When you plan a trip to Thimphu, Bhutan in summer, the weather really shapes your experience. Summer in Thimphu brings warm days, heavy monsoon rains, and high humidity—these define the season. If you know what’s coming, you can prepare for both the challenges and the rewards of visiting during these months.
You’ll find average highs in the mid-20s °C (mid-70s °F), and nights stay pleasantly mild. Rainfall dominates, peaking in July and August, with frequent downpours and cloudy skies.
Even with all that rain, daylight hours are long. You get time to explore between showers, and honestly, dodging the rain becomes part of the adventure.
This combination of warmth, rain, and shifting skies creates a unique mood in Bhutan’s capital. Once you understand how the summer climate works, you can plan your days around the weather and still enjoy Thimphu’s cultural sites, mountain views, and seasonal charm.
Overview of Summer Weather in Thimphu
Summer in Thimphu brings cooler daytime highs than many other Asian capitals, but it’s also the wettest period of the year. You’ll see frequent rainfall, mild temperatures, and high humidity, all thanks to the South Asian monsoon.
Typical Summer Climate Patterns
Thimphu sits at about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, so summer temperatures stay relatively mild. Average daytime highs reach 14–15 °C (57–59 °F), and nights cool to around 8–9 °C (46–48 °F).
Even when humidity is high, the air feels fresh up here.
Rainfall truly defines the season. June through August brings 300–475 mm (12–19 in) of rain per month, with July being the wettest. You’ll notice heavy afternoon showers most days, while mornings are often clearer.
Humidity jumps to 85–90%, which makes the air feel damp and sticky. Sunshine is limited—just 5–6 hours of sun on average each day.
Still, the landscape turns lush and green. Rivers run stronger, and rural valleys burst with crops.
Duration of the Summer Season
Summer in Thimphu usually starts in late June and lasts until mid or late September. The timing depends on when the monsoon arrives and retreats.
June brings rising humidity and more frequent rain. July and August see the most rainfall. By September, showers become less intense, and temperatures start to cool off.
The season is shorter here than in many lowland parts of South Asia. Thimphu’s elevation moderates both the heat and how long the monsoon sticks around.
You’ll want to prepare for wet conditions throughout, but the cooler climate here is a relief compared to Bhutan’s southern districts.
Comparison With Other Seasons
When you compare summer to winter in Thimphu, the difference is huge. Winter temperatures average 0 to -2 °C (28–32 °F), with dry air and little rain.
Skies clear up, and sunshine becomes more consistent.
Spring and autumn are the in-between times. Spring (March–May) is drier, with average highs of 10–13 °C (50–55 °F). Autumn (October–November) cools down, and rainfall drops off.
Unlike these drier seasons, summer stands out for its high rainfall, high humidity, and fewer sunshine hours. If you visit now, you’ll definitely notice the contrast in comfort and visibility—especially compared to winter’s crisp skies or spring’s mild days.
Temperature Trends During Summer
Summer in Thimphu brings mild to warm days, cool nights, and a real difference between daytime and nighttime. The season shifts month by month, with July and August warmer and wetter than June.
Extremes don’t happen often, but you might still get the odd hot afternoon or a night that dips close to freezing.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, daytime temperatures in Thimphu usually fall between 23°C and 27°C (73°F–81°F). Compared to other Asian capitals at lower elevations, these temperatures feel comfortable.
The altitude—about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet)—keeps things cool, even when the sun is out.
At night, temperatures drop quickly. Expect lows between 15°C and 17°C (59°F–63°F) in July and August.
June nights can be a bit cooler, especially at the start of the month.
This swing between warm days and cool nights really defines Thimphu’s summer weather. You’ll want light clothes for the day and warmer layers for the evening.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer in Thimphu runs from June through September, but June, July, and August are the core warm months. Each month has its own feel:
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 23–25 | 13–15 | Start of monsoon rains |
| July | 25–27 | 15–16 | Warmest month, heavy rain |
| August | 26–27 | 16–17 | Warm, humid, frequent rain |
June marks the shift from spring to the rainy season, so temperatures rise steadily. July and August are the warmest, with highs peaking in the upper 20s.
