punakha, Bhutan, experiences its average lowest temperatures in January, reaching a peak of 5.8°C (42.4°F) and a minimum of -2.6°C (27.3°F).
What is the least humid month in Punakha?
January and February, with an average relative humidity of 57%, are the least humid months in Punakha.
How many days does it rain in Punakha?
Throughout the year, there are 186.7 rainfall days, and 863mm (33.98") of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Punakha?
Months with snowfall in Punakha, Bhutan, are January through May, November and December.
How many days does it snow in Punakha?
In Punakha, Bhutan, during the entire year, snow falls for 33.8 days and aggregates up to 431mm (16.97") of snow.
What are the months with the least sunshine in Punakha?
The months with the least sunshine in Punakha, Bhutan, are January, February and November, with an average of 7.4h of sunshine.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Punakha?
January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
What is the snowiest month in Punakha?
February is the month with the most snowfall in Punakha, Bhutan. Snow falls for 7.8 days and accumulates 146mm (5.75") of snow.
What month has the most sunshine in Punakha?
With an average of 11.2h of sunshine, April has the most sunshine of the year in Punakha, Bhutan.
When is the highest UV index in Punakha?
May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the highest UV index.
When it does not snow in Punakha?
In Punakha, Bhutan, snow does not fall in June through October.
When are the longest days in Punakha?
June has the longest days of the year in Punakha, with an average of 13h and 54min of daylight.
What is the most humid month in Punakha?
The most humid month in Punakha is July, with an average relative humidity of 83%.
What is the rainiest month in Punakha?
The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 27.3 days and typically aggregates up to 196mm (7.72") of precipitation.
What time of the year is the hottest in Punakha?
Punakha's August weather, with an average high temperature of 17.8°C (64°F) and an average low temperature of 11.9°C (53.4°F), tends to be the warmest of the year.
What is the driest month in Punakha?
December is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 4.5 days and accumulates 7mm (0.28") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Punakha?
December has the shortest days of the year in Punakha, with an average of 10h and 24min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Punakha?
Punakha does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +06 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Punakha, Bhutan
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (17.8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (5.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (11.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-2.6°C).
Average pressure
Punakha, Bhutan
- Average pressure in January:
1016.9mbar - Average pressure in February:
1016mbar - Average pressure in March:
1014.9mbar - Average pressure in April:
1013.3mbar - Average pressure in May:
1010.8mbar - Average pressure in June:
1007.2mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1006.8mbar - Average pressure in August:
1008.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1011.6mbar - Average pressure in October:
1015.7mbar - Average pressure in November:
1016.7mbar - Average pressure in December:
1016.7mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1016.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1006.8mbar).
Average wind speed
Punakha, Bhutan
- Average wind speed in January:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in February:
8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8.4km/h - Average wind speed in April:
8.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
8.1km/h - Average wind speed in June:
7.7km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
7.2km/h - Average wind speed in August:
7km/h - Average wind speed in September:
6.6km/h - Average wind speed in October:
6.4km/h - Average wind speed in November:
7.1km/h - Average wind speed in December:
6.8km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is October (6.4km/h).
Average humidity
Punakha, Bhutan
The month with the highest relative humidity is July (83%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and February (57%).
Average rainfall
Punakha, Bhutan
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (196mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (7mm).
Average rainfall days
Punakha, Bhutan
- Average rainfall days in January:
4.2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
4.9 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
19.1 days - Average rainfall days in May:
22.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
24.9 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
27.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
25.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
20.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.1 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (27.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (4.2 days).
Average snowfall
Punakha, Bhutan
The month with the highest snowfall is February (146mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Punakha, Bhutan
- Average snowfall days in January:
6.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
7.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
8.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
3.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
5.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (8.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Punakha, Bhutan
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
13h and 3min - Average daylight in June:
13h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 3min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
10h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 13h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 24min).
- Average sunshine in January:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
11h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
11h and 0min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
7h and 3min
The month with the most sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 11h and 12min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and November (Average sunshine: 7h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Punakha, Bhutan
- Average sunshine days in January:
22.9 days - Average sunshine days in February:
18 days - Average sunshine days in March:
10.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
5.7 days - Average sunshine days in May:
2.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
2.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
2.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
3.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
6.6 days - Average sunshine days in October:
13.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
17.9 days - Average sunshine days in December:
22.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (22.9 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are May and June (2.8 days).
Average UV index
Punakha, Bhutan
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July, August and September (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Punakha, Bhutan
The month with the most cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 51).
The month with the least cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 14).
Average visibility
Punakha, Bhutan
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are June, July, August and September (9km).
Punakha, Bhutan
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