The climate of Shingbe
The small town of
Shingbe in
Bhutan experiences a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters, classified as Cwb according to the Köppen climate classification. Over the year, the weather shows noticeable fluctuations in the different meteorological parameters.
Monthly average temperatures vary significantly from -14.2°C (6.4°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F), revealing the substantial transition from chilly winter nights to comfortable summer days. The humidity also follows a trend of increase from 39% in
December to 72% in
July. The amount of rainfall also changes appreciably, starting from a mere 2mm (0.08") recorded in
January and
February, to approximately 112mm (4.41") received in July. There is a relatively stark difference observed in the total number of rainy days, from just 1.2 in December to a whopping 28.8 in July.
What stands out in Shingbe's weather is the degree of snowfall that is experienced. The town witnesses snow ranges from 10mm (0.39") to 184mm (7.24"), and for the number of snowy days, the figures go up from 2.8 in July to 15.8 in
May. The daylight hours see a minor variation from 10.4 hours in December to 13.9 hours in
June while the sunshine hours vary slightly from 10.6 hours in July to 11.9 in
April.
The best time to visit Shingbe
Taking into account the weather conditions, the finest time to visit
Shingbe would be from
May to
October. During these months, the temperatures range from a pleasant 3.8°C (38.8°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F), perfect for outdoor activities. The town receives the maximum daylight, averaging between 13.5 to 13.1 hours, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Additionally, the months of
June and
July, despite a high relative humidity level of around 64 to 72%, receive maximum sunlight of approximately 11.5 to 11.2 hours on an average.
The worst time to visit Shingbe
The months of
December and
January are perhaps the least appealing for a visit to
Shingbe due to severe weather conditions. The temperature drop is severe during these months, with minimum average temperatures plunging to -14.2°C (6.4°F) and -11.7°C (10.9°F) respectively and maximum averages barely rising above freezing at -3.2°C (26.2°F) and -0.8°C (30.6°F). Furthermore, the humidity is lowest during December at 39%, leading to dry and harsh conditions.
Spring weather in Shingbe
Spring in
Shingbe is characterized by increasing temperatures, ranging from a low average of -9.3°C (15.3°F) in
March to a high average of 7.1°C (44.8°F) in
May. The region also sees an increase in rainfall, with an average of 12mm (0.47") in March to 42mm (1.65") in May. The number of daylight hours increases from 12 in March to 13.5 in May, providing ample sunlight for visitors.
Summer weather in Shingbe
Summer is comfortably warm in
Shingbe, with temperatures averaging from 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F). This is the wettest season in the town and sees rainfall levels soaring to 112mm (4.41") in
July. The usual number of daylight hours continues to be high during summer, fluctuating from 13.7 hours in July to 13.1 in
August.
Autumn weather in Shingbe
Autumn witnesses a gradual decrease in temperature from a high of 10.2°C (50.4°F) in
September to a low of 2.3°C (36.1°F) in
November. Rainfall dramatically decreases from 58mm (2.28") in September to 2mm (0.08") in November. The daylight hours also descend from 12.3 hours in September to 10.8 hours in November.
Winter weather in Shingbe
Winter is a chilly affair in
Shingbe, with average temperatures dropping to a low of -14.2°C (6.4°F) in
January and a high of -0.3°C (31.5°F). The town gets scant rainfall during this period, with just 3mm (0.12") in
December and 2mm (0.08") in January. Although there is a decrease in daylight hours to approximately 10.6 hours during winter, the town basks in the maximum sunshine of 7.7 hours in December and January. The snowfall in winter is quite substantial, reaching a figure of 79mm (3.11") in December.
Weather in January
Kicking off the start of a new year,
Shingbe makes for a winter wonderland in
January. Thick white blankets of snow dominate its landscapes, with notable snowfalls reaching 108mm (4.25"), making it the month with the heaviest amount of snowfall annually.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Shingbe transitions from
January to
February, subtle changes in weather conditions are observed. The snowfall levels decrease while the days slowly start becoming longer. It's still very much winter, albeit with a few glimpses of sunshine peaking through.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Shingbe ushers in a welcoming change with the arrival of
March. There's a palpable sense of the impending Spring, with temperatures marginally rising and the snow dissipating gradually. While the days continue to get longer, the city even experiences occasional rains.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings along with it a transformation in
Shingbe's weather. With Winter having officially receded, the plunge in snowfall levels is very noticeable, with Snowfall dropping to 184mm (7.24"). As temperatures continue to rise, the lingering chill of the departing winter interspersed with the warmth of the imminently approaching summer creates a balance.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May unfurls a much-awaited relief in
Shingbe with the onset of the warm season. Clear blue skies, moderated temperatures, and an overall comfortable weather encapsulate this month. The city basks in a new lease of sunlight, longer days, and overall lower rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June rolls in with increased rain showers savouring the remnants of spring while hinting at an approaching monsoon. Sunshine becomes a cherished vision amidst grey, cloud-filled skies, even as the temperatures continue to rise steadily.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
An umbrella becomes a constant companion in
July in
Shingbe due to the highest recorded rainfall of 112mm (4.41") in this month. The temperatures remain warm, fostered by the rainy weather, largely without the presence of the sun.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Even as
Shingbe ushers in
August, the city remains ensconced in rainfall, an extension of the monsoon showers from
July. As temperatures mildly drop, they amalgamate with a rise in humidity making the heat feel more pronounced. The sun-warmed patches are a pleasant surprise in the otherwise wet weather.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees
Shingbe making a transition from monsoon to autumn, evident in the significant decrease in rainfall. The city thrives in the amusing blend of receding rains and advancing coldness. Even as the temperatures swivel towards the lower end, the hum of crickets fills the evenings, signalling the commencement of Fall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
Shingbe during
October is characterized by a kaleidoscope of warm fall colours and cool temperatures. As foliage transforms from verdant green to autumn hues, temperatures decline presenting a clear distinction from the just concluded monsoon season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November,
Shingbe's contrast between the receding autumn and approaching winter becomes pronounced. The significant drop in temperatures herald the beginning of the frost season in the city. However, the weather remains dry, a stark contrast from previous months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing out the year,
December in
Shingbe is a picturesque postcard with its winter landscapes. While snowfall is fairly low compared to
January and
February, its cold weather dips to a low of -10.7°C (12.7°F) making it significantly chillier than the preceding month.
Weather in December »