Thinking of heading to Bhutan’s capital between September and November? You’ll find crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and skies that clear up as the monsoon rains finally let go.
During fall in Thimphu, temperatures slide from the low 70s °F (about 23°C) in September to the mid-60s °F (roughly 18°C) by November. Rainfall drops off fast, making it way easier to get outside and explore.
You walk into a season that’s got this perfect mix of warmth and freshness. The air feels cleaner, and the valleys open up with those long, clear views you probably hope for.
Sunshine hours pick up compared to summer, so you get more time each day to wander the city or just soak up the mountain scenery.
The weather shifts from the wet, restless energy of summer to a dry, calm winter vibe. You’ll notice not just cooler temperatures, but lower humidity, clearer skies, and steadier conditions that make travel and sightseeing a breeze.
Overview of Thimphu’s Fall Climate
Thimphu’s fall weather really shows off its high mountain setting and the seasonal shift from heavy summer rains to cool, dry days.
Clear skies show up more often, temperatures keep dropping, and rainfall falls off sharply as you move through the season.
Location and Elevation Impact
Thimphu sits at about 2,300–2,360 meters (7,500–7,740 feet) above sea level in western Bhutan. This altitude keeps things cooler than the lower valleys and makes the air thinner and drier as autumn rolls on.
In September, highs usually hit 17–18°C (63–65°F), and nights cool down to around 11°C (52°F).
By November, days drop to 11–12°C (52–54°F), and nights can fall close to 3°C (37°F).
The high altitude also means the sun feels stronger during the day, even if it’s not hot. Plan to dress in layers, since the swing between day and night can be pretty sharp.
The crisp air and lower humidity make it a lot more comfortable outside than during the sticky summer months.
Seasonal Climate Classification
Thimphu has a temperate highland climate with dry winters (Cwb under Köppen classification). Fall lands right between the wet monsoon and the dry winter, so you get a mix of gentle warmth, cool nights, and steadily dropping rainfall.
September still brings a bit of leftover rain, averaging about 174 mm over 13 days.
By October, that drops to 60 mm with just 4 rainy days.
November’s almost dry—less than 11 mm of rain and barely any wet days.
With the rain fading, you get more sunshine and clearer skies. For example, sunny days go from about 10 in September to 23 in November.
The clearer skies make evenings lose their warmth quickly, which is why nights feel much colder by late fall.
Transition from Monsoon to Dry Season
Fall really marks the shift from Bhutan’s summer monsoon to its dry winter. In September, you’ll still get the odd shower and some clouds, but by October, the monsoon’s pretty much gone.
The day length shortens from about 12.7 hours in early September to just over 10.6 hours by late November.
Shorter days and drier air let you know winter’s almost here.
You can count on cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and crisp evenings for most of the season.
The landscape changes too—green hills in September slowly turn drier, and mountain views get clearer by November.
This makes fall one of the most reliable times to get outdoors or dive into Thimphu’s culture.
Average Temperatures in Fall
During fall, Thimphu’s weather moves from warm, wet monsoon days to much cooler and drier conditions.
Temperatures drop steadily, and the gap between day and night gets more obvious.
September Temperature Trends
In September, things cool down after the summer rains. Daytime highs usually reach about 23°C (73°F), while nighttime lows hover near 15°C (59°F).
The air still hangs onto some humidity, but rain starts to let up compared to July and August.
You’ll notice mornings and evenings feel crisp, even if afternoons are still comfy.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect mild warmth during the day but bring something for those cooler evenings.
Key points for September:
- Highs: ~23°C (73°F)
- Lows: ~15°C (59°F)
- Rainfall drops compared to summer
- Comfortable afternoons, cooler mornings and nights
October Temperature Trends
By October, things cool off even more. Highs average around 21–22°C (70–71°F), and lows dip to about 10°C (50°F).
Rainfall drops a lot—usually less than 40 mm—and skies clear up.
This month brings some of the most stable weather all year. Lower humidity makes the air feel crisp, and you get more sunshine.
Mornings can feel chilly, so you’ll want a light jacket, especially if you’re out early or late.