By late August, things stay warm, but humidity and rainfall are higher.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, these shifts matter. July and August often bring shorter windows of sunshine than June.
Temperature Extremes and Records
While Thimphu’s summer is usually moderate, sometimes it surprises you. On rare days, highs can hit 28°C–29°C (82°F–84°F), especially in late July or August.
These warm spells don’t last long, though—clouds and monsoon rain cool things down quickly.
Nights can get chilly too. In early June, temperatures might dip near 10°C (50°F), especially if the sky is clear.
By August, nights usually stay above 15°C, but the odd cool night still pops up.
Compared to winter, where lows drop below freezing, these summer extremes feel pretty mild. Still, the mix of warm afternoons and cool nights means you’ll need to adjust your plans and pack for a wide range of temperatures.
Rainfall and Humidity in Summer Months
When summer hits Thimphu, rainfall jumps sharply with the South Asian monsoon. You’ll get frequent showers, higher humidity, and a big change in daily comfort compared to dry winter months.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rain falls hardest from June through September. The wettest month is July, averaging about 154 mm of rain.
June and August also bring a lot—often over 120 mm. By September, the rain eases up a bit, but it’s still pretty significant.
The monsoon pushes moisture-laden air into the Himalayan valleys. Unlike winter, when rain is scarce, summer storms show up regularly and can last for hours.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~120–130 mm |
| July | ~154 mm |
| August | ~130–140 mm |
| September | ~100 mm |
Summer is easily the wettest time of year in Thimphu.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days ramp up with the summer monsoon. In July, expect about 20 rainy days—so, two-thirds of the month sees measurable rain.
June and August usually have 15–18 days of rainfall.
Most rain falls in the afternoon or evening. Mornings can start clear, but clouds build fast. That’s pretty typical for highland monsoon climates.
By September, rainy days drop to about 12–14. You’ll notice the shift toward drier autumn weather.
If you’re planning anything outdoors, keep things flexible—rain can show up out of nowhere.
Humidity Levels and Monsoon Influence
Humidity really cranks up in summer. In July and August, relative humidity usually sits between 75–85%, especially in the mornings and evenings.
The monsoon drives this. Moist air from the Bay of Bengal gets trapped in the Himalayan valleys, including Thimphu, making everything feel damp.
While the humidity can feel uncomfortable, it also keeps daytime temperatures from getting too high. The air stays cooler than in many lowland regions, even during the wettest weeks.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
In summer, Thimphu enjoys long days but not much direct sunshine. Cloud cover is common because of the monsoon, which blocks sunlight even though daylight hours are extended.
Average Hours of Sunshine
During June, July, and August, you’ll get about 5–6 hours of sunshine per day. That’s the lowest for the year, thanks to heavy monsoon clouds.
Spring and autumn bring more sun, often 7–8 hours daily. If you want to be outside, you’ll need to work around overcast skies and sudden rain.
Sometimes mornings offer clearer skies before clouds build up. If you’re after brighter conditions, earlier in the day is usually your best bet.
Day Length Changes
Summer in Thimphu brings some of the longest daylight periods of the year—about 13.7 hours in June down to 13.1 hours in August.
Even with all the clouds, you get plenty of usable daylight for sightseeing, hiking, or cultural events.
Daylight hours slowly shrink as summer ends. By late August, days start to shorten, and autumn creeps in.
So, while the sky might be gray, you still have lots of time to get out and explore.
Typical Cloudiness
Cloud cover really defines Thimphu’s summer. The monsoon brings frequent overcast skies, often with thick clouds that stick around most of the day.
In July and August, you’ll see cloudy or partly cloudy conditions on most days. This cuts down visibility of the mountains and softens the sunlight.
Clear days are rare, but you might get short breaks in the clouds, especially in the mornings or after a rain shower.
If you’re hoping for big scenic views, keep your schedule flexible and be ready for the sky to change on a whim.
