The Best Time to Travel to Mongolia

​If you are planning to travel to Mongolia, the most significant thing to consider is the weather. The country experiences an extreme continental climate; it is so far inland that no sea tempers its climate.

Mongolia has four seasons and each has its own character. Keep in mind that the country has an average of 230-260 annual days of sunshine. That is why Mongolia owns a nickname of “The Land of the Blue Sky”. Do not forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Each season of Mongolia is favorable along with the festivals and the best of activities. This article will help you to get acquainted with the climate and to choose the best time to visit Mongolia.

Visiting in summer (June to August)

Weather

• The temperature ranges from 20C to 25C, Gobi temperatures this month can rise up to 40°C
• Dry throughout the central and southern regions
• The mountains and northern areas can be cold in August

Pack a fleece, windproof rain jacket and a good pair of waterproof shoes.

Things to do in summer

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Mongolia, June might be the answer. It's a decent time to get out of the city and drive to the countryside. You will love camping in Mongolian spectacular scenery.

July is the time to see the largest and Olympic-like Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar city. Also, each province or soum (small administrative district) of Mongolia organize the festival of their own on different dates throughout the summer allowing travelers to experience a genuinely authentic and uncrowded Mini Naadam.

Seasonal highlight

• Mongolian Naadam Festival /10-12 July, Ulaanbaatar city/
• Local Naadam Festival /08-09 July, Kharkhorin soum, Uvurkhangai province/
• Gobi March /27 July - 03 August, Bulgan and Uvurkhangai province/

Click here for amazing summer tours.

Visiting in Autumn (September to October)

Nature at its best in autumn featuring with colorful landscape and temperate weather. The cool weather brings respite to the Gobi and the varying colors in the forests in the north are beautiful. October is again cool and sees the occasional or rare snow bustle up north but is still fine for travel, especially in the Gobi desert. 

Weather

• The temperature ranges from 3C to 10C, Gobi temperatures this month can rise up to 40°C
• Unpredictable
• Rare snow bustle up north

Pack your fleece, gloves, scarfs, windproof rain jacket and a good pair of waterproof shoes.

Things to do in Autumn

In October, Kazakh people inhabiting in the western part of the country celebrates the stunning Golden Eagle Festival. This amazing festival showcases the hunting skill of eagle and its hunters. During the festival, one can enjoy the parade of eagle hunters on horses, colorful traditional clothes, the rich culture of Kazakh people and their hospitality. The venue for the festival is perfect for photography.

Drive to the Gobi the land of dinosaur and enjoy the pleasant and mild weather. It is a great time to go on a birdwatching tour or wildlife spotting tour to see the beautiful birds and animals in their natural habitat. Try fishing, horse trek, and hiking.

Seasonal highlight

• Golden Eagle Festival /15-16 September, Sagsai soum, Bayan-Ulgii province/
• Golden Eagle Festival /05-06 October, Bayan-Ulgii province/

Click here for amazing autumn tours.

Visiting in Winter (November to February)

Weather

• The temperature ranges from -25C to -30C, sometimes the temperature drops down to -40°C
• Cold with snow storms and freezing cold wind

Even the Mongolian winter is harsh and extremely cold but it has its own beauty. It would be an amazing experience for those who are prepared and seeking adventure. It is the time to enjoy the white landscapes, the bluest skies, and the freshest air. You will also get to feel or witness how Mongolians survive the cold winters. The cold weather in the north lasts a bit longer than the Gobi areas.

Pack your woolens and warmest clothes if you trotting here.

Things to do in Winter

In February when the weather comes closer to be stable and nice, the largest cultural festival Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) is held. It will give you a memorable experience if you really want to know Mongolian culture and cuisine.

Also, the country has plenty of snow in winter where one can try winter sports. Enjoy dog sledding adventure in peaceful and beautiful Mongolian landscape. Experience Winter Horse Festival features a parade of unique and rare horses, thrilling competitions among horsemen, traditional singing and dancing performances, and horse race.

Seasonal highlight

• Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) /23-25 February, Erdene soum, Tuv province/
• ​Winter Horse Festival /02-03 November, Batnorov soum, Chinggis province/

Click here for amazing winter tours.

Visiting in Spring (March to May)

Weather

• The temperature ranges from 5C to 15C.
• Unpredictable weather, one can see four seasons in one day
• Rainfall occurs in the taiga areas of Khentii and Khuvsgul
• Dry and sunny
• You can see snowfall in the north

Pack a fleece, windproof rain jacket and a good pair of waterproof shoes.

Things to do in spring

Spring is the most thrilling festivals season worth experiencing. It is a great time to see how Mongolians welcome and celebrate the start of the spring after enduring harsh winter. In March Gobi hosts 1,000 camel festival, people living in Northern Mongolia organize the largest Ice Festival on its crystal clear frozen lake Khuvsgul, Yak Festival, and Eagle Festival are held in different parts of the country.

Also, spring is a great time when a new life begins. For herders, it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year dealing with offspring/young borns. Therefore, it would be an interesting experience to visit a nomadic family during that time.

Visit Khustai National Park or Terelj National Park to enjoy the wildlife spotting, bloom of flowers, grassland, and trees as well as the smell of spring in the air.

Seasonal highlights

• 1000 camel festival /06-07 March, Bulgan soum, Umnugobi province/
• Ice Festival /03-04 March, Khatgal soum, Murun province/
• Yak Festival
• Eagle Festival /05 March, Ulaanbaatr city/

Click here for amazing spring tours.

We hope that this article will be helpful for your trip planning to Mongolia. If you choose your ideal season, contact us for more information.