Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is often noted for having one of the most extreme climates in the world. This city experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, from severe cold in the winter to mild warmth in the summer.
Due to its mid-latitude steppe climate, also known as BSk, residents and visitors must be prepared for significant weather variations.
During the winter months, Ulaanbaatar’s average temperatures can drop to as low as -13°F in January.
With limited daylight and substantial snowfall, winter conditions are harsh and challenging.
In contrast, the summer season provides a relief, with average highs reaching about 75°F in July.
Rainfall is relatively scarce, peaking during the summer months but averaging only a few inches annually.
Travelers planning a visit can benefit from a detailed monthly breakdown of Ulaanbaatar’s weather.
For example, May through September offers the most comfortable conditions, ideal for outdoor activities. Historical weather data reveals that July has the highest average temperatures, while January has the lowest, reflecting the city’s dramatic seasonal swings.
Average Temperature in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
In the winter, temperatures can be extremely cold. January typically has an average temperature of -21°C (-5.8°F), making it one of the coldest months.
The city often sees frigid conditions, which can feel even colder due to the wind and elevation.
During the summer, Ulaanbaatar warms up significantly. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 17.3°C (63.2°F). This period is generally considered the best time to visit if warmth is preferred.
Monthly Average Temperatures
| Month | Min Temperature (°F) | Max Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7 | -3 |
| February | -12 | 5.4 |
| March | 10.4 | 38 |
| April | 25.7 | 53.6 |
| May | 41 | 64.4 |
| June | 48.2 | 71.6 |
| July | 53.6 | 73.4 |
| August | 51.8 | 71.6 |
| September | 41 | 62.6 |
| October | 23 | 46.4 |
| November | -0.4 | 23 |
| December | -14.8 | 3.2 |
These temperatures show the stark contrast between the freezing winters and the warm summers. The city’s position at 1,300 meters (4,250 feet) above sea level plays a significant role in these extremes.
In addition to the monthly temperature changes, Ulaanbaatar’s altitude impacts the temperature variations.
The high altitude contributes to the city’s significant daily temperature swings, particularly in spring and fall.
People visiting Ulaanbaatar should be prepared for the extreme cold during winter and relatively mild warmth during summer, adjusting their plans and attire accordingly.
Average Precipitation in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar experiences both rainy and snowy days throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry periods. The amount of precipitation varies greatly between summer and winter.
Average Rainfall in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Rainfall is most common in the summer months when temperatures are higher. July tends to be the wettest month, averaging around 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain.
The spring and fall seasons see moderate rainfall, while winters are almost entirely dry.
Here is a table showing the average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.1 |
| February | 0.1 |
| March | 0.2 |
| April | 0.3 |
| May | 0.7 |
| June | 1.5 |
| July | 1.8 |
| August | 1.5 |
| September | 0.7 |
| October | 0.4 |
| November | 0.1 |
| December | 0.1 |
Days with rainfall are few, especially from November to March, where precipitation is almost negligible.
Rain mainly falls in short bursts rather than prolonged periods, typical for a continental climate.
Average Snow in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Snowfall is a significant part of Ulaanbaatar’s winter weather. Snow begins typically in October and can last until April.
January and February are the snowiest months, with heavy snowfalls and temperatures dropping significantly.
Monthly snowfall can reach up to 1-2 inches per month in the peak winter months. Snow cover is consistent, contributing to the city’s icy conditions.
The driest month in terms of snow is July, with no snow recorded.
A table highlighting the average snow by month is shown below:
| Month | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| October | 0.5 |
| November | 1.0 |
| December | 1.5 |
| January | 2.0 |
| February | 2.0 |
| March | 1.5 |
| April | 0.5 |
These snowy conditions can affect daily life and transportation, requiring residents and visitors to be prepared for severe winter weather.
Average Sun in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar experiences a wide range of sunlight hours throughout the year, dictated by its extreme seasonal changes. The city has significant variations in both sunshine hours and UV index, heavily influenced by cloud cover and seasonal shifts in daylight.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar sees a substantial change in shortwave solar energy across the months.
