When is the best time to visit Mongolia?

Mongolia has a short, warm summer and a long, cold, dry winter. Almost every season has something special — the right time depends on what you want to see.

Summer (June–August)

The main travel season. Days are warm, the steppe is green and ger camps across the country are open. July is the month of the Naadam Festival with wrestling, horse racing and archery. Expect short rain showers and cool nights in the mountains.

• Best for: first visits, Gobi and Khuvsgul trips, horse riding, Naadam
• Book early for July — hotels and camps fill up

Autumn (September–October)

Clear skies, golden larch forests and fewer travellers. Nights get cold quickly. In early October Kazakh eagle hunters gather in Bayan-Ölgii for the Golden Eagle Festival.

• Best for: photography, hiking, the Golden Eagle Festival

Winter (November–February)

Very cold but dry and sunny, with snow-covered landscapes and quiet roads. Nomad families welcome the Lunar New Year, Tsagaan Sar, in January or February.

• Best for: winter adventures, Tsagaan Sar with a nomad family

Spring (March–May)

The landscape slowly wakes up; spring can be windy and dusty. Early March brings the Ice Festival on frozen Lake Khuvsgul and the Thousand Camel Festival in the Gobi.

• Best for: winter festivals, travellers who like empty landscapes

Not sure which season suits you? Send us a custom tour request and we'll suggest the best dates for your interests.