Key points for October:
- Highs: ~21–22°C (70–71°F)
- Lows: ~10°C (50°F)
- Dry, clear conditions
- Crisp mornings, mild afternoons
November Temperature Trends
By November, winter’s definitely on the way. Daytime highs drop to about 18°C (64°F), and nighttime lows fall sharply to around 5°C (41°F).
Rain’s almost gone, with less than 10 mm for the month, so the air turns dry and the skies look super clear.
The difference between day and night gets stronger. Afternoons might feel pleasant in the sun, but mornings and evenings can get cold, especially up at Thimphu’s elevation.
Once the sun goes down, you’ll want warm clothes.
Key points for November:
- Highs: ~18°C (64°F)
- Lows: ~5°C (41°F)
- Very little rain
- Clear skies, chilly mornings and nights
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
Rainfall in Thimphu during fall drops off sharply as the heavy summer monsoon fades away.
You’ll notice less total precipitation and fewer rainy days as winter gets closer.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
After the summer monsoon, rainfall in Thimphu drops fast.
September still has some leftover moisture, averaging about 100–150 mm of rain.
By October, totals fall to 30–40 mm, and in November, rainfall is minimal—around 2–5 mm.
This steady drop makes fall one of the driest times of the year.
You can really see the shift from a rain-soaked landscape to a drier climate.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 100–150 |
| October | 30–40 |
| November | 2–5 |
These numbers show how quickly the rainy season leaves, giving you clearer skies and lower humidity.
Number of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days drops along with the totals. In September, you might still get 10–12 wet days, usually with short but noticeable showers.
By October, it’s down to 3–5 days, and November averages just 1 rainy day.
With rain less likely to mess up your plans, outdoor activities become a lot more predictable.
- September: 10–12 rainy days
- October: 3–5 rainy days
- November: 1 rainy day
These patterns make fall a great time for sightseeing, since rain rarely hangs around long enough to get in the way.
Transition from Wet to Dry
Fall really is the bridge from Bhutan’s wet monsoon to its dry winter.
September keeps the hills green and rivers running strong with the last of the rains.
By October, things settle down, and the landscape dries out.
In November, the air turns crisp, and rainfall nearly disappears.
You get clearer mountain views, drier trails, and more stable weather for exploring or trekking.
The change from wet to dry isn’t sudden—it’s a steady shift, so you’ll see late-season greenery early in fall and much drier, sunnier days as winter nears.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
In Thimphu, autumn brings a big change in the air—from the heavy, damp summer to a drier, clearer feel.
Rainfall drops off, and that really affects relative humidity, comfort, and how well you can see the mountains and valleys.
Average Relative Humidity by Month
Relative humidity in Thimphu falls steadily through fall.
September still has higher moisture from the leftover monsoon, with humidity around 75–80%. Early September can feel a bit muggy, especially in the evenings.
By October, less rain brings humidity down to about 65–70%. Days feel more comfortable, and the air gets noticeably lighter.
Nights stay cool, but the lower humidity helps cut that damp feeling you get indoors during summer.
In November, humidity drops even further, averaging 55–60%. The air is much drier, and you’ll probably notice mornings feel crisp, and laundry dries much faster than before.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| September | 75–80% |
| October | 65–70% |
| November | 55–60% |
Effects on Comfort and Visibility
Lower humidity in fall makes it a lot more comfortable to be outside.
You can stroll through Thimphu or hike the trails without that sticky monsoon feeling.
Cooler nights and less moisture make sleeping more pleasant too.
Visibility gets better as well. In September, clouds and haze can still block the long views, especially in the afternoons.
By October and November, with less moisture in the air, you get clear, sharp views of the Himalayas and the valleys.
That’s a big plus if you’re into photography or just want to take in the sights.
The drier air also means less fog, which sometimes gets in the way during the wetter months.
Autumn really gives you some of the best conditions for comfort and scenery.
Daily Sunshine and Daylight Hours
During fall in Thimphu, you’ll notice changes in both sunshine and daylight.
The sun shines longer each day than during the rainy summer, but daylight hours slowly shrink as winter approaches.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You can expect clearer skies in autumn compared to the rainy season.
September still has some clouds left, but you get about 5 hours of sunshine per day on average.
By October, that jumps to nearly 6–7 hours daily, and November often brings 7–8 hours—some of the sunniest days all year.
