Ulaanbaatar in December

Deep cold and smog.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• JuneGreatWarm, long days; camps open.
• SeptemberGreatClear and cool; good month.
• MayGoodCool and dry; camps start to open.
• AugustGoodWarm; green countryside.

• UlaanbaatarHighs around -13 °C (9 °F), lows around -23 °C (−9 °F), rain on about 1 dayHighs around 9 °F (-13 °C), lows around −9 °F (-23 °C), rain on about 1 day
• Ulaanbaatar and the centre, Mongolia · Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Kharkhorin, Orkhon valleysmoke haze

  Coldest capital in the world: January averages about −20 °C (−4 °F). Coal and ger-stove smoke make winter air among the worst anywhere Nov–Feb. Summer is 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) by day with afternoon showers in July–August.Coldest capital in the world: January averages about −4 °F (−20 °C). Coal and ger-stove smoke make winter air among the worst anywhere Nov–Feb. Summer is 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) by day with afternoon showers in July–August.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Independence Day

  29 December · Citywide

  Public holiday; some offices closed.

• New Year

  31 Dec–1 Jan · Sukhbaatar Square

  Lights and fireworks in deep cold; restaurants book out.

Crowds · Mongolia overall

Low

Prices · Mongolia overall

Low

Mongolia overall: Deep cold and smog; Ulaanbaatar only, with good layers.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Ulaanbaatar, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings

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