When to go · Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar in May

Good month. Cool and dry; camps start to open.

Key facts

Plan around it

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Ulaanbaatar

Cool and dry; camps start to open.

Long-term averages

UlaanbaatarHighs around 17 °C, lows around 3 °C, rain on about 5 daysHighs around 63 °F, lows around 37 °F, rain on about 5 days
Ulaanbaatar and the centre, Mongolia · 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.Coldest capital in the world: January averages about −4 °F. Coal and ger-stove smoke make winter air among the worst anywhere Nov–Feb. Summer is 68–82 °F by day with afternoon showers in July–August.

Thaw and shoulder season

Cold nights, dusty winds and warming days; camps start to open.

Watch: Mud, dust and closed countryside camps in April.

Mongolia overall: Gobi is workable but windy; the north is still cold. Camps open from mid-month.