The best time to travel to Mongolia is from June to September, known as the “Best Travel Time Mongolia”. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant, and the landscape is particularly beautiful. In this article, you will learn everything about the weather, climate, and optimal conditions for different regions. Whether you want to explore the steppes, the Gobi Desert, or the capital Ulaanbaatar – we have compiled all the important information for your planning.
The Essentials at a Glance
- The best time to travel to Mongolia is during the summer months of June and September, as the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is green during these months.
- The climate in Mongolia is extremely continental with significant temperature fluctuations between the seasons, ranging from hot summers to very cold winters.
- Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital in the world, with an annual average temperature of -1.8 degrees Celsius and enormous temperature fluctuations between summer and winter.
Introduction
Do you want to travel to a place where nature is still untouched and the culture is authentic? Mongolia, a country characterized by its vast steppes and the hospitality of its people, offers just that. Information on the best travel time is not only useful but also has a significant impact on what you will experience on-site. From green expanses in summer to clear starry nights in winter – each place and season has its own charm.
However, there are differences throughout the year that should be considered when planning a trip to this unique country. The best travel time strongly depends on the regional climatic conditions, which are characterized by extreme continentality with hot summers and cold winters. But don’t worry, this article provides all the necessary tips to make your trip to Mongolia an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Travel to Mongolia
If you are wondering when the best time to travel to Mongolia is, the short answer is: in the summer months. Specifically, the months of June and September are ideal for a tour through this impressive country. During this travel time in Mongolia, you can expect pleasant temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the landscape presents itself in lush green.
July and August, on the other hand, are also warm but often muddy and plagued by insects, which can make traveling through the pristine expanses a bit more challenging. Those who want to explore the Gobi Desert should keep the extreme temperature differences in mind and plan their trip during the transitional periods to avoid the greatest heat.
In contrast, the winter months from October to April are less suitable for traveling to Mongolia. The cold can be very severe during this time, and tourist offerings are limited. However, those who do not shy away from the challenge will be rewarded with a completely different view of Mongolia and perhaps even the sight of the dancing northern lights.
Going offroad in Mongolia is one of the best ways to explore this amazing country.
Explore Mongolia with one of our self-drive tours
Climate in Mongolia
The climate in Mongolia is as unique as the country itself. With an extremely continental climate characterized by large temperature fluctuations between the seasons, travelers here can:
- experience the coldest capital in the world in Ulaanbaatar
- feel the heat of the Gobi Desert
- experience Arctic cold in winter with temperatures often below -30 degrees Celsius
- experience temperatures slightly above 30 degrees Celsius in summer
The annual average temperature in Ulaanbaatar is -1.8 degrees Celsius, which is due to the city’s location in the highlands of Asia. However, the sun is a faithful companion in Mongolia: With over 260 sunny days a year, the country is a paradise for sun worshipers. However, travelers should note that although rainfall is low, it is primarily concentrated in the summer months.
Therefore, the best travel times are strongly dependent on the climate and the climatic regions within Mongolia. Whether you want to hike through the Gobi Desert or explore the cooler regions of the north, the climate data provide important clues about what to expect and help you plan your trip optimally.
Temperatures and Precipitation in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is not only the capital of Mongolia but also known as the coldest capital in the world. Here, the climate often shows its extreme side:
- The annual average temperature is -1.8 degrees Celsius
- The coldest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -23.1 degrees Celsius
- In contrast, July is the warmest month with a pleasant average temperature of 16.5 degrees Celsius.
The precipitation levels in Ulaanbaatar vary throughout the year. With an annual precipitation of 258 millimeters, most precipitation falls in the rainiest month of July. However, even in this month, the precipitation levels are relatively low compared to other capitals of the world, making the city an attractive travel destination for those who want to avoid rain.
The temperature fluctuations are another remarkable feature of the weather in Ulaanbaatar. The daytime temperature in summer can be quite pleasant, but the nighttime temperature drops significantly. This reflects the general tendency of Mongolian weather conditions, where temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Optimal Travel Times for Different Regions
The diverse regions of Mongolia offer different attractions, and accordingly, the optimal travel times vary. The Gobi Desert, for example, one of the most legendary deserts on Earth, is best visited in June and September. These months avoid the extreme heat periods of mid-summer and still offer the opportunity to experience the impressive landscapes at pleasant temperatures.
In September, the Gobi enjoys a mild climate that is neither too hot nor too cold, and nature presents itself at its best. This makes this month the best travel time for those who want to explore the diverse facets of the Gobi Desert, from the famous dunes to the rare camel herds.
Gobi Sands is an offroad tour to the Gobi Desert that will excite any traveler.
