Ulaanbaatar in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Ulaanbaatar

25°C (77°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

74 mm (2.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather with lush green steppes - the only time of year when Mongolia's grasslands are emerald green and wildflowers bloom across the countryside, creating picture-perfect landscapes that last just 6-8 weeks
Naadam Festival (July 11-13, 2025) - Mongolia's biggest celebration featuring traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions. Hotels book out 3 months ahead but the cultural immersion is unmatched
Warmest weather for ger camps - nighttime temperatures stay above 13°C (56°F), making traditional nomad camp stays comfortable without extreme cold gear. Peak season for accessing remote areas like Khövsgöl Lake
Extended daylight hours - sun rises at 5:30am and sets at 9:30pm, giving you nearly 16 hours of daylight for outdoor activities and photography

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to shoulder seasons, and domestic flights can be double the off-season price
Frequent afternoon thunderstorms - expect sudden downpours between 2-5pm on 60% of days, which can make dirt roads to remote areas temporarily impassable
Mosquitoes and flies around water sources - particularly bothersome at Khövsgöl Lake and along rivers, requiring constant insect repellent and long sleeves during dawn/dusk

Best Activities in July

Khövsgöl Lake Horseback Adventures

July is the only month when Khövsgöl Lake's surrounding meadows are in full bloom and weather is warm enough for comfortable camping. Water temperature reaches 18°C (64°F) - highest of the year. The 136 km (85 mile) lake offers pristine camping, Tsaatan reindeer herder visits, and horseback riding across flower-covered steppes. Afternoon storms are brief and dramatic over the lake.

Booking Tip: Book ger camps 8-10 weeks ahead for July - they fill completely during Naadam week. Multi-day packages typically cost $180-280 per person per day including meals, horse rental, and guide. Look for operators with backup indoor activities for stormy afternoons. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Terelj National Park Hiking and Rock Formations

Summer weather makes Terelj's hiking trails accessible without mud or snow concerns. The park's granite formations like Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Meditation Temple (1,640m/5,380ft elevation) offer spectacular views over green valleys. July's afternoon storms create dramatic lighting for photography. Located just 70 km (43 miles) from Ulaanbaatar via newly paved road.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $45-65 per person including transport and guide. Book morning departures (8-9am) to avoid afternoon storms. Multi-day ger camp stays run $120-180 per night. Choose operators with weather contingency plans and covered dining areas. Current booking options available in widget below.

Gobi Desert Expeditions

July offers the most comfortable Gobi temperatures - daytime highs of 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows of 15°C (59°F). The Flaming Cliffs, Khongoryn Els sand dunes, and Bayanzag dinosaur sites are accessible via improved summer roads. Less dust than autumn months, and occasional desert thunderstorms create impressive sunset photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: 3-5 day Gobi expeditions cost $220-350 per person per day all-inclusive. Book 6-8 weeks ahead as July slots fill early. Domestic flights to Dalanzadgad save 8 hours of driving each way. Ensure operators provide quality camping gear rated for desert temperature swings. Check current expedition options below.

Traditional Naadam Festival Experiences

Mongolia's premier cultural event (July 11-13, 2025) features the 'Three Manly Sports' - wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Beyond the main stadium events, local Naadam celebrations happen in every province with more intimate settings. The festival coincides with peak summer weather and traditional fermented mare's milk (airag) season.

Booking Tip: Stadium tickets cost $25-150 depending on seating. Book accommodation 12+ weeks ahead - many hotels require 3-night minimums during Naadam. Consider staying in ger camps 30-50 km (19-31 miles) outside the city for availability. Provincial Naadam festivals offer real feels with easier logistics. See festival tour packages in booking section.

Mongolian Steppe Nomad Homestays

July's warm weather makes traditional herder family visits most comfortable. Witness peak season activities: milking mares for airag production, sheep shearing, and moving livestock to summer pastures. The vast steppes are emerald green with wildflowers - a sight that lasts only 6-8 weeks annually. Experience authentic nomadic life without extreme weather concerns.

