You can travel to Mongolia all year round. Note, however, that because of the mild temperatures and the many national holidays, the summer season, which lasts from June to August, is often busy. Temperatures start to drop gradually from September onwards, and by November, winter is here in all its glory. For those wishing to visit Mongolia, here is some information to help you choose the right period for your trip.
Choosing the right period to suit your preferences
It is advisable to visit Mongolia during the summer months, to enjoy temperatures above 20°C due to the country's harsh continental climate. Its climate is characterised by extremely cold winters and hotter summers.
Mongolia has a continental climate, with torrid summers and very harsh winters that can reach -40°C at night. There are over 260 days of sunshine a year and relatively little rainfall. The skies are also often clear. As a result, the cold is dry and frequently accompanied by strong winds, especially in spring, leading to massive sandstorms.
Although it can be over 20°C in summer and autumn, there is no shortage of rain. It can be heavy in the hilly regions, but almost non-existent in the southern Gobi Desert. The ideal months to visit Mongolia are July and August.
Temperatures drop by an average of 5°C from October onwards. Choose the months of July and August if you plan to visit Mongolia, as these are the best times to admire the country's breathtaking landscapes.
The best times to enjoy warm weather
June is a month of transition, when you start to feel that it's officially summer. Temperatures start to warm up in the spring and can reach 17°C throughout the day. On the other side, the winds are fiercer and bring sandstorms.
Unlike May, which is marked by relatively mild night-time temperatures, in June the thermometer rarely dips below zero, either during the day or at night.
Although June and September attract fewer tourists, they are nevertheless pleasant months. The weather is dry and warm. Even if it's not too hot, June is perhaps the best time to visit Mongolia to avoid the crowds of tourists that arrive in July instead.
Speaking of crowds of tourists, it's more for show, as the country is big enough to avoid any encounters, even at the height of the tourist season. Mongolia is far from the usual mass tourism.
As Mongolians gather as a family for the festivities, there are many more people, so you should consider making hotel reservations. It's a good idea to plan your holiday a few months in advance so you can leave with peace of mind, especially during this period.
The best times to enjoy the cool weather
The coldest months are December and January. In January and February, temperatures average -20°C. It's bitterly cold and dry, but it rarely snows at this time of year. Winter activities such as skiing, ice skating and tobogganing are ideal. On the other hand, ice can quickly interfere with air travel and the road network.
Temperatures range from -15°C to -30°C, with isolated areas reaching -40°C. Before setting off, it's essential to pack padded technical equipment suited to the bitter cold. Bear in mind that some lakes can remain frozen until June and that the Gobi Desert can still be covered in snow until April.
April and May offer "milder" temperatures, with the thermometers starting to rise during the day, sometimes exceeding 10°. During these months, the nights continue to be cool (especially in early April). The reason these two months are warmer (but still cool) is that the Mongolian summer begins in mid-May.
August and September are the rainiest months. Some yurt campsites are closed from October to April and not all are open between May and September. It's best to visit in September or October, when temperatures are cooler, if you want to specifically enjoy the Gobi Desert.
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