Best Time to Visit Mongolia: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

 Mongolia is beautiful all year round and you can find interesting things to do at any time of the year. Mongolia is always glad to have a guest from all over the world. But, of course, it is highly recommended to visit Mongolia during the summer from June to September. So, here we will describe each season in more detail, and you will have an idea of when to visit and what to expect.

SUMMER

     Let’s start with summertime. This is the busiest season for tourism and everyone wants to visit in that period. There are many reasons why you should visit in summer. From June to the end of August it is covered with green and the scenery is more picturesque.

In summer, you have the opportunity to enjoy most of the tours such as trekking, horseback riding, jeep tour, climbing, camping, swimming, cycling, and more. In addition, during the summer, most of the valleys are open to the public. And, of course, the biggest Naadam festival takes place in mid-July.

AUTUMN

     In autumn, most places change the landscape to more colorful, and the weather becomes cool. From September to November, it is recommended to visit western Mongolia, where you can attend one of the two eagle festivals.

One of them takes place in mid-September, and the other takes place on the first weekend of October. And it’s time for eagle hunters to open the hunting season. The top highlights are visiting nomadic families and horseback riding in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia.

WINTER

     Winter in Mongolia is quite cold and requires good preparation. As the saying goes “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”.  Mongolia has a lot to offer in winter, even though many people don’t think so. During this period of the year, you can still visit the main destinations such as the Gobi, central Mongolia and the main attractions of Ulaanbaatar itself.  But we can recommend two options for what to do in winter.

The first is visiting a family of nomadic eagle hunters in a remote western corner of the country and staying in their winter quarters. Enjoy their hospitality and become part of a real eagle hunting. As an additional experience, you can visit the Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain (Sacred Mountain) and live with a family of nomadic Tuvans. Horseback riding and ice fishing are also available. And the second best option is to visit Khuvsgul.

Where you can experience unforgettable adventures in a tribe of nomadic reindeer herders. Khuvsgul is one of the must-see places in Mongolia and we highly recommend you visit it in winter. When everything is covered with snow and it is truly a great feeling. You can stay at the reindeer herders’ teepee and get to know their ancient way of life.

This tour recommends bringing your warmest clothing and a sleeping bag. In addition, you can visit the frozen Khuvsgul Lake with its breathtaking surroundings. The most popular activities are horse sledding and reindeer rides. Depending on the length of your stay in Mongolia, we can create the perfect Mongolia winter tour for you. Starting with a couple of days in Ulaanbaatar and ending with a couple of weeks of combined tours throughout the country.

SPRING

 And if you plan to visit Mongolia in the spring, then from February to March you can visit festivals such as the Khuvsgul Ice Festival, which takes place on the Khuvsgul Lake on the first weekend of March, the Nauryz Festival takes place in Bayan – Olgii province on March 22 and the Mongolian traditional lunar new year Tsagaan Sar, which is celebrated depending on the traditional calendar date.

     Mongolia is a landlocked country with fairly severe weather. In summer, the temperature can reach -40C/-4F, and in winter +40C/+104F. The weather can change suddenly without any forecast.

HERE ARE INTERESTING FACTS:

• In Mongolia it can snow even in July in the mountains. And literally, you can experience the four seasons in just one day.
• In central Mongolia there are 250 blue sky days. That is why it has a nickname “The land of Blue sky”
• Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital in the world.

We offer you the best-planned tours at any time of the year. Please contact us to choose your perfect trip.

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Mongolia at a Glance: Weather & Activities by Season

Summer (June – August): Peak season with warm weather ideal for most travel. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 77°F) in most of the country. This is the best time for horse trekking, visiting Khuvsgul Lake, and experiencing lush green steppes. It’s also the busiest and most expensive period.

Autumn (September – October): Characterized by cooler, crisp weather and beautiful golden landscapes. It’s the prime time for Gobi Desert tours, as summer heat subsides. This season hosts the spectacular Golden Eagle Festivals in the Altai Mountains. Temperatures begin to drop sharply, especially at night.

Winter (November – February): Extremely cold, with temperatures frequently dropping to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. Travel is challenging but offers unique experiences like the Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) and ice festivals. This is the low season with very few tourists.

Spring (March – May): A variable season of transition, with melting snows and occasional dust storms. It’s a time of rebirth and new life in the countryside, with many nomadic families welcoming newborn livestock. While still cold, travel becomes more feasible by late April and May.

Planning Your Trip Around Mongolian Festivals

Naadam Festival (July): Mongolia’s most famous event, known as the “three games of men”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. The largest celebration is in Ulaanbaatar, but smaller, more intimate versions occur nationwide. It is a vibrant display of Mongolian culture, officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Golden Eagle Festival (Late September / Early October): Held in the Bayan-Ulgii province, this incredible event showcases the traditions of Kazakh eagle hunters. Hunters on horseback demonstrate their eagles’ speed, skill, and training in competitions. It offers a rare glimpse into a tradition passed down through generations.

Tsagaan Sar (January / February): The Mongolian Lunar New Year is the country’s most important family holiday. It marks the end of winter and the start of spring. While not a tourist spectacle, visiting during this time can offer a deep cultural immersion if arranged through a host family, involving traditional food, games, and customs.

Best Time to Visit for Your Travel Style

For the Cultural Explorer: The best time is July to attend the Naadam Festival or early October for the Golden Eagle Festival. These events provide unparalleled insight into Mongolia’s most cherished traditions.

For the Adventurer & Trekker: Mid-June to late August offers the most pleasant weather for long-distance horse or camel trekking, hiking in the national parks, and kayaking on Khuvsgul Lake. The days are long and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.