Climate Overview
The climate in Punākha is temperate. The average annual temperature is 10°C and approximately 3527mm of precipitation falls per year. Punākha receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Punākha is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, June, July. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to -3°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 149cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Punākha vary considerably across the year, with a 24°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 21°C with a mean of 17°C. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to -3°C and the daily average is 2°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 4°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Punākha is a very wet location, receiving approximately 3527mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 294mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 763mm of rainfall. June and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 79mm. That's 684mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 149cm accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 67cm.
Wind
Punākha is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 1km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 1km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 0km/h between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
93 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Punākha, which began on June 21, 2026. Punākha is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in August at around 21°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near -3°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 93 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 2 to 17°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 758mm across the season with a monthly average of 253mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 13 to 21°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1675mm across the season with a monthly average of 558mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 3 to 19°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 752mm across the season with a monthly average of 251mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from -3 to 11°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 342mm across the season with a monthly average of 114mm. Expect around 116cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. Warm winter clothing and waterproof boots are a must, and travel may be affected by snow.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Punākha based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