Other Weather Factors Impacting Summer
In summer, Thimphu gives you more than just rain and temperature swings. Wind flow, strong sunlight, and reduced visibility all play a part in your daily plans.
Wind Patterns and Breezes
Thimphu sits in a high valley, so the wind follows a mountain–valley rhythm. Mornings are usually calm or light, but afternoons bring stronger breezes as warm air rises.
These winds can feel refreshing, though sometimes they carry extra moisture during the monsoon.
Expect average wind speeds between 2–4 m/s. Not extreme, but enough to influence comfort—especially when paired with humidity.
Breezes can help break up clouds and bring short bursts of sunshine between showers.
Evenings often turn cooler as winds pick up, dropping temperatures by several degrees. After humid afternoons, this feels pretty good.
If you’re out walking or hiking, bring light layers. Breezes at higher altitudes can feel surprisingly chilly.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Summer in Thimphu brings some of the highest UV index levels of the year, often hitting 11 or 12. Up here, sunlight feels more intense, and your risk of skin damage jumps—even when clouds roll in.
Grab broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats before you head outside. The sun gets especially harsh from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so maybe stick to shaded spots or head indoors for a bit during those hours.
A lot of folks think rain means less UV, but that’s not really true. When clouds break, you can suddenly get blasted with strong sunlight. Honestly, it’s just smart to carry sun protection every day, even if rain’s in the forecast.
Fog and Visibility
You’ll probably run into fog during Thimphu’s summer. The moist monsoon air settles in the valley, and visibility drops, especially in the mornings and evenings.
If you’re driving, especially on mountain roads, fog can slow you down and make things trickier. Hikers might find their views of the peaks and valleys blocked by thick mist.
Usually, winds pick up and temperatures rise by late morning, so the fog tends to lift. But if it’s pouring, the mist sometimes sticks around all day. If you’re planning outdoor stuff, give yourself extra time and keep your schedule flexible so you can roll with whatever the weather throws at you.
Travel Tips for Visiting Thimphu in Summer
Visiting Thimphu in summer means you’ll deal with frequent rain, cloudy skies, and warm days. Still, you can enjoy the city’s cultural sites, beautiful views, and local life if you plan around the weather, pack smart, and follow basic health precautions.
Best Activities for the Season
Tourist crowds thin out in summer, but there’s plenty to do indoors or with quick outdoor trips. You can explore cultural spots like Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and the National Institute of Zorig Chusum—they’re open and usually quieter than usual.
If the skies clear up, you might want to see the Buddha Dordenma Statue for those epic valley views. Short hikes near the city are doable, though longer treks can get messy with mud and the occasional leech.
Some festivals happen around this time, too, giving you a real taste of Bhutanese traditions without the usual tourist crowds. Just remember, heavy rains often hit in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are your best bet for outdoor plans.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Pack clothes that help you stay comfortable in the humidity but also keep you dry. Lightweight cotton or linen shirts, airy trousers, and thin tees work well during the day. You’ll definitely want a raincoat or umbrella since rain can show up out of nowhere and stick around.
For shoes, bring water-resistant shoes or sandals with decent grip—streets and trails get slippery fast. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy once the sun goes down and things cool off.
Don’t forget about the strong UV at this altitude. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat. A small backpack with a waterproof liner will help protect your electronics and papers from sudden showers.
Health and Safety Considerations
The summer monsoon can really make things tricky. Roads get slippery, flights get delayed, and sometimes you’ll even run into flooding.
Give yourself extra time to get from one place to another. Try not to take long drives at night—it’s just not worth the risk.
If you want to hike, maybe stick to shorter trails close to the city. Don’t forget insect repellent, since mosquitoes and leeches can be a real hassle.
It’s easy to get dehydrated out there, especially with all the humidity. You might sweat more than you expect.
Stick to bottled or boiled water so you don’t end up with a stomach bug.
Thimphu sits at over 2,000 meters. If you’re not used to higher elevations, you might notice some mild shortness of breath.
Take your time on the first day, and don’t push yourself too hard until you’ve had a chance to adjust.