Ulaanbaatar in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Ulaanbaatar

10°C (50°F) High Temp

-3°C (26°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening - Ice on Tuul River breaks up creating dramatic scenery, and locals emerge from winter hibernation making it prime time for authentic cultural experiences
Perfect shoulder season pricing - Hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, and domestic flights from South Korea/Beijing cost ฿8,000-12,000 versus ฿18,000+ in summer
Crystal clear visibility - Post-winter air pollution clears out, giving you 50+ km (31+ mile) mountain views that are impossible in dusty summer months
Naadam festival preparation season - Wrestling schools open their doors, horse training intensifies in countryside, and you can witness authentic practice sessions without tourist crowds

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings - Morning starts at -3°C (26°F) but afternoon hits 10°C (50°F), making packing and daily planning challenging
Unpredictable dust storms - Strong winds kick up Gobi dust 3-4 times per month, forcing indoor activities and affecting photography
Limited ger camp availability - Most tourist camps remain closed until May 15th, restricting authentic nomadic experiences to day trips only

Best Activities in April

Gandan Monastery Morning Prayer Sessions

April's crisp mornings make the 9am prayer ceremonies at Gandan particularly atmospheric, with incense smoke creating dramatic visuals in cold air. Monks are more approachable post-winter isolation, and tourist groups haven't arrived yet. The monastery's main prayer hall maintains warmth while outside temperatures remain harsh.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for general entry (₮10,000-15,000 entrance fee), but photography permits cost extra ₮20,000. Arrive by 8:45am for best positioning. Dress warmly - ceremony halls are unheated.

Terelj National Park Day Excursions

Perfect month for day hiking before summer heat and crowds. Snow patches create impressive contrast with emerging green grass, and wildlife is most active during mild April afternoons. Turtle Rock and Ariyabal Meditation Temple offer 2-3 hour hiking circuits in ideal 5-10°C (41-50°F) midday temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book private vehicle tours 7-10 days ahead through guesthouses (₮80,000-120,000 full day including driver and lunch). Group tours cost ₮45,000-60,000 but less flexible timing. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Wrestling Training Visits

April is training season for July's Naadam festival. Wrestling schools (zokhiol) welcome visitors to observe authentic training sessions. Athletes practice outdoor techniques in perfect cool weather before summer heat arrives. This insider access disappears once tourist season begins in June.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guesthouses or cultural centers for ₮25,000-40,000 per person including translator. Sessions typically run 10am-2pm daily except Sundays. Book minimum 3 days ahead as schools limit visitor numbers.

State Department Store Cashmere Shopping

Post-winter clearance season offers 30-40% discounts on genuine Mongolian cashmere before international buyers arrive in May. April weather makes trying on heavy cashmere practical, and you'll avoid summer's overwhelming tourist shopping crowds.

Booking Tip: No booking needed, but bring cash (USD or Mongolian Tugrik). Authentic cashmere scarves cost ₮180,000-300,000, sweaters ₮400,000-800,000. Verify authenticity certificates and request international shipping options for larger purchases.

Zaisan Memorial Sunrise Photography

April's early 6:30am sunrise combines with crystal-clear post-winter air for exceptional city panoramas. The 300-step climb warms you up perfectly in crisp morning air, and you'll have the memorial virtually alone before 8am when tour groups arrive.

Booking Tip: Free access, but taxi to base costs ₮15,000-20,000 each way. Arrange pickup time with driver as mobile service can be spotty at summit. Bring headlamp for pre-dawn climb and warm layers for 30-minute temperature wait.

Central Market Food Discovery Tours

April brings fresh spring ingredients to Narantuul Market while cool weather makes wandering the indoor/outdoor stalls comfortable. Vendors offer samples more freely before peak tourist season, and fermented mare's milk (airag) production begins creating unique tasting opportunities.

Booking Tip: Join food-focused walking tours through hostels or cultural centers for ₮35,000-50,000 per person including tastings. Independent exploration costs ₮5,000-15,000 for substantial meal sampling. See current food tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Spring Ovoo Worship Ceremonies

Local communities conduct hilltop shrine ceremonies to welcome spring and ensure good fortune. These authentic religious practices involve burning juniper, offering mare's milk, and clockwise walks around sacred stone cairns. Participation offers genuine cultural immersion impossible during tourist season.

Mid April

Ice Festival Tuul River

When river ice breaks up mid-month, locals celebrate with traditional songs and impromptu gatherings along riverbanks. Not an organized festival but a spontaneous cultural moment when residents emerge from winter isolation to socialize outdoors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system with 3-4 thin layers - Temperature swings from -3°C to 10°C (26°F to 50°F) daily require constant adjustment

Wind-resistant outer shell jacket - Spring winds reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) and make temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder

UV protection sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen - High altitude (1,350m/4,429ft) plus snow reflection creates UV index of 8+

Sturdy walking boots with ankle support - Freeze-thaw cycles create uneven pavement and icy morning patches until 10am

Wool or synthetic base layers - Cotton becomes dangerous when wet from sudden weather changes

Warm hat covering ears - Morning temperatures drop quickly, and wind chill is severe on exposed skin

Power bank and charging cables - Cold weather drains phone batteries 40-50% faster than normal

Cash in small denominations - Many vendors don't accept cards, and ATMs can freeze in morning cold

Lip balm and moisturizer - Low humidity (30-40%) and wind cause rapid skin drying

Lightweight scarf or buff - Protects neck from wind and dust storms while being easily removable as temperature rises

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with reliable heating systems - Many budget guesthouses turn off heating in April assuming winter is over, but nights still drop below freezing regularly

Eat lunch between 12-2pm when outdoor temperatures peak - Mongolians traditionally have their largest meal during warmest part of day, and many restaurants offer better selections midday

Carry tissues and hand sanitizer - Spring dust storms irritate sinuses, and public restroom facilities often lack basic supplies

Download offline maps before arrival - Spring weather disrupts mobile towers, and GPS accuracy drops during dust storms that occur 3-4 times monthly

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes because it's 'spring' - April mornings require full winter gear, and many tourists get sick from inadequate clothing

Planning outdoor activities before 10am - Morning temperatures stay near freezing until sun has been up 3-4 hours, making early sightseeing miserable

Expecting ger camps to be open - 90% of tourist ger camps remain closed until mid-May, forcing expensive last-minute hotel bookings for disappointed visitors