Mongolia’s climate is a strikingly continental one, influenced by its high elevation, latitude, and distance from any oceanic moisture sources. Known as the “Land of the Blue Sky,” Mongolia experiences around 257 sunny days a year, making it a destination of clear skies and bright horizons. This high-altitude country, averaging 1,580 meters above sea level, is encircled by mountain ranges that block moist winds, creating a dry, extreme climate characterized by long, cold winters and brief, warm summers.
Winter in Mongolia stretches from November through April, with temperatures often plummeting to -20°C, while the short summer (July through September) brings average highs around +20°C. Precipitation is highest in the northern regions, reaching 20 to 35 centimeters annually, while the southern deserts receive just 10 to 20 centimeters. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, lies in the Tuul River valley at 1,351 meters above sea level and receives about 31 centimeters of precipitation each year, most of which falls in July and August.
Mongolia’s weather is also known for its unpredictability, especially in summer when it’s said one can experience “four seasons in a day.” This variability, along with frequent blizzards and spring dust storms, presents challenges to both people and livestock. Rivers and lakes freeze over completely in winter, with smaller streams freezing to the bottom. With its distinctive climate and vast open skies, Mongolia offers a rare and stunning natural environment, drawing visitors with its wild beauty and resilience.
