Ulaanbaatar in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Ulaanbaatar
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer warmth with temperatures reaching 23°C (73°F) - the warmest you'll find Ulaanbaatar all year, perfect for outdoor activities without freezing
- Green landscapes and wildflowers in full bloom across the steppes - August is when Mongolia's harsh terrain transforms into surprising beauty
- Naadam Festival season extends through August with regional celebrations continuing after the main July 11-13 event, offering authentic cultural experiences without July crowds
- Ideal weather window for ger camps and overnight stays on the steppes - warm enough for comfortable sleeping but cool enough to avoid overheating during the day
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms hit 10 days out of the month, typically between 2-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor touring plans and make unpaved roads muddy
- Peak tourist season pricing continues from July - accommodation costs 40-60% more than shoulder seasons, and popular ger camps book solid
- Extreme temperature swings from 23°C (73°F) during day to 11°C (51°F) at night require careful packing and constant layering adjustments
Best Activities in August
Terelj National Park Multi-Day Ger Stays
August offers the perfect weather window for staying in traditional gers without summer heat or winter cold. Daytime temperatures are ideal for horseback riding and hiking, while cool nights make sleeping comfortable. The park is 67 km (42 miles) from Ulaanbaatar and accessible via paved roads that handle August rains better than other areas.
Gobi Desert Southern Circuit Tours
August is optimal for Gobi travel - warm enough for comfortable camping but not the scorching heat of July. The desert experiences its brief green period after summer rains, and wildlife is most active. The 280 km (174 miles) drive south is manageable with August weather conditions.
Khustain Nuruu Wild Horse Watching
August evening temperatures around 15°C (59°F) create perfect conditions for observing Przewalski's horses during their most active period. The preserve, 100 km (62 miles) west of Ulaanbaatar, has lush grasslands in August that attract the horses to viewable areas.
Karakorum Ancient Capital Archaeological Tours
August's moderate temperatures make the 365 km (227 mile) drive to Mongolia's ancient capital comfortable, and the archaeological sites are most accessible when not frozen or muddy. The Erdene Zuu Monastery complex is particularly impressive against August's green backdrop.
Ulaanbaatar City Cultural Immersion Experiences
August's warm weather allows comfortable walking between temples, markets, and museums without winter gear. The Gandantegchinlen Monastery morning prayers at 9am are accessible in comfortable temperatures, and Narantuul Market buzzes with seasonal activity.
Lake Khovsgol Northern Wilderness Expeditions
August offers the only reliable weather window for visiting Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl' - temperatures reach 20°C (68°F) during the day while nights stay around 8°C (46°F). The 700 km (435 mile) journey north requires August's favorable road conditions.
August Events & Festivals
Regional Naadam Festivals
While the main National Naadam occurs July 11-13, regional celebrations continue throughout August in various provinces. These smaller festivals offer more real feels with traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions in intimate settings.
Mongolian Independence Day Celebrations
August 26th commemorates Mongolia's independence from China in 1911. Sukhbaatar Square hosts cultural performances, traditional music, and local food vendors. Less touristy than Naadam but equally authentic.