During the summer, especially in June and July, the average daily solar energy reaching the ground peaks. June experiences about 6.5 kWh/m² due to longer daylight hours and minimal cloud cover.
In contrast, December and January have much lower solar energy with less than 2 kWh/m² daily because of shorter days and increased cloud cover.
These differences strongly impact the city’s average sunshine hours and UV index.
Monthly Average Solar Energy (in kWh/m²/day):
| Month | Solar Energy (kWh/m²/day) |
|---|---|
| January | 2.0 |
| February | 2.5 |
| March | 3.5 |
| April | 5.0 |
| May | 6.0 |
| June | 6.5 |
| July | 6.0 |
| August | 5.5 |
| September | 4.5 |
| October | 3.0 |
| November | 2.0 |
| December | 1.5 |
During the long winters, cloud cover also increases, reducing sunlight penetration. This impacts not just the hours of sunshine but also the UV index, which remains low in these months.
January has an average of 5.79 hours of sunshine daily, making it the month with the fewest daily hours of sunshine.
Average Humidity in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year.
Humidity Levels by Month:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 70 |
| February | 67 |
| March | 58 |
| April | 47 |
| May | 45 |
| June | 53 |
| July | 68 |
| August | 71 |
| September | 65 |
| October | 61 |
| November | 68 |
| December | 70 |
Average Wind in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, known for its cold winters and sunny summers, also experiences notable wind patterns.
Wind speeds vary throughout the year, affecting both daily life and planning activities.
Monthly Average Wind Speed (mph):
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 6.2 |
| February | 6.5 |
| March | 7.1 |
| April | 8.2 |
| May | 7.6 |
| June | 6.5 |
| July | 5.9 |
| August | 5.7 |
| September | 5.8 |
| October | 6.1 |
| November | 6.3 |
| December | 6.4 |
Wind speeds are typically higher in the spring, peaking in April.
This makes April the windiest month in Ulaanbaatar, with average speeds reaching 8.2 mph.
Winds generally come from the northwest and western directions, varying slightly through the seasons.
The predominant wind direction adds to the cold sensation during winter months and can have a cooling effect during the warmer summer days.
For additional insights on wind patterns, refer to the articles on wind.
This detailed understanding of wind speed and direction is essential for planning outdoor activities and ensuring comfort throughout the year.
Understanding the average wind conditions in Ulaanbaatar helps residents and visitors prepare for the varying weather patterns throughout the year.
Average Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar faces significant air pollution issues.
During 2019, the city had a PM2.5 average of 62 μg/m³, which falls into the “unhealthy” category. This means that the air quality often poses a serious health risk, especially during winter months when coal burning increases.
Here is a monthly breakdown of the average Air Quality Index (AQI):
| Month | Average AQI | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January | 130 | Unhealthy |
| February | 140 | Unhealthy |
| March | 70 | Moderate |
| April | 60 | Moderate |
| May | 50 | Moderate |
| June | 40 | Good |
| July | 45 | Good |
| August | 50 | Moderate |
| September | 55 | Moderate |
| October | 60 | Moderate |
| November | 100 | Unhealthy |
| December | 120 | Unhealthy |
Winter Months:
In winter, air pollution is at its peak. The use of solid fuels for heating significantly increases PM2.5 levels. This makes the air quality “unhealthy.”
Summer Months:
In the summer, air quality improves. The PM2.5 levels drop to “good” or “moderate.” This is due to less heating and increased wind and precipitation, which help improve visibility.
For those with respiratory problems, caution is advised during high pollution periods.
Resources such as air purifiers and face masks can help mitigate health risks.
Topography of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar is located in north central Mongolia. It is the capital and most populous city in the country.
The city’s latitude is 47.8864° N and its longitude is 106.9057° E.
Elevation:
- Ulaanbaatar sits in a valley on the Tuul River.
- The city is at an elevation of about 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level.
Notable Features
- Tuul River: The river flows through Ulaanbaatar, contributing to its valley geography.
- Mountains: The city is surrounded by four sacred mountains.
