Visiting Mongolia in Winter (November – February): The Ultimate Guide
If you’re dreaming of a destination that combines raw adventure, untouched landscapes, and unique cultural traditions, Mongolia in winter might be exactly what you’re looking for. From November to February, this vast country transforms into a sparkling snow kingdom where travelers can experience nomadic life, join colorful festivals, and explore frozen steppes under endless blue skies.
How Cold is Mongolia in Winter?
Winter in Mongolia is famously extreme. Temperatures average between –8°C and –30°C, sometimes dropping as low as –40°C. On rare days, it can rise just above freezing. Thanks to the country’s dry climate and bright sunshine, however, the cold often feels more manageable than the numbers suggest.
What Does Mongolia Look Like in Winter?
Expect breathtaking scenery:
Snow-covered steppes and frozen rivers stretching as far as the eye can see
Crisp blue skies (Mongolia enjoys over 250 sunny days a year, even in winter)
A quiet, peaceful landscape perfect for photographers and adventure lovers
Daylight hours are shorter than in summer, generally from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, so plan your sightseeing around the light.
Why Visit Mongolia in Winter?
Visiting Mongolia in winter isn’t for everyone, but for adventurous travelers, it offers experiences you simply can’t have in any other season.
Lower Costs – Winter tours and accommodations are often cheaper compared to the busy summer season.
Peace and Quiet – With very few tourists, you’ll enjoy Mongolia’s vast wilderness in near silence.
Nomadic Lifestyle – Stay with herder families in their warm gers, taste hearty winter meals, and learn how they care for animals in the harshest season.
Cultural Festivals
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year): Mongolia’s biggest holiday, celebrated in late January or February, featuring family gatherings, rituals, and traditional food.
Khuvsgul Ice Festival: Held every March (with preparations starting in February) on frozen Lake Khuvsgul. Expect horse sledding, ice games, and shamanic traditions.
Best Winter Activities in Mongolia
If you’re planning a Mongolia winter tour, here are some unforgettable experiences to add to your itinerary:
🐕 Dog sledding on frozen rivers
🐎 Horseback riding through snowy valleys
🎿 Skiing at local ski resorts near Ulaanbaatar
🏡 Staying with nomadic families, sometimes even seeing newborn animals in winter
❄️ Joining the Ice Festival at Lake Khuvsgul
🗿 Climbing the Genghis Khan Statue Complex for epic winter views
🏛️ Visiting Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
🐴 Spotting Takhi horses (Przewalski’s horse) in Hustai National Park
🦅 Meeting Eagle Hunters in Western Mongolia
🦌 Visiting the Reindeer People in the north
🐪 Joining the Thousand Camel Festival in March
💧 Exploring the Living Waters of the Jargant River
🐫 Camel trekking on the snow-covered Gobi dunes
♨️ Relaxing in the Tsenkher hot springs
👉 Whether you’re looking for adventure or cultural immersion, winter activities in Mongolia are both unique and unforgettable.
Practical Travel Tips for Mongolia in Winter
Accommodation: Most tourist ger camps close during winter. Instead, stay in guesthouses, city hotels, or with nomadic families.
Transport: Roads can be icy and remote regions challenging to access. Always travel with an experienced local driver and guide.
Clothing: Layer up! Essential items include thermal underwear, wool sweaters, insulated boots, gloves, scarves, and a warm winter coat. Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
Is Mongolia in Winter Right for You?
✅ Perfect for: Adventurous travelers, photographers, cultural explorers who love off-the-beaten-path journeys
⚠️ Less ideal for: Comfort-only tourists or families with very young children
Final Thoughts
Visiting Mongolia in winter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the silence of snow-blanketed steppes to vibrant festivals and encounters with nomadic culture, winter travel in Mongolia is challenging yet deeply rewarding. If you’re ready for an adventure unlike any other, pack your warmest clothes and embrace the magic of Mongolia’s frozen season.