sBest Time to Visit Mongolia? A Complete Season-by-Season Travel Guide
The best time to visit Mongolia depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for—whether it’s cultural festivals, scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures, or authentic nomadic life. Each season offers something unique, from vibrant summer celebrations to the serene beauty of the winter steppe.
Spring (April – May)
Spring in Mongolia is a time of renewal, but also transition. The weather is still chilly in April, especially in the countryside, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to +10°C (23°F to 50°F). In May, temperatures begin to rise, and the landscapes start to turn green.
Pros: Fewer tourists, blooming wildflowers, peaceful atmosphere
Best for: Photographers, early hikers, nature lovers
Note: Some rural roads may still be muddy or closed from snowmelt
Summer (June – August)
This is the peak travel season in Mongolia, with long sunny days and temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The countryside is lush and green, and all major tour routes are accessible. July features the famous Naadam Festival, showcasing traditional Mongolian sports like wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
Pros: Best weather, vibrant festivals, full access to remote areas
Best for: First-time visitors, families, adventure seekers
Highlights: Naadam Festival, Gobi Desert tours, horse trekking, camping with nomads
Autumn (September – October)
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Mongolia. The steppe turns golden, the air is crisp, and the tourist crowds begin to thin out. Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F), but nights can get cold.
Pros: Fewer tourists, stunning landscapes, ideal for hiking and photography
Best for: Nature photographers, couples, quiet retreats
Highlights: Golden larch forests in the north, eagle hunting season in the west
Winter (November – March)
Mongolian winters are harsh and extreme, with temperatures dropping to -15°C to -40°C (5°F to -40°F). However, if you’re an adventurous traveler, winter offers a rare look at nomadic survival, reindeer herders in the taiga, and the beautiful stillness of the snowy steppe. The Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) celebration in February is a unique cultural experience.
Pros: Unique cultural immersion, snow-covered landscapes, no crowds
Best for: Experienced travelers, winter photographers, culture lovers
Highlights: Tsagaan Sar festival, reindeer herders in the north, ice-covered lakes
Summary: When Should You Visit Mongolia?
For warm weather and full access to nature: Visit in June–August
It’s a beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds: Try May or September
For cultural festivals: Come in July (Naadam) or February (Tsagaan Sar)
For off-the-beaten-path winter adventures: Brave November–March