Mongolia weather and travel essentials

when choosing a travel destination, the weather is one of the most important factors. For those who have decided to travel to Mongolia, it is crucial to know the weather conditions and prepare accordingly. I'm gonna look into the weather and essential travel items.

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1. Mongolia Weather and Recommended Travel Seasons

a. Temperature and Precipitation

The weather in Mongolia is characterized by low annual rainfall and arid conditions, with long winters and short summers. The year-round temperature fluctuates significantly, so it is important to prepare for personal protection even during the summer.

Rainfall is concentrated between May and September, with July being the rainiest month. Fortunately, it usually does not last long when it rains in Mongolia.

It often rains intensively and then clears up, so it doesn't significantly impact travel. The average temperatures from 2015 to 2022 are shown in the table below.

From November to March, the lowest temperature drops to minus 28 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature remains below freezing, limiting travel. Snowfall does not melt easily, making it challenging to reach travel destinations.

 

b. Sandstorms

The second weather-related consideration during travel in Mongolia is sandstorms. Mongolia has experienced desertification in 80% of its territory, making it highly susceptible to sandstorms.

Sandstorms in Mongolia can reach speeds of up to 40 meters per second, making them extremely powerful, with visibility reduced to less than 1 meter.

Thousands of people are killed or missing due to sandstorm-related accidents every year. While sandstorms used to occur mainly in the Gobi Desert, such as the Dunhuang and Ulanqab areas, they have expanded to central regions, such as Erdenet and Ulaangom.

Sandstorms are primarily concentrated between March and April, so caution is advised during travel. Considering that Mongolia is a significant source of yellow dust that affects South Korea, you can get an idea of the scale and impact of sandstorms in the region.

c.Recommended Travel Seasons

Due to the limited travel infrastructure in Mongolia, it is advisable to avoid traveling during harsh winter or frequent sandstorm seasons.

Even locals in Mongolia refrain from long-distance travel during winter or sandstorm seasons. Therefore, if you plan your trip through a travel agency, there is a risk of exposure to dangers. It is recommended to avoid traveling from November to April.

For those who want to enjoy watching cattle like cows, sheep, and goats grazing on the green grassland or admire the Milky Way in clear night skies, it is recommended to plan a trip to Mongolia between June and September, with July being the optimal month.

Unlike South Korea, which has high humidity and experiences scorching heat waves, Mongolia is dry. Even if the temperature is high, avoiding direct sunlight and staying in the shade feels fantastic. Therefore, we recommend escaping the hot Korean summer and visiting Mongolia for a vacation.

 

2. Essential Items for Traveling to Mongolia

Many people planning a trip to Mongolia want to escape the busy daily life in the city and seek relaxation in pristine nature.

They are prepared to endure the inconveniences of travel and have a mindset to appreciate the untouched wilderness.

Here, we have listed the minimum essential items for your trip. First, please note that all daily necessities can be purchased locally in Mongolia.

There are two large Emart stores, a mart called GOOD PRICE, local Mongolian brands such as Noming that specialize in selling Korean products, and convenience stores like GS and CU, where you can buy most daily necessities at prices similar to those in Korea. Therefore, there is no need to prepare in Korea.

As this article is based on travelers who visit Mongolia in the summer, we have listed only the essential items you should prepare. You can bring any other personal things you may need.

 

※ The most important thing is to visit the website of the Embassy of Mongolia in South Korea to check the police liaison telephone number and emergency response methods. Take notes and bring them with you.>

① Personal Cold Weather Gear: Even in midsummer, there can be significant temperature fluctuations, so bringing windbreakers and autumn jackets is recommended.

If you are sensitive to the cold, it would be good to prepare several hot packs. Also, it is advisable to bring a raincoat in case of rain.

② Skincare: Due to the year-round dry weather and occasional sandstorms, it is recommended to bring face masks, lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a brim to protect against strong sunlight.

③ Currency Exchange: There is generally no inconvenience in using credit cards in Mongolia. If you have a Visa or Mastercard, you can use it throughout your trip without major issues.

However, some taxis and rural accommodations may require cash, so exchanging a small amount of local currency is recommended. Khan Bank and TDB Bank are at Chinggis Khaan International Airport so you can exchange currency there.

Unlike other developing countries, Mongolia does not involve scams or unreasonable currency exchange practices.

Although you can get slightly better rates at state-owned department stores and private currency exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar, they can be challenging to find and communicate with, so we recommend exchanging at the airport banks.

You only need cash for taxi fares and tips, so around $2 to $4 should be sufficient.

④ No Visa Required, Only Passport: Since June 2022, entry to Mongolia without a visa has been allowed for 90 days, and no separate documents are required.

⑤ International Driving License Not Required: Mongolia prohibits driving for holders of domestic and international driving licenses issued by countries not parties to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (from September 2015 to the present).

Although South Korea is a party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, it is not a party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so driving in Mongolia with a South Korean international driving license is impossible. Therefore, obtaining an international driving license in Korea is unnecessary.

 

⑥ Basic Medications: While purchasing Korean medications in Mongolia is possible, it can be challenging to find specific ones, and most remedies available are from Russia. We recommend bringing essential drugs such as Tylenol, cold medicine, wound ointment, bandages, and mosquito repellent.

⑦ Miscellaneous: You can purchase a SIM card in Korea or at mobile communication companies such as Mobicom and Unitel at Chinggis Khaan International Airport.

Local SIM cards in Mongolia cost around $3 and offer affordable data and calling options based on a one-week basis, allowing you to choose the desired dates.

If you are traveling through a travel agency, they may also provide SIM cards, so it's worth checking in advance. Please note that once you are outside the city in Mongolia, essential communication is limited, and no Wi-Fi is available.

When purchasing a local SIM card, it is recommended to use Unitel as it offers a broader coverage area compared to Mobicom.