Ulaanbaatar in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Ulaanbaatar
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Ice Festival season - Ulaanbaatar's spectacular ice sculptures and winter activities are at their peak, with the main ice park operating daily from 10am-10pm
- Crystal clear skies - February averages 22 sunny days with exceptional visibility for photography and outdoor activities during midday hours (11am-3pm)
- Authentic winter nomad experiences - This is the only time to witness traditional winter herding practices, with ger camps offering genuine cold-weather activities like ice fishing and winter horseback riding
- Lowest tourist numbers - Hotels and attractions are 40-60% less crowded, with accommodation prices dropping 30-50% compared to summer peaks
Considerations
- Extreme cold requires serious preparation - Average daily highs barely reach -10°C (14°F), making outdoor activities challenging for more than 2-3 hours without proper gear
- Limited daylight hours - Sunrise at 8:15am, sunset at 6:30pm gives you only 10 hours of daylight for sightseeing and outdoor activities
- Some attractions close or reduce hours - Several museums and cultural sites operate on winter schedules with reduced hours or temporary closures for maintenance
Best Activities in February
Winter Nomad Ger Camp Experiences
February is the authentic season for traditional Mongolian winter life. Ger camps 45-90 km (28-56 miles) from the city offer genuine cold-weather nomad activities including ice fishing, winter horseback riding, and traditional felt-making workshops. The extreme cold creates the perfect conditions for experiencing how Mongolians have survived harsh winters for centuries. Daily temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) mean you'll experience authentic nomadic resilience firsthand.
Terelj National Park Winter Activities
February transforms Terelj into a winter wonderland just 70 km (43 miles) from Ulaanbaatar. The park's famous Turtle Rock and Ariyabal Meditation Temple are spectacular under snow cover. Winter hiking trails are well-marked and safe during midday hours (11am-3pm) when temperatures reach -10°C (14°F). The clear February skies provide exceptional photography conditions with snow-covered granite formations.
Ice Festival and Winter Markets
Ulaanbaatar's ice sculpture parks reach their peak in February with elaborate displays illuminated nightly. The main ice park near Sukhbaatar Square features ice slides, sculpture competitions, and traditional winter food stalls. Local winter markets sell traditional warm clothing, felt products, and seasonal foods like dried meat and fermented mare's milk. Best visited between 2pm-8pm when temperatures are most bearable.
Traditional Mongolian Cooking Classes
February is perfect for indoor cultural activities, particularly learning to make traditional winter foods like buuz (steamed meat dumplings) and warming milk tea. Cooking classes teach authentic recipes using ingredients available during harsh winters. The cold weather makes these hearty, warming dishes especially satisfying and relevant to seasonal Mongolian culture.
National Museum and Indoor Cultural Sites
February's extreme cold makes this ideal for exploring Ulaanbaatar's excellent indoor attractions. The Banjul of Mongolia, Choijin Lama Temple Museum, and Fine Arts Museum offer complete introductions to Mongolian history and culture in heated environments. Most museums extend winter hours specifically for February visitors seeking respite from outdoor cold.
Day Trips to Hustai National Park
February offers unique opportunities to spot Przewalski's horses (takhi) against snow-covered steppes. The wild horses are more visible in winter as they gather near feeding areas and water sources. The 100 km (62 mile) journey from Ulaanbaatar showcases Mongolia's winter landscape at its most dramatic, with clear skies and pristine snow cover extending to the horizon.
February Events & Festivals
Tsagaan Sar Preparation Season
February is the traditional preparation month for Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian New Year), usually occurring in early March. Markets fill with special foods, families clean and prepare traditional clothing, and cultural performances increase throughout the city. This offers unique insight into Mongolia's most important cultural celebration.
Winter Naadam Regional Competitions
Smaller winter versions of the famous Naadam festival occur in February, featuring ice wrestling, winter horse racing on frozen rivers, and archery competitions. These regional events showcase traditional sports adapted for winter conditions and attract fewer tourists than summer festivals.