The best time to visit Mongolia is mid-June to mid-September, when Ulaanbaatar averages daytime highs of 23–25 °C, the countryside is green and ger camps are open. July brings the Naadam festival and the most visitors. Late August and September give clear skies, autumn colour and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) suits travellers who specifically want snow, festivals and −20 °C mornings.
Quick answer: Go in June or September for a classic countryside trip, in July for Naadam, and in early March for the Khövsgöl Ice Festival. Avoid April and May unless you are on a tight budget.
Mongolia month by month
The table uses 1991–2020 averages for Ulaanbaatar (Wikipedia climate table). The Gobi is hotter in summer and the north around Lake Khövsgöl is cooler, but the seasonal pattern is the same across the country.
| Month | High / low (Ulaanbaatar) | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | −15.5 / −25.6 °C | 2 mm | Deep winter. Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) falls in January or February. |
| February | −9.4 / −21.7 °C | 3 mm | Cold and clear. For winter specialists. |
| March | −0.2 / −12.6 °C | 5 mm | Khövsgöl Ice Festival. Still winter in the north. |
| April | 10.4 / −3.3 °C | 8 mm | Windy, dusty spring. Many ger camps still closed. |
| May | 17.8 / 3.5 °C | 22 mm | Shoulder season. Cold nights, grass turns green late in the month. |
| June | 23.1 / 10.3 °C | 47 mm | Excellent. Green steppe, long days, camps open. |
| July | 25.2 / 13.5 °C | 75 mm | Peak season and Naadam. Busiest and most expensive. |
| August | 23.0 / 11.1 °C | 65 mm | Warm and green. Afternoon showers are common. |
| September | 17.2 / 4.1 °C | 28 mm | Our favourite. Clear skies, autumn colour, fewer people. |
| October | 7.7 / −4.5 °C | 9 mm | Cold nights. Many camps close mid-month. |
| November | −4.8 / −15.1 °C | 6 mm | Winter arrives. Very few visitors. |
| December | −13.7 / −22.9 °C | 4 mm | Deep winter. Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar peaks. |
Summer: June to August
This is the Mongolia most people picture: green grass, foals on the steppe, open lakes and every ger camp operating. June is quieter than July and has the longest days. July and August are the wettest months, with 75 mm and 65 mm on average in Ulaanbaatar, usually as short afternoon storms rather than all-day rain, but they can turn dirt tracks to mud.
For Gobi routes, June and September avoid the hottest days. For Lake Khövsgöl and horse riding in the north, July and August are the warmest months.
Naadam: 11–15 July
Mongolia's national festival fills Ulaanbaatar and raises prices for flights, hotels and drivers. If you want to see it, book early and read our Naadam 2027 guide. If you do not care about Naadam, avoid the second week of July for flights and the countryside.
Autumn: September to mid-October
September is our favourite month: stable weather, golden larch forests in the north and the summer crowds gone. Nights drop to around 4 °C in Ulaanbaatar and below freezing in the countryside, so bring warm layers. Many ger camps close from mid-October.
Winter and spring: November to May
Winter is harsh but spectacular, with dry snow, blue skies and very few tourists. Ulaanbaatar's air quality is poor in winter, so most winter trips leave the city quickly. See our Mongolia in winter guide. April and May are windy and dusty, with brown steppe: fine for budget travel, not for photography.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Mongolia?
June and September offer the best balance of good weather, open ger camps and fewer crowds. July is best if you want to see Naadam.
When is the rainy season in Mongolia?
Most rain falls in July and August, usually as short afternoon storms. Ulaanbaatar averages 75 mm in July and 65 mm in August.
Is Mongolia too cold to visit in winter?
Not if you prepare. Ulaanbaatar averages −15.5 °C by day and −25.6 °C at night in January, but winter trips with warm clothing and heated accommodation are quiet and rewarding.
When are ger camps open?
Most tourist ger camps operate from late May or June until September or mid-October.
Sources
Not sure when to go?
Tell us which month you are considering and what you want to see. We will tell you honestly what the weather, roads and crowds will be like.
Message us on WhatsAppOr email mugi@emongolia.eu with your travel month and planned route.