Should You Visit Mongolian in Winter?

Picture this: endless white steppes stretching to the horizon, nomadic herders wrapped in traditional dels, and the world’s coldest capital city bundled under layers of snow. Welcome to Mongolia in winter—a destination that’s definitely not for everyone, but absolutely magical for the right traveler.

As someone who’s spent most of my life in Mongolia, I get this question a lot: “Is winter a good time to visit?” The honest answer? It depends entirely on what you’re looking for—and how much cold you can handle.

The Reality of Mongolian Winter

Let’s start with the truth: Mongolia in winter is cold. Not just “bring a jacket” cold, but “your breath freezes instantly” cold. We’re talking temperatures that regularly drop to -40°C (-40°F), and that’s just in the capital. Some regions hit -50°C (-58°F).

But here’s the thing—if you can embrace the cold, you’ll discover a Mongolia that most tourists never see. The country transforms into a pristine winter wonderland, with crystal-clear skies, untouched snow fields, and an otherworldly silence that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

What Makes Winter Special (And Challenging)

The Good:

• Breathtaking winter landscapes that look like they’re from another planet
• Dramatically fewer crowds—you might have entire attractions to yourself
• Significantly lower prices on everything from flights to accommodation
• Authentic cultural experiences without the tourist rush
• Clear, pollution-free air in the countryside (though Ulaanbaatar is another story)

The Not-So-Good:

• Limited outdoor activities and festivals (most happen in summer)
• Harsh weather that can disrupt travel plans
• Potential isolation for nomadic families during blizzards
• Infrastructure challenges, especially in remote areas

Ulaanbaatar in Winter: A Tale of Two Cities

Here’s where I need to be completely honest about our capital city. Ulaanbaatar holds the dubious honor of being the world’s coldest capital, and winter here can be… challenging.

During the coldest months, the city essentially hibernates. Traffic becomes a nightmare because nobody wants to walk in -40°C weather, leading to congestion and serious air pollution. The combination of vehicle exhaust and coal smoke from the ger districts creates a smog problem that’s particularly bad in winter.

My advice? If you’re coming for tourism, don’t spend too much time in the capital during winter. Use it as a base for a day or two, then head out to the countryside where the real magic happens.

However, if you’re here for business, you’ll likely need to stay in the city—just be prepared with serious winter gear and patience for the traffic.

Winter Wonders: Where to Go and What to Do

Despite the challenges, Mongolia offers some incredible winter experiences you won’t find anywhere else:

Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) – February

This is Mongolia’s most important celebration, and experiencing it as a visitor is truly special. Families open their doors to everyone—yes, even tourists—and you’ll be welcomed with traditional foods, milk tea, and genuine Mongolian hospitality. It’s like being adopted by the entire country for a few days.

Lake Khövsgöl – The “Blue Pearl” Frozen Solid

During summer, this pristine lake is perfect for swimming and boating. In winter, it becomes a massive natural ice rink. The entire lake freezes solid enough that locals drive cars across it (though I wouldn’t recommend this for tourists!). The ice festival in March features ice sculpting, skating competitions, and even shamanic ceremonies.

The Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

These remarkable people in northern Mongolia live entirely with their reindeer herds. Visiting them in winter offers an incredibly authentic glimpse into one of the world’s last nomadic reindeer cultures. Just be prepared for seriously remote travel conditions.

Southern Mongolia’s Endless Steppes

The southern regions offer some of the most dramatic winter scenery you’ll ever see—vast white plains stretching to infinity under brilliant blue skies. However, this is serious adventure territory. You absolutely need an experienced local guide, proper equipment, and careful planning.

Essential Winter Packing List

Forget fashion—survival is the priority. Here’s what you actually need:

Absolutely Essential:

• Heavy-duty winter coat (think Arctic expedition-level)
• Multiple layers of thermal underwear
• Wool or synthetic insulation layers
• Waterproof outer shell
• Insulated boots rated for extreme cold
• Warm hat that covers your ears
• Insulated gloves (bring backups)
• Neck gaiter or balaclava
• Sunglasses (snow glare is intense)

Pro tip: Mongolians layer extensively. On the coldest days, you’ll see locals wearing multiple shirts, sweaters, and coats. Don’t be shy about bundling up—frostbite is real and happens fast.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Visit in Winter

Perfect for:

• Adventure seekers who thrive in extreme conditions
• Photographers looking for dramatic landscapes
• Cultural enthusiasts wanting authentic experiences
• Budget travelers (prices drop significantly)
• Anyone who prefers solitude over crowds

Probably not ideal for:

• First-time visitors to Mongolia
• Families with young children
• Anyone with cold-related health concerns
• Travelers who prefer comfortable, predictable conditions
• Those looking for outdoor activities and festivals

The Bottom Line

Mongolia in winter isn’t a vacation—it’s an adventure. If you’re the type of person who gets excited about pushing boundaries and experiencing something truly unique, then winter Mongolia might be perfect for you. Just come prepared, stay flexible with your plans, and embrace the cold as part of the experience.

The country’s winter beauty is undeniable, the cultural experiences are authentic, and the memories will last a lifetime. Just make sure those memories aren’t of being miserably cold because you didn’t pack properly!