Punākha Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Punākha, Bhutan. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Punākha has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 3274 mm (129 in) of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Punākha, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 558 mm (22 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 19 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, December, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 120 mm (4.7 in) over 0 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C (66°F). During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 9°C (48°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Punākha Temperature page.

Annual Rainfall in Bhutan: City Comparison

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Bhutan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Punākha vs World: Rainfall Compared

Punākha's average annual precipitation is 3274 mm (129 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Punākha:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Punākha's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Punākha Climate page.