Ölgii (Ulgii) sits at about 1,700 m in a dry valley of the Altai, with a cold semi-arid continental climate. Summers (June–August) are short and mild, with days around 18–24°C and cool nights. Winters (November–March) are long and severe, with nights often around -25°C or colder in January. Rain is low and sunshine plentiful, but day–night swings are large and spring is windy. The best months to visit are June to early October.
Key Takeaways
- Altitude: about 1,700 m. The surrounding mountains are much colder.
- Summer: days around 18–24°C, nights around 6–12°C
- Winter: nights often -25°C or colder in December–January
- Rain: low year-round, mostly in summer
- Best time: June to early September for trekking, early October for the eagle festival
- Flights: wind and snow can delay Ulaanbaatar–Ölgii flights. Keep a buffer day.
Ulgii (also spelled Ölgii or Olgii), the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province, sits in a high, dry valley surrounded by the Altai Mountains. Its weather is extreme: short warm summers, long brutal winters and big swings between day and night. Knowing what to expect is the key to packing right. Here’s a guide to Ulgii weather throughout the year.
Temperatures below are typical ranges based on climate averages and local experience. Actual weather varies year to year, and the mountains around Ulgii are always colder than the town.
Ulgii climate basics
- Altitude: about 1,700 m above sea level
- Climate: cold, semi-arid continental
- Rain: low year-round. Most falls in summer.
- Sunshine: plenty. Clear skies are common, especially in autumn and winter.
- Wind: often strong, especially in spring
- Daily swing: large. Warm afternoons can be followed by freezing nights.
Ulgii weather by month
| Month | Typical day | Typical night | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -15 to -20°C | -25 to -30°C or colder | Deep winter, dry, still. Eagle hunting season. |
| February | -10 to -15°C | -25°C | Very cold, sunny days |
| March | -3 to 3°C | -15°C | Still wintry. Nauryz celebrations. |
| April | 5 to 10°C | -5°C | Windy, dusty, snow melting |
| May | 12 to 17°C | 0 to 3°C | Spring. Possible late snow. |
| June | 18 to 22°C | 6 to 9°C | Green valleys, trekking season starts |
| July | 20 to 24°C | 9 to 12°C | Warmest month, some rain showers |
| August | 18 to 22°C | 6 to 10°C | Warm days, cool nights |
| September | 12 to 17°C | -2 to 3°C | Clear and crisp. Sagsai festival. |
| October | 3 to 8°C | -8 to -12°C | Cold, sunny. Golden Eagle Festival. |
| November | -5 to -10°C | -18 to -22°C | Winter arrives |
| December | -13 to -18°C | -25°C or colder | Deep cold |
Weather in the mountains around Ulgii
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park lies at 2,000–4,374 m, so expect much colder conditions than in town. Even in July, nights at Tavan Bogd base camp can drop below freezing, and snow can fall at any time of year on the glaciers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in mid-summer. See Altai Mountains weather.
Best time to visit Ulgii
- June to early September: trekking, horse riding, Altai Tavan Bogd and the lakes
- September: clear skies, autumn colours, the Sagsai Eagle Festival
- Early October: the Golden Eagle Festival. See festival guide.
- November to February: real eagle hunting in the snow, for travellers ready for serious cold. See Winter eagle hunting.
- March: Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year
What to pack by season
Summer (June–August)
- Light layers for warm days, plus fleece and a down jacket for nights
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Sleeping bag rated to around -5°C for mountain camping
Autumn (September–October)
- Thermal base layers, a warm down jacket, hat and gloves
- Windproof outer layer
- Warm boots
See the eagle festival packing list.
Winter (November–March)
- Expedition down parka and insulated trousers
- Boots rated to -30°C or colder
- Mittens, balaclava and hand warmers
Weather and flights
Strong winds, snow and low cloud can delay flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii, especially in spring, late autumn and winter. Always leave a buffer day before your international departure.
Weather apps are often inaccurate in the mountains, so check conditions with people on the ground before you set off. Contact Discover Altai to plan the right season for your trip.
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What is the weather like in Ölgii?
Ölgii has a cold, dry continental climate: short mild summers, long very cold winters, low rainfall, lots of sunshine and big temperature swings between day and night.
What is the best time to visit Ölgii?
June to early September for trekking and the lakes, September for the Sagsai Eagle Festival, early October for the Golden Eagle Festival, and winter for real eagle hunting.
How cold does Ölgii get in winter?
In December and January nights are often around -25°C or colder, and daytime temperatures commonly stay well below freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Bayan-Ölgii?
No. Rainfall is low, and most of it falls as summer showers or afternoon storms, especially in the mountains.