Visiting Mongolia in December: Winter Adventure Guide

By December, Mongolia is fully covered in snow, and nomads are settled in their winter gers. Mongolians celebrate New Year on December 31st, making it a culturally festive time to visit.

If you’re traveling to Mongolia in December, you may be wondering:

• What is the weather in Mongolia in December?

• Where should I go in Mongolia in December?

• What should I wear in Mongolia in December?

Here’s everything you need to know for a Mongolia winter tour in December.

Mongolia Weather in December

December is the second coldest month in Mongolia. Conditions: Despite the extreme cold, skies are usually clear, offering breathtaking winter landscapes perfect for photography and outdoor winter activities.

Best Winter Activities in December

If you’re planning a Mongolia winter tour, consider including these experiences:

• 🐕 Dog sledding on frozen rivers

• 🐎 Horseback riding through snowy valleys

• 🎿 Skiing at local ski resorts near Ulaanbaatar

• 🏡 Staying with nomadic families, sometimes seeing newborn animals

• 🦅 Meeting Eagle Hunters in Western Mongolia

• 🦌 Visiting Reindeer People in Northern Mongolia

• 🐫 Camel trekking on the snow-covered Gobi dunes

• ♨️ Relaxing in Tsenkher Hot Springs

Where to Go in December in Mongolia

Central Mongolia

Central Mongolia offers a range of winter adventures:

• Terelj National Park – dog sledding and scenic walks

• Genghis Khan Statue Complex – panoramic views of snow-covered steppe

• Hustai National Park – spot wild horses and deer

• Mini Gobi Desert – camel riding and nomadic family visits

• Karakorum Village – explore Erdene Zuu Monastery and Kharkhorin Museum

• Tsenkher Hot Springs – relax in naturally heated waters

Accommodation: Most tourist ger camps are closed. Options include hotels, guesthouses, or nomadic family homestays.

Southern Mongolia (Gobi Desert)

The Gobi Desert experiences milder winter temperatures, making it accessible in December.

Highlights:

• Lunar New Year celebrations with nomadic families

• Khongor Sand Dunes covered in snow

• Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

• Frozen Mukhar Shivert Waterfall

• Tsagaan Suvarga (White Cliffs)

• Baga Gazriin Chuluu rock formations

Accommodation: Nearby tourist ger camps are closed; travelers can stay in hotels, guesthouses, or family homestays.

Northern & Western Mongolia

Top winter experiences include:

• Jargant Living River – a magical frozen landscape

• Reindeer Tribes in Northern Mongolia

• Eagle Hunting Tours in Western Mongolia

Accommodation: Tourist camps are closed; travelers should stay in local hotels, guesthouses, or nomadic family homestays.

What to Wear in December in Mongolia

For December in Mongolia, thick, warm layers are essential. Temperatures are extremely cold, even in the Gobi Desert. Recommended items: Layering allows you to stay warm during daytime excursions and frigid evenings.