Are you planning a trip to Bhutan in January? Read on to learn more about January weather in Bhutan, clothes to wear for the weather, and best places to visit in Bhutan in January.
Bhutan Weather in January: Overview
- Average temperature range: -3–12°C (27–54°F)
- Rainfall: 10–22 mm (0–1 inches), depending on location
- Rainy days: 1–2
- Sunny days: 29–30
January is the middle month of winter in Bhutan. The weather is cool to very cold in January with an average temperature range from -3°C to 12°C. Because of its cold weather, January is in the low travel season in Bhutan. It is a dry and cold month. Rainfall or snowfall is very rare in January.
Bhutan's Major Cities' Weather in January
| City | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | -6 | 15 | 10 |
| Paro | -6 | 7 | 21 |
| Punakha | -3 | 6 | 22 |
Thimphu: It is cold in January in Thimphu. With an average temperature at about 7°C (46°F), the night temperature can drop to about -6°C (22°F), though the average range is -2–15°C (28–59°F). There will be about 1–2 days with some rain or snowfall in this month, with precipitation at about 10 mm.
Paro: January is the coldest and driest month in Paro, when the average low temperature can drop to around -6°C (22°F) and the average high temperature only reaches 7°C (46°F). Rainfall or snowfall are rare in this month, with precipitation at about 21 mm (1 inch) on 1 or 2 days on average.
Punakha: It is cold and dry in January in Punakha area, when the daily low temperature drops to around -3°C (27°F) and daily highs reach 6°C (43°F) on average. You can expect about 1–2 days of rain/snow in January, with precipitation at about 22mm (1 inch).
Find more travel tips about planning a trip to Bhutan.
The Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in January
In the middle of winter, January is the coldest and driest month in Bhutan. With its clear skies and dry weather, January is still a good month to visit if you don't mind the coldness. It is also a good time to save money on your tour and hotel costs. Here are some of the places you can visit in January:
1. Thimphu Dzong
As one of the major tourist spots in Thimphu, Thimphu Dzong (Tashichho Dzong）is a good place to learn more about Bhutan and its capital city. Located near Thimphu town on the west bank of the Wang Chhu river, the Dzong (a monastic/administrative fort) used to be the largest monastery in Thimphu. It is now used as the offices of central government. Constructed in the year 1216 AD by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, Thimphu Dzong has an impressive large structure as well as beautiful surrounding gardens and well-kept lawns, which make it a perfect photography spot.
2. Royal Manas National Park
Royal Manas National Park is a good place to visit in January, as it is not so cold because of its low altitude. As one of the oldest national parks in Bhutan, Royal Manas is the top-visited wildlife park of animal specialists and nature lovers. Covering an area of 1,057 sq. km (408 sq. miles), the park is well-known for its great biodiversity, which covers numerous endangered wildlife species: the one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, Gangetic dolphin, Himalayan black bear, and many more.
3. Paro National Museum
If you are looking for a place to learn about the history and culture of Bhutan and take photos, the National Museum should be on your list. Located above Paro Dzong in Paro District, the National Museum is not only famous for its large number of collections, but also for its stunning views and its unique building architecture. Collections at the National Museum include armaments, ritual objects, clothes, jewelry, religious articles, scroll paintings, and much more. A half-day in the museum will certainly enrich your knowledge about Bhutan.
4. Punakha Suspension Bridge
The Suspension Bridge is a place you shouldn't miss if you are visiting Punakha for the first time. It is well-known to many travelers for its breathtaking views of the river flowing below and uneven hills all around it. As one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, Punakha Suspension Bridge was built to connect Punakha Town with Punakha Dzong. Now, it has become one of Bhutan's most popular photography spots.
5. Thimphu Weekend Markets
Thimphu Weekend Market is a good place for travelers who want to buy some souvenirs to bring home at their final destination in Bhutan. Located on the west bank of river Wang Chhu in Thimphu, the weekend market is the busiest place at weekends in the capital. You can visit the weekend market from the night of Thursday to the end of Sunday, when you can buy local food, artifacts, cooking ingredients, bamboo baskets, clothing, all kinds of folk items, and various other products.
Crowding and Costs in January
January is mid-winter in Bhutan. There are not many visitors in Bhutan in January. Crowding is not a problem at all. You can also enjoy the low season prices on tours and your hotel bookings. It is a good month to get a great deal on Bhutan's luxury boutiques or other high-quality accommodations.
What to Bring/Wear in January
It is pretty cold in January in Bhutan. You'd better pack plenty of warm clothes—sweaters, windproof trousers, jeans, shirts, coats, long and warm socks, warm comfortable shoes or better still walking boots... hats, gloves, scarfs… Sunglasses will help protect your eyes against the sun's glare, particularly in snowy and highly-reflective environments. And you should think about protecting your skin with moisturizer and lip balm. Keep well hydrated in the dry conditions. Rainfall is rare in January in most parts of Bhutan. It is not worth taking an umbrella for a typical tour's 25% chance of 1–2 days of light showers. However, a waterproof coat that is also windproof will do wonders to protect you from windchill, particularly in high altitude areas, as well as the slim chance of rain/snow.
Explore Bhutan with Asia Highlights
If you want to explore Bhutan and experience its many delights, get in touch with us. We can help you navigate Bhutan's changing seasons and assist you in picking the perfect time to visit its top attractions. With Asia Highlights, you could enjoy free tour cancellations (except your international flights from/to your country) up to 22 days before departure.
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