Packing & Weather Guide for Mongolia

Mongolia’s weather is famously unpredictable—sunny mornings, windy afternoons, and freezing nights can all happen in one day. Packing the right clothing and gear will make your trip safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Here is the complete guide to what you should bring for each season.

🌦 1. Understanding Mongolia’s Weather

Mongolia has a continental climate, meaning:

• Hot summers (20–30°C)
• Cold winters (–20°C to –40°C)
• Dry air and high UV exposure
• Sudden weather changes

Different regions also vary:

• Gobi Desert → hotter, drier
• Khuvsgul & Altai → colder, windy
• Central Mongolia → moderate

🎒 2. Essential Packing List (All Seasons)

✔ Clothing

• Lightweight layers
• Long-sleeve shirts (sun protection)
• Quick-dry pants
• Warm jacket (even in summer)
• Hat & sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes

✔ Travel Items

• Power bank
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen (very important)
• Moisturizer & lip balm
• Personal medicines
• Travel towel

✔ Documents

• Passport & visa (if required)
• Travel insurance
• Offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)

☀️ 3. Summer Packing List (June–August)

Perfect for Gobi, Khuvsgul, Orkhon Valley, Altai

✔ Clothing

• T-shirts & thin long sleeves
• Shorts (city use)
• Light fleece jacket
• Windproof jacket
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Breathable socks

✔ Extra items

• Sunblock (high UV)
• Mosquito repellent (Khuvsgul region)
• Hat or scarf for sun protection

✔ Weather notes

• Days: 20–30°C
• Nights: 10–15°C (colder in mountains)
• Occasional rain in July

🍂 4. Autumn Packing List (September–October)

Great for photography, trekking, eagle hunters

✔ Clothing

• Warm base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Insulated jacket (down recommended)
• Gloves & beanie
• Waterproof pants
• Sturdy boots

✔ Weather notes

• Days: 5–18°C
• Nights: –5°C and colder
• Snow possible in Altai & Khuvsgul

Autumn is beautiful but chilly—layers are essential.

❄️ 5. Winter Packing List (November–March)

For Ice Festival, eagle hunters, snow adventures

✔ Clothing (Essential)

• Heavy down jacket
• Thermal underwear (2–3 sets)
• Wool sweaters
• Insulated snow pants
• Thick gloves + inner gloves
• Thermal socks (multiple pairs)
• Warm hat that covers ears
• Scarf or neck gaiter

✔ Footwear

• Insulated winter boots
• Ice grips (optional but helpful)

✔ Special winter items

• Hand warmers
• Lip balm (freezing dryness)
• Extra phone batteries (cold drains power)

✔ Weather notes

• Days: –10°C to –25°C
• Nights: –25°C to –40°C
• Very dry and sunny

Winter in Mongolia is beautiful but requires proper gear.

🌸 6. Spring Packing List (April–May)

Windy, cool, unpredictable months

✔ Clothing

• Medium-weight jacket
• Sweaters and hoodies
• Long pants
• Light gloves
• Windproof coat

✔ Weather notes

• Days: 5–15°C
• Nights: below freezing
• Dust storms possible in Gobi

🛏 7. What to Bring for Ger Camps & Countryside Travel

✔ Essentials

• Flashlight or headlamp
• Portable charger
• Wet wipes
• Personal towel
• Flip-flops for shower area
• Snacks (long road trips)

✔ For comfort

• Earplugs (animals may roam at night)
• Sleep mask
• Travel pillow

✔ Optional (VERY useful)

• Power strip (for multiple devices)
• Pocket knife (for camping or food prep)

📸 8. Photography & Electronics Packing

✔ Must-have items:

• Extra SD cards
• Extra camera batteries
• Power banks (large capacity)
• Drone (optional – check park rules)

✔ Weather impact:

Cold → drains batteries
Dust → protect camera in Gobi
Wind → stabilize drone shots

🎯 9. What NOT to Pack

• Heavy jeans (hard to dry)
• Fashion shoes (not useful outdoors)
• Too many clothes (you’ll mostly wear layers)
• Perfumed food or open snacks (animals!)

🌟 Summary: How to Pack Smart for Mongolia

✔ Layering is the key → Weather changes fast
✔ Always bring warm clothes → Even in summer
✔ Sunscreen & hat are essential → High UV
✔ Winter requires professional-level warm gear
✔ Bring comfortable, durable footwear
✔ Keep electronics protected from cold & dust

With the right preparation, Mongolia becomes comfortable, safe, and even more magical.