Ulaanbaatar in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Ulaanbaatar
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak winter festival season - Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) celebrations offer authentic cultural immersion with traditional foods, ceremonies, and family gatherings lasting 3-15 days
- Crystal clear visibility for photography - dry air and minimal pollution create impressive mountain views extending 50+ km (31+ miles) from the city center
- Winter sports prime time - ice festivals, winter horse racing, and traditional ice wrestling competitions happen throughout March
- Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels drop rates 30-50% compared to summer, with premium gers (yurts) available from $40-80/night instead of $120-200
Considerations
- Extreme cold requires specialized gear - temperatures drop to -23°C (-9°F) at night with wind chill making it feel like -30°C (-22°F), demanding arctic-quality clothing
- Limited outdoor daylight - only 11.5 hours of daylight mid-March, with meaningful outdoor activity window just 6-7 hours (9am-4pm)
- Many tourist ger camps closed - traditional tourist accommodations outside the city shut down December-April, limiting authentic countryside experiences
Best Activities in March
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Winter Adventures
March offers the best winter access to Mongolia's most accessible national park, just 70 km (43 miles) from Ulaanbaatar. Snow-covered landscapes create otherworldly scenery perfect for winter hiking, horseback riding with Mongolian horses adapted to cold, and staying in heated ger camps. Clear March skies provide exceptional star-gazing opportunities with minimal light pollution.
Traditional Winter Sports Experiences
March is peak season for authentic Mongolian winter sports including ice wrestling competitions, winter archery, and traditional horse racing on snow. Local tournaments happen most weekends, offering genuine cultural experiences unavailable to summer visitors. Temperatures are stable enough for extended outdoor participation.
Hustai National Park Przewalski Horse Tracking
Winter provides optimal wildlife viewing as takhi (Przewalski horses) and other animals concentrate near water sources and shelter areas, making them easier to spot against snow. March offers the last chance to see these endangered wild horses in full winter coats before spring shedding begins.
Ulaanbaatar Winter City Cultural Tours
March's Tsagaan Sar celebrations transform the city into a cultural showcase. Visit working Buddhist monasteries with special winter ceremonies, explore traditional markets selling festival foods, and experience authentic Mongolian hospitality as families welcome visitors for traditional meals and cultural exchanges.
Mongolian Cooking Classes and Winter Food Experiences
March is ideal for learning traditional winter Mongolian cuisine including buuz (steamed dumplings) essential for Tsagaan Sar, mutton dishes, and fermented mare's milk. Cooking classes happen indoors and provide cultural context for foods that sustained nomads through harsh winters.
March Events & Festivals
Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year)
Mongolia's most important celebration involves 3-15 days of family visits, traditional foods, games, and cultural performances. Families dress in traditional deel, prepare elaborate feasts, and welcome visitors with airag and traditional songs. The entire city transforms with decorations and festivities.
Winter Naadam Mini-Festivals
Smaller winter versions of the famous summer Naadam festival featuring ice wrestling, winter archery, and horse racing on snow. These intimate events offer closer interaction with athletes and traditional culture than massive summer festivals.