Mongolia in December

Deep cold and smog; Ulaanbaatar only, with good layers.

• Ulaanbaatar and the centre · Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Kharkhorin, Orkhon valleysmoke haze

  Coldest capital in the world: January averages about −20 °C. Coal and ger-stove smoke make winter air among the worst anywhere Nov–Feb. Summer is 20–28 °C by day with afternoon showers in July–August.

• Gobi · Dalanzadgad, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag, Yolyn Amcool

  Summer days reach 35–40 °C, nights stay cool; spring (Apr–May) brings wind and dust storms. September is the easy month.

• Khövsgöl and the north · Mörön, Khatgal, Darkhad valleycool

  Lake Khövsgöl stays frozen until late May or June; summer nights near freezing at 1,650 m. Ice Festival in early March.

• Western Altai · Ölgii, Khovd, Tavan Bogd, Uvscool

  High mountains with snow possible any month; the Golden Eagle Festival in early October is the last good week before the cold.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• National Freedom and Independence Day

  29 Dec

  Public holiday; merges with New Year preparations.

Crowds · Mongolia

Low

Prices · Mongolia

Low

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Better another month

• Ulaanbaatar

  Deep cold and smog.