That’s great news if you want to get outside. More sunshine means better views for hiking, visiting monasteries, or just enjoying the landscape.
It also helps dry out the humidity from summer, making things more comfortable.
Even with bright sun, the air at Thimphu’s altitude feels cool. Afternoons might be warm enough for light layers, but mornings and evenings stay chilly, so bring something extra.
Don’t forget sunscreen—UV levels stay moderate to high, even in fall.
Daylight Duration Changes
While sunshine hours go up, the total daylight hours get shorter.
Early September gives you about 12.3 hours of daylight.
By October, you get around 11.5 hours, and in November it’s down to 10.8 hours.
That means you’ll want to plan your day with a bit more care. Shorter daylight means less time for sightseeing or trekking before dusk, especially later in the season.
Sunset comes earlier, often before 6:00 PM by November.
A quick guide to daylight in fall:
- September: ~12.3 hours
- October: ~11.5 hours
- November: ~10.8 hours
You get clearer skies, but you’ll need to adjust your plans to make the most of the light.
Wind Speed and Weather Variability
Autumn in Thimphu brings a gradual shift in wind speeds as the monsoon fades and cooler, drier air arrives. You’ll notice these changes in temperature swings, cloud cover, and just how comfortable it feels to be outside.
Monthly Wind Speed Patterns
In September, winds usually stay calm while the monsoon season comes to an end. You might catch light breezes that lower humidity but don’t really mess up your plans.
By October, winds pick up a bit, often averaging 3–5 m/s. This extra breeze helps clear out the sky and dries the air.
November brings steadier, slightly stronger winds. Regional high-pressure systems over the Himalayas drive these winds, especially in late autumn.
The air feels cooler and crisper, with noticeably less moisture around.
So, early fall means gentler winds, but as winter creeps in, you’ll feel those breezes more. It’s not exactly wild weather, but these shifts do speed up the change from warm afternoons to chilly evenings.
Impact on Local Weather
Wind speed really shapes how you feel the temperature in Thimphu’s valleys. A calm September day can seem warmer than what the thermometer says, while a breezy November afternoon feels pretty brisk.
Stronger winds sweep away lingering clouds from the summer rains. That brings more sunshine in October and November, making the mountain views sharper.
These winds dry out the air, which feels nice for hiking and sightseeing. But don’t be surprised if evenings cool off fast once the sun drops.
By late autumn, lower rainfall and steady winds work together to keep the weather stable. You get clear skies and daily conditions you can mostly count on.
Comparing Fall Weather to Other Seasons
Fall in Thimphu brings cooler days, less rain, and more sun than the soggy summer months. As autumn goes on, temperatures keep dropping, and you can tell winter is on the way.
Fall Versus Summer
Summer stretches from late June through September, and it’s the wettest stretch of the year. July and August get hammered by monsoon rains, with totals often over 300 mm each month. Days feel sticky, and thick clouds block out the sun.
Come fall, rainfall drops off fast. September still gets about 174 mm of rain, but by November, that number falls below 15 mm. Skies clear up, and you get more sunshine.
Temperatures start to slide too. Summer highs usually hit 22–25°C, but by fall, you’ll see 17.5°C in September and just 11.5°C in November. Nights cool off in a hurry, going from 11°C in September to nearly freezing by late autumn.
All these changes make fall a much nicer time for outdoor plans. You skip the muddy, rainy trails of summer but still get mild days before winter really kicks in.
Fall Versus Winter
Winter in Thimphu hits much colder and drier than fall. During December and January, daytime temperatures usually sit around 9–10°C. Nights? They often drop well below freezing. You might see snow, but honestly, it doesn’t show up as much as it does in Bhutan’s higher valleys.
Fall, on the other hand, brings more moderate weather. September and October still give you mild afternoons. Even November feels warmer than winter. You’ll also notice longer daylight hours in fall, with 10.6–12.7 hours of light. Winter days just don’t compare.
By November, rainfall almost disappears. The air doesn’t feel as dry as it does in winter. This in-between season hands you clearer skies than summer, and you don’t have to deal with winter’s harsher cold. It’s definitely easier to get out and explore cultural sites or catch those mountain views before the weather turns rough.