Mongolia Weather
What is the weather like in Mongolia? Mongolia weather has four distinct seasons and a temperature which ranges from MINUS 40°C in winter to PLUS 40°C in summer. For Mongolian nomads a change in season means more than a change in weather—it means a new camp. The move to new pasture often includes a celebration of some kind. So most Mongolian seasons begin with a party. Read on to learn more about the seasons and the best time to visit... Spring begins with the biggest party of all!
Mongolians celebrate the end of winter with a three-day feast called Tsagaan Sar—Lunar New Year. After a long winter, everyone wants to blow off the cobwebs.Tsagaan Sar falls sometime between January-March—Buddhist leaders decide the exact date. Getting the date of the festival wrong has consequences. If the thaw sets in before the big day then it spoils millions of meat dumplings stored outside for the festival! Spring lasts for about three months and has an average daytime temperature of 12°C. Seasonal tip: Wear a thin scarf to cover your face. Spring brings the wind and you will literally eat dust without a mouth covering! Summer begins on July fourteenth—to be exact ;) The final three days of spring have their own festival—Naadam. At Naadam, Mongolians compete in the three manly sports: archery, wrestling and horse racing.
Officially summer starts the day after Naadam. But by the time Naadam arrives the weather has already warmed up—as you can see from the wrestler’s costumes above.With an average temperature of 21°C, many consider summer the best time to visit Mongolia. Seasonal tip: Bring an umbrella—summer brings the rain. July and August see more than two inches each. Fall or autumn runs from September to November.
For me, autumn begins with my sons first day of the school year. Children celebrate the first day of school by giving their teachers chocolates and flowers—always best to set off on the right foot with your teacher ;)By far the most beautiful season, autumn brings color to the countryside. The first flakes of snow also arrive at this time. Fall sees Mongolia weather at its best. Seasonal tip: A great time to visit Mongolia and experience the mysteries of this ancient culture—but bring some layers in case you hit a cold snap. Winter and sub-zero temperatures start in December and last until March. Living in Mongolia in winter feels like living in a giant freezer.
Ulaan Baatar has an average daytime temperature of minus 13°C in winter. But temperatures can drop as low as minus 40°C at night. Minus forty makes Ulaan Baatar the coldest capital in the world! These low temperatures feel a lot better than they sound. Mongolia has a dry climate and this takes the edge of the cold—it feels colder in Europe! But minus forty is minus forty and the cold must be respected. I lost my voice for a month when I left my scarf at home! Seasonal tip: Wrap warm! Also leave your light sensitive spectacles at home. Minus temperatures and light sensitive specs don’t mix. Once you get inside, specs take an age to de-steam and even longer to lighten. Winter tourism grows every year. Want to take a peek at what you’re missing? Check out these sledding videos: one with
dogs
and the other with
horses.
Mongolia weather disasters—winter dzudThe last decade has seen several winter dzuds. A dzud happens when you have a hot summer followed by a harsh winter. The vegetation dies and thus millions of animals die also—a disaster for nomadic herders. Current Mongolia weather If you want to see the current Mongolia weather forecast, click one of the following:
Yahoo weather;
AOL weather;
Wunderground.
When you arrive at the weather page you will find a number of cities listed. Just click on Ulan Bator (or Ulaan Baatar) to find the temperature in the capital. Of the three, Wunderground gives the most accurate and detailed Mongolia weather forecast . . .
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