Do you want to have a snowball fight with the ghost of Genghis Khan? Discover the best time to reach the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky
Who on earth put the idea of going to Mongolia into your head? Maybe Genghis Khan winked at you from a history book. Or perhaps you’re drawn to the idea of settling into a ger (the traditional tent around here), right in the middle of a breathtaking steppe that makes the bora wind in Trieste feel like little more than a light breeze.
Either way, you’ve decided to head somewhere where winter hits you with -40°C and the wind messes up even your eyebrows.
And I’ll add that you’ve made the right choice, because Mongolia is absolutely incredible and a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime!
This guide is here to help you understand when it’s worth risking freezing every body part that can freeze, just to see a wonderfully extreme country.
Read also: Hell's Gate National Park in Kenya: discover the “hellish” Lion King park!
From May to October: when the steppe won’t freeze you to the bone
In Mongolia, the idea of “warm” is a bit of a joke. Still, between May and October temperatures start to become manageable, even for those who aren’t snow leopards. The steppe feels less intimidating and the Gobi warms up properly. During these weeks, you might even take off your wool hat without looking completely reckless.
Nights still stay cool, and rain can appear between July and September, but nothing dramatic. In fact, a few drops among the horse and sheep pastures can make the landscape feel even more poetic.
Just watch your shoes: muddy puddles can turn into real traps for your feet. If you step into one, get ready for a full-on battle with Mongolian mud!
June to August: the best time to go
June, July, and August are the top months for anyone who wants to experience Mongolia in its gentlest form. The Gobi Desert, in theory, bakes under the sun and can make you sweat from head to toe, but at least you won’t freeze. The northern pastures turn into green expanses that look straight out of a postcard, complete with goats, horses, and shepherds appearing across the landscape.
Still, take note: this is also the rainy season, especially in the north. Nothing too extreme, but if even a light drizzle ruins your day, you may prefer to stay sheltered in the city.
The Gobi Desert in July: intense heat for true adventurers
Are you as obsessed with the desert as I am? Fine, but summer is not exactly the easiest season—unless your zodiac sign is a lizard in a sauna.
In July, the heat can feel relentless, with 30°C temperatures that seem to get everywhere. Nights are a little less intense, but still warm enough to leave you sweating.
If you love dry heat that seems to drain every drop of moisture from you and want to roll among the dunes, then go for it—it’s your moment. But during the day, with the sun beating down like a hammer, you may find yourself wondering why you signed up for it.
Still, in the evening, when you look up and see a sky full of stars, you’ll understand exactly why the journey is worth it.
Watch out for Naadam: July’s sold-out festival
If you’re thinking about going to Mongolia in July, keep in mind that Naadam takes place then, the country’s most spectacular event of the year! It’s the national festival, a real celebration where you can enjoy wrestling competitions, thrilling horse races, and archery skills worthy of legend.
During those days, nomads leave their tents on the steppe and arrive in the cities in large numbers, often bringing the whole family along.
Finding an available bed during this period can be quite a challenge.
If you plan to join the festivities, book well in advance—otherwise finding a room in July can feel nearly impossible.
Spring: an unpredictable but lighter option
Are you tempted by the idea of visiting Mongolia in April or May?
Well, in these months things become a bit more manageable... But don’t expect the Caribbean. The shoulder seasons here are famously changeable: one day it almost feels like summer, and the next a gust of wind arrives and reminds you exactly where you are.
If you like traveling in peace, without the summer crowds, and don’t mind a little shifting chill, then it could be a great idea.
The steppe wakes up from its winter sleep, and shepherds are more than happy to offer you fermented mare’s milk (important warning: it has a very distinctive taste). Nature shows itself in all its beauty, in a way that can leave you speechless—or shivering—depending on the wind.
Feeling adventurous? Go in winter!
If you love capital-A Adventure and aren’t afraid of turning into a human popsicle, get ready, because it doesn’t just get cold here—it gets unbelievably, brutally cold: below -40°C!
Ulaanbaatar is one of the coldest capitals on the planet. Temperatures drop so low that thermometers seem ready to give up, and the wind can feel absolutely fierce.
But if you’re the kind of person who loves truly extreme conditions, then you’ll find breathtaking snowy landscapes and extraordinary beauty. That said, this is no place for light outerwear. You’ll need serious gear, with thermal clothing that even polar bears might admire.
Read also: Why go to Sri Lanka: 6 reasons to leave routine behind (and disappear for 13 days)
Want to travel to Mongolia? Choose the ideal season—or, if you’re brave, the toughest one!
After all this, one question remains: when exactly should you go to Mongolia?
If you don’t want to turn into a human iceberg, aim for the months from May to October. June, July, and August are the best for milder temperatures, although rain may bother you in the north and heat may wear you out in the south.
If you’re not afraid of heat or cold, and you want to experience the famous Naadam festival, head to Mongolia in July—but book as early as possible, or you may end up sleeping beside the horses.
Now that you know almost everything about the wild climate of this extreme land, do yourself a favor: book a trip to Mongolia with Sto Gran Tour. We’ll take you straight into the heart of the steppe and on into the Gobi Desert, with an unforgettable itinerary ready to face the Siberian winds and reveal dreamlike landscapes. Because Mongolia isn’t just a destination—it’s a test of courage!
So what are you waiting for? Pack your backpack and go—may Genghis Khan be with you!
