Mongolia is a land of open steppe, high mountains, deserts and lakes, and every season shows it differently. Whether you want to trek in the Altai, ride horses across summer pastures, watch the Naadam or Golden Eagle festivals, or photograph nomadic life in deep winter, choosing the right time of year makes a big difference to your trip.
This guide explains what each season is like, when to visit each region and the best months for different activities. For a month-by-month overview, see the year at a glance in our Travel Guide.
The short answer
- Main season (mid-June to September): green valleys, open mountain passes and the warmest weather — the best time for trekking, horse riding and camping.
- July: Naadam, Mongolia’s national festival, held on 11–15 July each year.
- Mid-September to early October: the eagle festivals of Bayan-Ölgii, with crisp days and frosty nights.
- Winter and early spring: traditional eagle hunting, the eagle hunters’ migration and winter photography, in temperatures well below −20 °C.
- Late March: Nauryz, the Kazakh spring new year.
Mongolia’s seasons at a glance
| Season | What it’s like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring March–May |
Thawing landscapes, unpredictable weather and wind; trails can be muddy from melting snow | Nauryz, spring migration, quiet cultural trips |
| Summer June–August |
Warm, green and busy; in the Altai, days are typically around 15–18 °C and often windy | Trekking, horse riding, camping, Naadam, Khüiten Peak |
| Autumn September–October |
Mild days, cold nights, golden colours and fewer visitors | Eagle festivals, photography, Central Mongolia |
| Winter November–February |
Very cold and snowy; nights can drop to −25 °C and below | Eagle hunting, winter nomadic life, photography |
Spring (March to May)
Spring is when the steppe wakes up after winter. Nomadic families begin moving their herds to spring pastures, and in Bayan-Ölgii the Kazakh community celebrates Nauryz, the spring new year, in late March. Temperatures are milder than in winter, but the weather is unpredictable and windy — especially in the Gobi. It’s a good time for cultural experiences, but trekking can be difficult while melting snow leaves the ground muddy.
The eagle hunters’ spring migration also takes place in this period: our Eagle Hunters’ Migration Photography Expedition runs from February to April, following families as they move their animals through the Altai.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the main travel season, and for good reason. The landscape is green, the weather is at its warmest and the high passes are open — ideal for hiking, horse riding and camping. Nomadic families are in their summer pastures, which makes it a lovely time for homestays.
The highlight of the summer is Naadam, Mongolia’s national festival of wrestling, horse racing and archery, held on 11–15 July every year. Because summer is the busiest season, popular places can be crowded and accommodation and domestic flights should be booked well ahead.
Even in summer, nights in the mountains are cold, so pack warm layers alongside sun protection.
Autumn (September to October)
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather. The landscapes turn golden, the light is beautiful for photography, and the days are often clear and crisp. Days get shorter and nights get colder as October goes on.
In Western Mongolia this is eagle festival season. Smaller village festivals take place through September, and the main Golden Eagle Festival near Ölgii is usually held on the first weekend of October. Read our Golden Eagle Festival guide for dates and tips.
Winter (November to February)
Winter in Mongolia is harsh, but it offers experiences you can’t have at any other time. The eagle-hunting season runs through the cold months, when Kazakh hunters ride out with their golden eagles, and snow-covered landscapes make for extraordinary photography. Staying with nomadic families in winter shows you how they live through the coldest season.
Temperatures regularly fall well below −20 °C, and nights can drop to −25 °C and lower. With the right clothing and a local team who know the conditions, winter travel is deeply rewarding.
Best time by region
Western Mongolia and the Altai
June to September is the best time for trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, visiting Khoton and Khurgan Lakes and climbing Khüiten Peak (July–August). September and early October bring the eagle festivals, and winter and early spring are the time for eagle hunting and the migration. See our Western Mongolia guide.
The Gobi
Our Gobi Desert Expedition runs in summer. Spring in the Gobi is often very windy, so plan around it if you want calm days in the dunes.
Khövsgöl and northern Mongolia
Summer is the season for our Khövsgöl Lake horseback adventure, which includes time with Tsaatan reindeer herders. In winter the lake freezes over, and an ice festival is usually held there in early March.
Central Mongolia
Our Orkhon Valley and Karakorum tour runs from July to October, and Khustai National Park is best visited from May to October.
Best time by activity
- Trekking and camping: mid-June to September — see the Altai Traverse.
- Climbing Khüiten Peak: July and August.
- Horse riding: summer, when the pastures are green and the weather is warmest.
- Nomad homestays: summer, when families are in their summer camps — see our Nomad Homestay tour.
- Eagle festivals: mid-September to early October — see the Golden Eagle Festival Experience.
- Winter photography and the eagle hunters’ migration: February to April.
Festival calendar
- Nauryz (Kazakh spring new year): late March. Our Nauryz trip runs on 21–25 March, with the Nauryz parade on 22 March and a local eagle festival on 23 March.
- Naadam: 11–15 July every year (national holiday).
- Village eagle festivals: through September, including Sagsai in mid-September.
- Golden Eagle Festival: usually the first weekend of October, near Ölgii. Exact dates are announced by the organisers each year — see our festival guide.
- Khövsgöl Ice Festival: usually early March; dates vary from year to year.
What to pack for each season
- Spring: layers for changeable weather and a good windproof jacket.
- Summer: sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, plus warm layers for cold mountain nights.
- Autumn: warm clothing, gloves and a hat — mornings at the festivals are cold.
- Winter: full thermal layers, a down jacket, insulated boots and warm mittens.
Our FAQ has a full packing list.
Plan your trip
Mongolia is a year-round destination — there is no wrong time to visit, only the right season for what you want to experience. Tell us when you’d like to travel and what you’d love to see, and our local team will help you choose the best dates. Get in touch or book your tour.