Booking Tip: Authentic nomad family stays cost $80-120 per person per day including meals and cultural activities. Book through community-based tourism operators 4-6 weeks ahead. Expect basic facilities but genuine cultural exchange. Choose families within 2-3 hours of Ulaanbaatar for better road access during rainy periods. Current homestay options available below.

Orkhon Valley UNESCO World Heritage Exploration

July brings optimal conditions for exploring Mongolia's cultural heartland - ancient capital sites, Buddhist monasteries, and the Orkhon Waterfall at full flow from summer rains. The valley's grasslands are at their greenest, and Erdene Zuu Monastery offers cultural programs. Horseback riding and hiking trails are fully accessible.

Booking Tip: 2-3 day Orkhon Valley tours cost $160-240 per person including accommodation and meals. The valley is 360 km (224 miles) from Ulaanbaatar - budget 5-6 hours driving on partially paved roads. Book tours with flexible timing for weather delays. Ger camp stays in the valley offer impressive sunrise views. Check current tour availability in booking widget.

July Events & Festivals

July 11-13, 2025

Naadam Festival

Mongolia's most important cultural celebration featuring traditional wrestling (512 competitors), archery competitions, and horse races with child jockeys racing 15-30 km (9-19 miles) across open steppe. The main event occurs at the National Sports Stadium, but every province holds local celebrations with more intimate atmospheres and easier access.

Late July

Playtime Festival

International electronic music festival held annually in Ulaanbaatar, featuring global DJs and local artists. Takes place in the city center with both indoor and outdoor stages. Popular with young locals and expat community, offering a modern contrast to traditional Naadam celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 25°C (77°F) in afternoon to 13°C (56°F) at night, requiring t-shirts, fleece, and warm jacket for same day

Waterproof rain jacket and pants - afternoon thunderstorms hit suddenly and can last 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours and lightning

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at 1,350m (4,430ft) elevation with thin air providing less protection

Insect repellent with DEET 30%+ - mosquitoes and biting flies are severe around lakes, rivers, and in ger camps during dawn/dusk hours

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy conditions after rain and rocky terrain in national parks like Terelj

Portable battery pack - power can be inconsistent in remote ger camps and you'll want backup for extensive photography during long daylight hours

Cash in small bills (MNT and USD) - many rural areas, ger camps, and local Naadam events operate cash-only, ATMs scarce outside Ulaanbaatar

Stomach medication and probiotics - traditional dairy products like airag and fermented foods can cause digestive issues for unaccustomed visitors

Warm sleeping bag liner - ger camps provide bedding but extra warmth helps during cool nights, especially at elevation near Khövsgöl Lake

Dust mask or bandana - useful during windy conditions and long drives on unpaved roads to remote destinations

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights early July for Gobi Desert trips - MIAT Mongolian Airlines adds extra flights during Naadam week but they sell out 6-8 weeks ahead at reasonable prices

Avoid Ulaanbaatar July 10-14 if you dislike crowds - the city's population nearly doubles with domestic tourists, causing traffic jams and restaurant waits of 60+ minutes

Local Naadam festivals in provinces like Arkhangai or Övörkhangai offer more real feels than Ulaanbaatar's commercialized version, with better access to competitors and traditional food

Airag (fermented mare's milk) reaches peak quality in July - it's mildly alcoholic and considered a health tonic by locals, but start with small amounts to test tolerance

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - packing only summer clothes without warm layers for dramatic temperature drops during storms and elevation changes

Booking only Ulaanbaatar accommodation for Naadam - staying in the city during festival week means extreme crowds, traffic, and inflated prices without necessarily better festival access

Expecting reliable internet in remote areas - ger camps and rural destinations have limited or no connectivity, so download maps, translation apps, and entertainment beforehand