Mongolia enjoys more than 260 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest countries in the world. However, it is particularly in winter that an intense blue sky combines with biting cold. So what is the best time to visit Mongolia?

Spring

April and May are transition months. This is spring. The climate warms up, certainly, but it is the period of sandstorms: being caught in a storm in the Gobi can be an unforgettable experience.

May is reputed to be the most unstable month. All four seasons can pass in a single day... hence the Mongolian saying: "Beware of the morning sun". As a reward for the traveler, spring is the season of animal births and is characterized by intense activity in the countryside.

If you wish to be alone in the steppes and live at the pace of nomads (seasonal migration, births, combing, cashmere production), this is undoubtedly the period to prioritize.

Summer and Autumn

Next come the four most pleasant months for a trip to Mongolia: June/July/August/September.

From June onwards, temperatures exceed 20°C and it is pleasant to visit Mongolia. June and July are the wettest months and afternoon showers are frequent, particularly in Khövsgöl.

June and September are the best months to visit the Gobi. The steppe takes on its beautiful green color from July onwards and remains like this for approximately two months.

From August 15th onwards, nighttime temperatures drop significantly with a risk of frost, but daytime remains dry and sunny with temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 degrees, continuing until mid-September.

From mid-September onwards, the larch forests take on their autumn colors, giving the country breathtaking beauty. The weather remains dry and sunny, but temperatures will begin to drop.

Mongolia can still be visited until the end of October, but you should plan equipment for the cold, as temperatures can occasionally drop below 0°C. Risk of snow from mid-August at altitude, and from mid-September in the plains.

Winter

From November to March, temperatures will remain negative, with averages hovering around -25°C during the coldest months of the year, in December and January. The cold remains dry, and it snows very little during this period (when it does snow, it is actually a sign of warming). With appropriate equipment, it is still possible to visit Mongolia.

A stay with locals during this period remains magical, and the welcome is all the warmer for the cold outside. It is also the period when certain activities are possible: eagle hunting, dog sledding, or attending the ice festival.