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. Average temperatures range from –26.9°C (–16.2°F) to –13°C (8.6°F). Despite the extreme cold, December offers clear skies and breathtaking winter landscapes, making it ideal for photography and winter activities.
Best Winter Activities in December
If you’re planning a Mongolia winter tour, here are main experiences that you may want to include in your itinerary:
🐕 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 November 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 Erdenezuu 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 more accessible in November. Highlights include:
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 the Mongolian winter in December, you’ll need to pack plenty of thick, warm layers if you visit at this time of the year. Even the Gobi Desert is very cold at this time of the year.
Recommended Winter Tours in December
For a December winter tour in Mongolia, choosing an experienced operator like Guru Travel Mongolia ensures comfort, safety, and unforgettable winter experiences. From cultural visits to nomadic families to adventure activities, December is a month of unique and memorable winter travel experiences.