Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Ulaanbaatar
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- May marks the true start of Mongolia's short summer season - the steppes explode with wildflowers and the city sheds its winter grey. Daytime temperatures hit a comfortable 18°C (64°F), perfect for exploring without the brutal cold that defines most of the year. You'll actually see locals sitting outside at cafes, which is rarer than you'd think in UB.
- This is peak season for authentic cultural experiences without the July-August tour bus crowds. Naadam Festival preparations are underway throughout the city, and you can watch wrestlers training in local gyms and archers practicing at the National Sports Stadium. The energy is palpable but the city hasn't yet filled with international tourists.
- May offers the best balance for countryside excursions - the Gobi Desert hasn't reached its scorching summer temperatures yet (staying around 20-25°C or 68-77°F during day), while the northern forests are fully accessible after spring thaw. Day length stretches to nearly 15 hours, giving you maximum exploration time. The Trans-Siberian Railway runs on schedule without winter delays.
- Accommodation prices sit at shoulder-season rates - typically 30-40% lower than July peak. You can still book quality guesthouses and ger camps with just 2-3 weeks notice, whereas summer requires 2-3 months advance booking. Direct flights from Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo run daily with better availability than winter months when routes reduce frequency.
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might see all four seasons in a single day. Morning temperatures around 3°C (38°F) require winter layers, but by afternoon you're peeling them off. Late-season snowfall isn't unheard of, especially in the first week of May. That 70% humidity figure is misleading because the air feels dry most days, but when those 10 rainy days hit, they can be persistent and cold.
- Dust storms are a real issue in May as the city transitions from winter to summer. The combination of strong winds (averaging 20-30 km/h or 12-19 mph) and minimal rainfall means you'll encounter days where visibility drops and breathing becomes uncomfortable. Locals wear masks not just for pollution but for dust. If you have respiratory sensitivities, this matters.
- The city's infrastructure shows its worst side in May - potholes from winter freeze-thaw cycles haven't been repaired yet, construction projects restart after winter pause creating traffic chaos, and the coal-burning heating season technically ends but buildings can be cold on those sub-5°C mornings. The contrast between modern shopping districts and crumbling Soviet-era blocks is most stark when everything's covered in spring dust.
Best Activities in May
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Day Trips
Just 55 km (34 miles) northeast of the city, Terelj becomes accessible and stunning in May. The alpine meadows are bright green, wildflowers cover the valleys, and the Tuul River runs high from snowmelt. Daytime temperatures reach 15-18°C (59-64°F) making hiking comfortable without summer's intense sun. You'll see nomadic families moving their ger camps to summer pastures - actual working pastoral life, not tourist theater. The rock formations like Turtle Rock photograph beautifully under May's dramatic cloud formations. This is genuinely the best month for this park before July crowds arrive.
Mongolian Throat Singing and Traditional Music Performances
May coincides with increased cultural programming as venues prepare for summer tourist season. The Tumen Ekh Ensemble and National Academic Drama Theatre both ramp up performances. What makes May special is you're seeing shows attended by locals celebrating the end of winter, not just tourist-packed summer performances. Throat singing (khoomei), horsehead fiddle (morin khuur), and contortionist acts are performed in heated indoor venues - important because May evenings still drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F). Shows typically run 90 minutes and provide genuine insight into Mongolian artistic traditions.
Bogd Khan Mountain Reserve Hiking
This UNESCO-protected reserve on the city's southern edge offers trails from easy 2-hour walks to full-day 20 km (12.4 mile) circuits. May is ideal because trails are snow-free but not yet dusty, and the larch forests are bright green with new growth. The Manzushir Monastery ruins at 1,645 m (5,397 ft) elevation make an excellent half-day objective. You'll encounter far fewer people than summer months, and wildlife including marmots and various raptors are more active. The air quality is noticeably better than in the city bowl below. Bring layers - temperature drops about 6°C per 1,000 m elevation gain.
Hustai National Park Wild Horse Expeditions
Located 95 km (59 miles) west of UB, Hustai is home to the takhi (Przewalski's horse), the only truly wild horse species. May is exceptional because foals are being born and the horses congregate near water sources, making sightings almost guaranteed. The steppe grasslands are lush and green, completely different from the brown landscape of other months. Early morning and late afternoon game drives in 4WD vehicles offer the best viewing. Plan for a full day - the drive takes 2 hours each way on improving but still rough roads. The park's visitor center has excellent exhibits explaining the reintroduction program.
Zaisan Memorial and City Viewpoint Visits
The Soviet-era Zaisan Memorial sits atop a hill south of the city, accessed by climbing 612 steps. May offers the clearest views before summer dust settles in - on good days you can see 30-40 km (19-25 miles) across the valley. The climb takes 20-30 minutes and works as excellent acclimatization if you're heading to higher elevations later. Go in late afternoon around 5-6pm when the light is best and temperatures are comfortable for the climb. The memorial itself features colorful murals depicting Soviet-Mongolian friendship, interesting for history context. This is free, accessible by city bus or taxi, and gives you perspective on UB's sprawl.
Mongolian Barbecue and Khorkhog Cooking Experiences
May marks the start of outdoor cooking season when locals begin preparing khorkhog - mutton cooked with hot stones in a sealed container. Several ger camps and cultural centers near UB offer hands-on cooking classes where you participate in the full process from butchering to serving. You'll learn about the importance of mutton in Mongolian diet, the ritual aspects of food preparation, and actually eat what you cook. The experience typically includes airag (fermented mare's milk) tasting, which begins production in May when mares start lactating. This is far more authentic than restaurant meals and connects you to living pastoral traditions.
May Events & Festivals
Naadam Festival Preparations and Training Sessions
While the main Naadam Festival happens in July, May is when serious training intensifies and you can watch athletes preparing. Wrestling gyms around the city open their doors to spectators, the National Archery Association holds practice sessions at the Sports Stadium, and horse trainers work with their mounts in areas north of the city. This behind-the-scenes access is actually more interesting than the crowded festival itself for many visitors. You'll see the dedication and skill development without the ceremony and tourist crowds. Ask your guesthouse to connect you with local sports clubs - Mongolians are generally welcoming to respectful observers.
International Labour Day
May 1st remains a public holiday with various cultural events in Sukhbaatar Square and city parks. Expect traditional music performances, wrestling demonstrations, and food vendors. While not a major tourist draw, it's an authentic glimpse of how UB celebrates. Many businesses close, so plan accordingly. The atmosphere is festive and family-oriented, with locals picnicking in parks if weather permits. Government buildings and some museums will be closed.