Does it snow in Thimphu and Paro?

Yes—but only occasionally.
Snowfall in Thimphu and Paro is not guaranteed every winter, but it does happen during particularly cold spells, usually between late December and February.
Both valleys sit at around 2,200–2,400 meters, which means winter precipitation typically falls as rain or sleet, with snow occurring only during strong cold waves.

Snowfall Pattern in Thimphu and Paro
While the early 2000s saw more consistent winter blankets, the last decade has seen snow become a rare and celebrated event due to a steady warming trend in the Himalayas.

• 2000 – 2010: Regular & Moderate. Snow was a seasonal expectation. Most winters saw 2–4 days of settling snow.
• 2011 – 2019: Erratic & Light. A noticeable decline began. Snow became sporadic, often appearing as light dustings that melted by noon.
• 2020 – 2025: Rare: Low-lying areas of the city experienced almost no snow, while high-altitude outskirts saw less than previous decades.

Snow rarely accumulates in the city for more than a short time. Some winters see no snowfall at all in Thimphu or Paro
In contrast, nearby mountain passes such as Dochula Pass (3,100 m) near Thimphu and Chele La Pass (3,988 m) near Paro receive snow almost every winter.