Best time to travel Mongolia

When you plan to travel 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 distinct seasons and each has its own character its extremity. Country has an average of 230-260 annual days of sunshine clear sky. Therefore Mongolia renowned nickname of “The Land of the Blue Sky”. Do not forget your sunglasses and sunscreen. Each season of Mongolia is favorable along with festivals, events and the best of activities. This page will help you to get acquainted with the climate and to choose the best time to visit Mongolia.

Visiting in summer (mid May to late July)

Weather

• Temperature between 20C to 25C, temperature of Gobi desert can reach to 40°C

• Dryness throughout the central and southern regions

• The mountains and northern areas cool situation dominates in the evening

Pack a fleece, windproof rain coat and a good pair of waterproof shoes is preferable.

Things to do in summer

Most summer lovers visit Mongolia in June. It's a decent time to get out of the busy city and drive to countryside this also matters to domestic travellers. You will enjoy camping in field with its spectacular scenery.

July is time to witness the largest and Olympic-like Mongolian version Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar city the capital of the country. Also, each province or soum (primary administrative units) of Mongolia organize the festival of their own on different dates throughout the summer allowing travelers to experience genuine authentic and uncrowded local Naadams.

Visiting in Autumn/Fall ( August to mid October)

Autumn featuring with colorful landscape and temperate weather. The cool weather brings respite to the Gobi and varying colors in the forests in the north are beautiful. October is considerably cool in the morning and evenings and sees the occasional or rare snow bustle in north but traveling is still fine this time, especially in the Gobi desert.

Weather

• The temperature ranges from 10 to 15C, Gobi temperature still can maintain up to 40°C

• Unpredictable specially in September

• Rare snow bustle in the north in mountains

Pack your fleece, light gloves, scarfs, windproof rain coat a good pair of waterproof shoes.

Things to do in Autumn

In October, Kazakh minority inhabiting in the western part of country celebrates the stunning Golden Eagle Festival. This amazing festival showcases the hunting skill of eagle and its master 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, land of dinosaurs and enjoy the pleasant and mild weather. It is a great time to go on birdwatching tour or wildlife spotting tour to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Also enjoyable to fishing, horse riding and hiking/ trekking.

Visiting in Winter (November to early March)

Weather

• Average temperature fluctuates from -20C to -25C , some areas drops down to -40°C at its extremity

• Cold with snow storms and freezing wind

Mongolian winter is harshly cold but it has its own beauty. It would be an amazing experience for those who are prepared and seeking adventure. It is time to enjoy snow covered white landscapes and the bluest skies, and the freshest air. The cold weather last lasts longer in north of Mongolia than Gobi desert in south. Pack your woolens and warmest clothes if you trotting here.

Things to do in Winter

In February Mongolian Lunar new year is due. It will give you memorable experience if you really want to know Mongolian culture and cuisine. Winter situation will allow you winter sports such as skiing, skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding etc. As a winter event the Thousand horse festival will invite you and it features a parade special breed of respected horses, thrilling competitions among horsemen, traditional singing and dancing performances, and horse race and local food and craft open market and so much more.

Visiting in Spring (March to May)

Weather

• Average temperature between 5 to 15C.

• Changeable weather, one can experience four seasons in one day

• Rainfall occurs in the taiga areas of Khentii and Khuvsgul mountainous regions

• Dryness and sunshine

• Still snowfall to its end in the north of the country

Pack a fleece, wind water proof warm coat and a good pair of trekking shoe.

Things to do in spring

Mongolians welcome and celebrates spring as a Tsagaan sar the Lunar new year after enduring winter. In March Gobi hosts One thousand camel festival, people living in Northern Mongolia organize the largest Ice Festival on its crystal clear frozen lake the Khuvsgul, Yak Festival, and Eagle Festival are held in different parts of the country. Spring is respected and beloved by its phenomena of new life and new circle. For nomads , 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 nomadic family during that time. Visit Hustai national park or Terelj national park to enjoy the wildlife natural habitat, bloom of fauna and flaura.