Best Time to Visit Mongolia

• High season: June - August
• Low season: October - April
• All seasons: May - September (summer), October - April (winter)
• The best time to visit Mongolia is between June and August when the weather is warm, and relatively dry compared to the winter months.
• May and September are also good months to visit Mongolia. They are shoulder months, but it might be too cold for certain visitors.
• October to April is the peak winter in Mongolia, but this is when to visit Mongolia if you are a fan of winter sports.
• The temperature in December - January is freezing, so this is a period when you should avoid Mongolia at all costs.

Mongolia is a vast country, and the endless steppes will definitely make you realize just how the earth actually is. From Khuvsgul Lake, to Gobi Deserts, and the Altai Mountains, the Mongolian landscape is vast and varied, and you will definitely not have a dull moment during your entire trip.

The best time to visit Mongolia is between June and August, which is the peak of summer. The weather is particularly warm (compared to the other months), and except for a few scattered rainstorms, there is little to no precipitation either! Mongolian summers are the best time to travel to the country, for the winter can get rather merciless, and unless you’re used to sub-zero weather, you will not enjoy your time there.

You can also visit during May, or September. The weather in Mongolia is slightly colder than in the summer, but it is still bearable. There will be fewer tourists in the country during this period, and many gers (traditional yurt camps) will either be closing down for winter, or opening up after the end of the season. Make your plans in advance, and have a flexible schedule if you’re traveling during this period, as the weather might change with little notice.

1. May to September — Summer/ High Season

Summer is the best time to visit Mongolia for a number of reasons. The weather is usually dry throughout the season, except in Ulaan Baatar, where there may be thunderstorms in the months of July and August. The weather in the Gobi desert will be incredibly warm, with temperatures going above 100 degrees. Towards the end of the season, there may be rainfall in the northern and central parts of the country as well. However, Mongolia looks beautiful after the rains, as the Gobi becomes more comfortable, and the forests in the north start changing colors. The weather can be rather unpredictable during May, and September, so make sure you pack your warm clothes all the time!

• Avg. Temperature: 48 – 62° F / 9 – 17° C (in Ulaan Baatar)
• Rainfall: 50 – 279 mm
• Season: Summer
• Highlights: This is the best time to visit Mongolia for a number of reasons. The weather in Mongolia is ideal to visit Lake Khuvsgul, Karakorum, or the Altai Mountains. If you want to visit the Gobi Desert, September is the best time to do so(the temperatures soar up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit during July - August, and the desert is below freezing the rest of the year). In July, you can head to Ulaan Baatar for the traditional Naadam Festival, where native warriors compete in traditional sports, and nomadic families get together for their annual celebrations.

2. October to April — Winter/ Low Season

Mongolia enjoys sunshine for a good 2/3rd of the year - but don’t let this fool you into thinking that it will be warm. The winters are brutal and unforgiving, especially in December and January. The snow storms and cold wind start blowing around this time. Many mountain passes might close down as well. The Gobi desert will also freeze over around this time. Ulaan Baatar is the coldest capital city in the world, so it will be incredibly cold in the winter months. Air pollution also gets unbearable during this season, so this may not be the best time to visit Mongolia for a number of reasons.

• Avg. Temperature: -11.2 – 30° F / -23 – (-1)° C (in Ulaan Baatar)
• Rainfall: 0 – 50 mm
• Season: Winter
• Highlights: There are still a number of activities for you to take part in if you want to visit Mongolia this season. Many ger camps close down by this point, but the ones that are open will offer discounts. If you are an adventurous person, this is when to visit Mongolia to go for dog-sledding, skiing, and ice-skating in the Altai Mountains. If you want to observe Mongolian culture, you can participate in the Ice Festival, Tsaagan Sar (Lunar New Year), and the Thousand Camel Festival, all of which take place in winter. You will get to observe native traditions, and mingle with the nomadic tribes as well!