- Terrain: The urban area is primarily within a valley, making it susceptible to temperature inversions.
Temperature and Climate Details by Month
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | -13 |
| February | 15 | -7 |
| March | 31 | 10 |
| April | 50 | 28 |
| May | 63 | 41 |
| June | 73 | 51 |
| July | 76 | 55 |
| August | 74 | 51 |
| September | 62 | 39 |
| October | 44 | 22 |
| November | 20 | -1 |
| December | 8 | -11 |
For more detailed climate information, you can visit the Ulaanbaatar weather page.
The topography of Ulaanbaatar strongly influences its weather patterns.
The city’s elevation and surrounding mountains contribute to it being the coldest capital city globally by average yearly temperature.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, experiences several extreme weather events throughout the year. These events can significantly affect daily life and the local economy.
Winter Extreme Cold:
Winters in Ulaanbaatar are notoriously cold, with temperatures often dropping below -22°F. Prolonged periods of extreme cold can last for weeks, making it one of the coldest cities in the world.
Summer Heatwaves:
During summer, Ulaanbaatar can experience heatwaves with temperatures soaring above 86°F for several days. These temperature spikes can lead to increased risk of heat-related illnesses.
Snowstorms are common in Ulaanbaatar, particularly from November to March. These storms can lead to heavy snowfall, resulting in road closures and delays.
Strong Winds and Dust Storms:
The city often faces strong winds, especially in spring. These winds can carry dust, reducing visibility and affecting air quality.
Monthly Weather Extremes:
| Month | Extreme Event | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Snowfall (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Extreme Cold | -22 to -4 | 0.6 |
| February | Snowstorms | -18 to 7 | 0.8 |
| March | Wind and Dust Storms | -4 to 20 | 1.0 |
| July | Heatwaves | 54 to 77 | 0.0 |
| November | Early Snowstorms | 7 to 27 | 1.2 |
| December | Extreme Cold and Snow | -18 to -4 | 0.7 |
Flooding:
While less common, extreme rainfall can occasionally cause flooding in certain low-lying areas of the city. The likelihood is higher during the summer months when rain is more frequent.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The best time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during the warmer months when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities can be enjoyed. These times contrast starkly with the colder months, which are characterized by extreme temperatures.
What is Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Like in Spring
Spring in Ulaanbaatar, typically between March and May, sees cold beginnings, with March temperatures averaging around 32°F.
As April approaches, temperatures start to rise, reaching about 45°F, and by May, they hover around 58°F.
The city experiences very little rainfall during these months, with April averaging only about 0.8 inches of rain.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 40 | 20 | 0.4 |
| April | 50 | 32 | 0.8 |
| May | 68 | 40 | 1.9 |
What is Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Like in Summer
Summer in Ulaanbaatar, from June through August, is the most favorable time for visitors. The temperature during these months is warm, with June averaging around 68°F.
July and August are the warmest months, with highs reaching around 77-81°F. Rainfall increases, especially in July and August, with each month seeing about 1.6 inches.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 75 | 50 | 1.6 |
| July | 81 | 55 | 1.6 |
| August | 77 | 53 | 1.6 |
What is Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Like in Fall
Fall, spanning September to November, starts with mild weather in September, with temperatures averaging around 63°F.
October brings cooler temperatures, about 45°F, and by November, it’s usually quite cold with averages around 28°F. Rainfall is lower compared to summer, with September receiving up to 0.9 inches.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 63 | 45 | 0.9 |
| October | 45 | 32 | 0.8 |
| November | 28 | 12 | 0.5 |
What is Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Like in Winter
Winter in Ulaanbaatar, which lasts from December through February, is extremely cold. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures often dropping below -20°F at night.
Daytime highs in January are around 5°F to 10°F. Snowfall is minimal, as the city sees very little precipitation during winter.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Snowfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 14 | -4 | 0.5 |
| January | 5 | -20 | 0.4 |
| February | 10 | -15 | 0.3 |
In summary, while Ulaanbaatar is a city of extreme seasonal changes, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is the most pleasant.