Mongolia in October

Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii early in the month; most ger camps close by mid-October; snow possible.

• Ulaanbaatar and the centre · Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Kharkhorin, Orkhon valleycool

  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 Ambest weather

  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, Uvsfine

  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.

• Golden Eagle Festival (Ölgii)

  Early Oct (check)

  Flights to Ölgii and homestays fill; book 3–6 months ahead.

Crowds · Mongolia

Low

Prices · Mongolia

Low

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• Gobi

  Best weather of the year (Dalanzadgad, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag, Yolyn Am)