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Basic Information for Traveling to Mongolia

Spring (Khavar / Хавар) May–June

In spring the weather changes rapidly, with sudden blizzards, sandstorms and sleet possible. The temperature can also change sharply within a day, and it is not a comfortable season like spring in Japan. Mongolia at this time of year is not very suitable for travel.

Summer (Zun / Зун) July–August

The best season for traveling in Mongolia. In some regions the maximum temperature can approach 35°C, but humidity is low, the shade feels cool and it is comfortable. On the other hand, mornings and evenings cool to nearly 10°C. Even in the daytime, sudden rain can make the temperature drop sharply.

Autumn (Namar / Намар) September–October

The weather is stable, but in September temperatures drop and snow begins to flurry. Snow that falls on roads and sidewalks freezes without melting, so take care not to slip. Mornings and evenings can fall below freezing, so cold-weather preparation like midwinter in Japan is needed. Hotels in urban areas have central heating, so rooms are always warm and you can stay in short sleeves.

Winter (Uvul / Өвөл) November–April

The coldest period is late December to around February. The average minimum temperature is near −30°C, and even in the daytime it only rises to around −20°C. The climate is relatively stable and surprisingly bearable. Because rivers and lakes freeze, skating rinks are built here and there, and you can also enjoy winter sports such as dog sledding and skiing.

Winter Cold-Weather Preparation

Complete cold-weather protection from head to toe is essential. Prepare with a long coat that keeps you well insulated, a hat that covers your ears, a long scarf covering up to your mouth, and windproof gloves. Rather than just a knit hat, a thick coat with a hood that protects the cheeks is recommended. Thick socks and leggings, and snow boots with thick, non-slip soles and fleece lining are recommended.

What you need to watch out for is the difference from the outside temperature. Rooms are warm with central heating, and the difference from the outside temperature can reach 50°C. If you wear heavy clothing indoors, sweat, and then go outside, you chill quickly. It is better to wear things you can take on and off.

Packing (from the right-hand column)

Regular medicines

The temperature differences are large, so prepare cold medicine and fever reducer just in case. When staying in a ger in the countryside, unfamiliar dairy products and fatty mutton may cause indigestion. With few vegetables and a meat-heavy diet, constipation can also occur. Anti-diarrheal medicine, digestive aids, laxatives and stomach medicine are essentials. Supplements are also good against the lack of vegetables.

Seasonings

Food is often simply seasoned with only salt, without spices. If the smell of meat bothers you, it is a good idea to bring seasonings and the like from home.

Sun and Dryness Protection Items

On the steppe, the Gobi Desert and elsewhere, there is nothing to block the sun. It is a good idea to prepare a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a mask, lip balm and moisturizing cream.

Flashlight, Headlamp

Essential when staying in a ger. In some areas there are times when there is no electricity. Toilets are usually outside, so a mountaineering headlamp is handy. Your hands stay free, making it easy to move around even in unfamiliar places.

Instant Foods from Home

Meals are mainly mutton and beef. Having things you usually eat, such as tea, pickled plums, instant miso soup and the like, puts both body and mind at ease. What can be bought locally is mostly Korean-made.

Other Winter Measures

Allow a little extra room in your shoe size, thinking of wearing two pairs of socks. Underwear and socks that touch the skin are best in quick-drying materials such as synthetics or wool. With cotton, you get cold where you sweat. To avoid frostbite, be sure to protect your ears with earmuffs or the like. Cold-weather items you can't get at home can be found at local markets. In winter the air is dry from heating and air pollution is also severe, so it is good to take measures such as wearing a mask. Heatstroke, dehydration, myocardial infarction, kidney stones and the like reportedly often occur in foreigners who do not know the climate and circumstances.

Packing Checklist

Necessity ◎: essential ○: useful, or needed by certain people

Available locally ○: can be bought locally △: hardly available locally ×: cannot be bought locally