The climate in Bhutan varies substantially from one Dzongkhag to another due to dramatic changes in the topography, elevation and altitude. The southern belt is made up of the Himalayan foothbills with an altitude ranging from under 200m to about 2000m. It has a typical substropical climate characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall. The central belt consists of the main rivers valleys with altitude ranging from about 200m to 4000m and is characterized by cool winters, hot summers with moderate rainfall. The high region in the north encompasses snowcapped peaks and alpine meadows above 4000m with cold winter and cools summers.

Bhutan is globally known for its intact environment. Protection of the environment and dependency on natural resources is deeply ingrained in Bhutan's culture and economy.

Recognizing the importance of environment, conservation of its rich biodiversity is one of its development paradigms. The government has assured maintaining 60% of its forest resources for all times to come and this is enshrined in the Constitution of Bhutan.  As of today, about 70.46% of the total land area is under forest cover. The country's protected area system is made up of five national parks, four wildlife sanctuaries and a strict nature reserve altogether making up 42% of the country's total area. Bhutan is therefore one of the few countries in the world with net greenhouse gas sequestration capacity largely due to its vast forest cover and widespread use of hydro power and biomass energy.