However, it should be noted that climatic conditions and temperature fluctuations can also vary within the country. Therefore, climate tables and climate data are good reference points for determining the travel time for the respective regions. A detailed climate table can help you make the right planning for your trip. Whether you travel to the north to admire the crystal-clear lakes or to the south to explore the desert, proper planning is essential for an unforgettable travel experience.
Climate Data and Climate Tables
Climate data and climate tables are essential tools for planning a trip to Mongolia. They provide detailed information not only about average temperatures but also about precipitation levels and sunshine hours. Especially the capital Ulaanbaatar shows significant fluctuations throughout the year: From October to April, the monthly average values are below freezing, which means travelers need to prepare for cold conditions.
In July, however, when the sun shines the longest, temperatures in the south reach a pleasant 22 degrees Celsius, while in the north they are around 10 degrees Celsius. This underscores once again the need to inform yourself about the climatic conditions before traveling. Climate tables can help find the best travel time for different activities, whether for city exploration or hiking in nature.
The sunshine hours, which are particularly high in Mongolia in May, offer ideal conditions for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. With an average of 8-10 hours of sunshine daily between May and July, travelers can experience the breathtaking landscapes in full light. These details are especially helpful for those planning their trip around outdoor activities.
Weather in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
The seasons in Mongolia each have their own character and significantly influence what travelers can experience during their stay. Spring is short and can bring surprising snowfall, which is particularly common in Ulaanbaatar in April and May. The transitional seasons are generally short in Mongolia but still characterized by unique beauty.
In summer, Mongolia comes to true life. The days are long, and temperatures can be pleasantly warm to hot during the day, while the nights offer a welcome cooling. The sky is wide and open, and humidity increases, which can be seen in occasional rain showers in July and August. But even in these rainiest months, the precipitation levels are relatively low, and the rain helps nature to bloom in full splendor.
Fall, like spring, is a short season but offers a wealth of colors before the long Mongolian winter sets in. Winters are cold and dry, with clear skies and starry nights. Especially in the north, temperatures can drop significantly, often below minus 30 degrees Celsius, making Mongolia a fascinating yet challenging winter travel destination.
Attractions and Sights
Mongolia is a country full of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Highlights of any trip undoubtedly include the diverse attractions and sights. The Hustai Nuruu National Park, near the capital Ulaanbaatar, is a paradise for nature lovers and home to the rare Mongolian wild horse Takhi. Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire, offers impressive historical ruins and insights into the country’s impressive history.
The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must for history enthusiasts, offering stunning landscapes and numerous historical monuments. The Buddhist monastery Erdene Zuu, the first of its kind in Mongolia, is another attraction for visitors despite the damage it has suffered over the years. Those who wish to explore the Gobi Desert will be captivated by the barren beauty and colors of the dunes.
Khovsgol Nuur, also known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, is a place of unparalleled beauty with its clear blue water and rich wildlife. The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers hikes through larch forests and is an ideal place for outdoor activities. This variety of attractions shows that Mongolia has something to offer for everyone, from impressive nature to historical treasures.
Tips for Your Trip to Mongolia
Preparing for a trip to Mongolia should include more than just selecting the best travel time. There are some important tips that can enrich your experience on-site and prevent potential inconveniences. When visiting a yurt, it is advisable to observe certain cultural customs: Avoid standing in the doorway or touching the door frame with both arms, as this is considered impolite.
Mongolian cuisine is rich in meat and dairy products and reflects the nomadic lifestyle. Dishes such as Buuz (steamed dumplings with meat) and Khuushuur (fried dumplings with meat) are part of the culinary tradition and should be tried during your trip. However, note that tap water in Mongolia is not drinkable. It must be boiled or filtered before consumption to avoid health issues.
As for clothing, it is advisable to adapt to the more conservative customs of the country and not dress too revealingly. Traditional Mongolian clothing such as the Deel can be worn on special occasions and also offers protection against the sometimes extreme weather conditions. All these tips will help you better understand the culture of the country and fully enjoy the hospitality of the locals.
Summary
In summary, the best time to travel to Mongolia depends greatly on your personal preferences and the activities you plan. From June to September, the country offers warm temperatures and a vibrant landscape, while the winter months reveal an icy beauty that, however, is not for everyone due to the extreme cold. The transitional months can also be appealing, offering unique insights into the changing nature.
Regardless of the season you choose for your trip to the land of nomads, you should prepare well for the climatic conditions and consider the cultural specifics. With the right information and adequate preparation, your trip to Mongolia will be an unforgettable experience that opens the doors to a fascinating world.