Ulaanbaatar in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Ulaanbaatar

23°C (73°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather with 14-15 hours of daylight - perfect for exploring the city's sprawling districts and taking day trips to Mongolia without rushing
Naadam Festival preparation period brings the city alive with traditional wrestling practice sessions at Sukhbaatar Stadium and horse training visible in surrounding valleys
Green season transforms the typically brown steppe into lush grasslands - ideal timing for ger camp visits 60-80 km (37-50 miles) outside the city
Lowest accommodation rates before July peak season - budget guesthouses average ₮45,000-65,000 ($18-26) vs ₮80,000+ in July-August

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly and can flood underdrain streets in Ger District within 20 minutes - many areas become inaccessible
Peak construction season means dust from multiple infrastructure projects creates poor air quality on windy days, especially in Khan-Uul district
Temperature swings of 13°C (23°F) daily require layered clothing and make planning outdoor activities challenging

Best Activities in June

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Day Tours

June transforms this park into Mongolia's greenest landscape. The 55 km (34 mile) drive takes 1.5 hours on newly paved roads. Morning temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) are perfect for hiking to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic photography opportunities around 3-4pm.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost ₮85,000-120,000 ($34-48) including lunch and transport. Choose morning departure (8-9am) to avoid afternoon storms. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Ger District Walking Tours

June's extended daylight allows exploration of Ulaanbaatar's authentic ger neighborhoods before tourists discover them in July. The rainy season creates muddy conditions that require proper boots, but locals are most welcoming during summer months. Best visited 10am-2pm before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Local cultural guides charge ₮25,000-35,000 ($10-14) for 3-4 hour tours. Book through guesthouses or cultural centers. Avoid tour groups larger than 6 people to respect residents. Check current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Hustai National Park Wild Horse Viewing

June offers the best Przewalski's horse viewing as foals are born April-May and are active in morning hours. The 100 km (62 mile) drive west takes 2 hours. Morning mist at 6-7am creates ethereal photography conditions, and takhi horses graze closest to viewing areas during cooler morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ₮95,000-140,000 ($38-56) including park fees. Book 7-10 days ahead as only 3-4 operators have park permits. Early morning departures (5am) are essential for wildlife viewing. See current wildlife tour options in the booking section below.

Gandantegchinlen Monastery Morning Sessions

June's 5:30am sunrise allows participation in 6am morning prayers without extreme cold. The monastery's main temple hosts its most authentic ceremonies before tourist crowds arrive at 9am. Monks are more available for conversation during summer months, and the surrounding hills are green rather than barren.

Booking Tip: Free to attend prayer sessions, but ₮5,000 ($2) donation appreciated. Arrive by 5:45am for 6am prayers. Photography inside costs ₮10,000 ($4) permit. No booking needed but dress conservatively. Cultural context tours available through local guides ₮20,000-30,000 ($8-12).

Central Asian Food Market Tours

June brings seasonal products like fresh airag (fermented mare's milk) and the first aaruul (dried cheese curds) from spring herds. Narantuul Market and Merkuri Market are most active 7-11am before afternoon heat. Vendors are friendliest during summer tourist preparation season.

Booking Tip: Food tours with local guides cost ₮35,000-50,000 ($14-20) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Independent exploration is free but bring ₮15,000-25,000 ($6-10) for food sampling. Morning tours (8-11am) offer freshest products. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Bogd Khan National Park Hiking

Mongolia's oldest national park becomes accessible in June as snow melts from higher elevations above 1,800m (5,906 ft). The Zaisan Memorial trail offers city views and connects to longer ridge walks. June's green vegetation contrasts dramatically with the urban sprawl below.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free with park entry ₮3,000 ($1.20). Guided hiking tours cost ₮40,000-65,000 ($16-26) for half-day trips. Start early (7-8am) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Proper hiking boots essential due to muddy conditions. Check current hiking tour options in the booking section below.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June

Naadam Festival Preparation Events

Throughout June, traditional wrestling training sessions occur at Sukhbaatar Stadium and local sports clubs. Horse racing practice happens in valleys 20-30 km (12-19 miles) outside the city. These preparation events offer authentic cultural experiences without July's crowds and inflated prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for muddy conditions - ger district streets and park trails become quagmires during June's 10 rainy days

Layered clothing system for 13°C (23°F) daily temperature swings - wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, and windproof shell

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 at 1,350m (4,429 ft) elevation causes burns within 15 minutes

Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms last 20-30 minutes but arrive with 5-minute warning

Cash in small denominations (₮1,000, ₮5,000 notes) - many local vendors and ger district guides don't accept cards or large bills

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages during thunderstorms, especially in outer districts

Respiratory mask or scarf - construction dust and coal smoke create poor air quality on windy days (AQI often 150+)

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes emerge from puddles after rain, particularly problematic in ger districts without drainage

Sturdy day pack with rain cover - essential for carrying layers as weather changes and protecting electronics during sudden storms

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation in central districts (Sukhbaatar, Khan-Uul) rather than ger districts - unpaved roads become impassable during heavy rain and taxi drivers refuse trips

Carry exact change for city buses (₮500) and keep ₮20,000-30,000 cash daily - ATMs frequently empty during tourist season and card readers fail during power outages

Start outdoor activities at 7-8am and plan indoor alternatives after 2pm - 60% of June days have afternoon thunderstorms between 3-6pm that flood underpass walkways

Download offline maps and translation apps - cell towers experience outages during storms and many locals outside central districts speak limited English

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton clothing expecting warm weather - June mornings start at 10°C (50°F) and cotton becomes dangerous when wet during afternoon storms

Booking same-day tours to national parks - weather can change road conditions within hours and operators cancel for safety, leaving no alternatives

Underestimating travel time between districts - construction season creates unexpected detours adding 45-60 minutes to cross-city journeys