When to go · Mongolia
Mongolia in May
Mixed month. Gobi is workable but windy; the north is still cold. Camps open from mid-month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Low
- Mongolia
- Prices
- Medium
- Mongolia
Verdict
Gobi is workable but windy; the north is still cold. Camps open from mid-month.
Weather in May
- Ulaanbaatar and the centre · Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Kharkhorin, Orkhon valleyfine
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 Amsmoke haze
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.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Mongolia
- Low
- Prices · Mongolia
- Medium
What to pack
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket
Where to go in May
Rated best or good this month
Cool and dry; camps start to open.