Ulaanbaatar in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Ulaanbaatar

-5°C (23°F) High Temp

-16°C (4°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

58% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear skies with exceptional visibility - perfect for photography and stargazing, with the Milky Way visible from the city outskirts by 7pm
Frozen Tuul River creates unique winter activities like ice walking and traditional ice fishing experiences not available other months
Winter festival season begins with authentic nomadic culture events, including eagle hunting demonstrations and traditional throat singing competitions
Hotel prices drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with luxury accommodations like Shangri-La offering winter packages starting around ₮180,000 ($65) per night

Considerations

Extreme cold requires serious winter gear investment - temperatures with wind chill feel like -25°C (-13°F) making outdoor activities limited to 2-3 hour windows
Most ger camps in Mongolia close for winter, limiting authentic nomadic experiences to day trips only
Air pollution reaches hazardous levels (AQI 200+) on windless days as coal heating increases, requiring indoor activity backups

Best Activities in November

Gandantegchinlen Monastery Winter Ceremonies

November marks the beginning of winter prayer ceremonies with monks performing special rituals for the harsh months ahead. Morning ceremonies at 9am offer authentic spiritual experiences with fewer crowds, and the monastery's golden roof contrasts beautifully against snow. Indoor prayer halls provide warmth between outdoor photography sessions.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for general access (₮5,000 entry), but arrive by 8:30am for ceremony viewing. Photography permits cost additional ₮10,000. Combine with nearby Banjul visit for indoor warming breaks.

Bogd Khan Mountain Winter Hiking

The world's oldest national park transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered pine forests and frozen streams. November offers perfect conditions before deep snow makes trails impassable. Wildlife spotting is excellent as animals are more active preparing for winter, and clear air provides impressive city views from 1,645m (5,400ft) peaks.

Booking Tip: Day hiking tours typically cost ₮45,000-65,000 including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed mountain guides. Essential to have winter hiking experience or join guided groups - solo hiking not recommended in winter conditions.

Traditional Winter Markets and Cashmere Shopping

November is prime cashmere season when herders bring winter fleeces to city markets. State Department Store and Narantuul Market offer authentic Mongolian cashmere at fraction of Western prices. Cold weather means you can properly test winter dels (traditional coats) and fur boots essential for Mongolian winter survival.

Booking Tip: No booking required for markets, but cashmere factory tours cost ₮25,000-40,000 and should be arranged 3-4 days ahead. Best shopping is Tuesday-Thursday when fresh stock arrives from countryside. Bargaining expected at Narantuul but not in department stores.

Terelj National Park Day Tours

While overnight ger camps close, day trips to Terelj offer spectacular winter landscapes with frozen streams and snow-dusted rock formations. Turtle Rock and Aryabal Temple are accessible year-round, and horseback riding is still possible for 1-2 hours in midday warmth. Perfect for photography with dramatic winter lighting.

Booking Tip: Day tours range ₮55,000-85,000 per person including heated transport, guide, and hot lunch. Book minimum 7 days ahead as winter tours operate with smaller groups. Tours typically run 9am-5pm to maximize daylight hours. Ensure vehicles have winter tires and heating.

National Museum and Indoor Cultural Experiences

November weather makes museum visits essential, and Mongolia's Banjul showcases world-class dinosaur fossils and nomadic history in heated comfort. Combine with traditional music performances at State Opera House and art galleries featuring contemporary Mongolian artists. Perfect rainy day or extreme cold backup activities.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs ₮8,000-12,000 with audio guides available in English. Opera tickets range ₮15,000-50,000 and should be booked 10-14 days ahead for weekend shows. Many venues offer cultural package deals including traditional costume try-on experiences for ₮35,000-55,000.

Traditional Mongolian Hot Pot and Winter Food Experiences

November cold makes Mongolia's hearty winter cuisine shine. Traditional hot pot (shabu-shabu style with mutton and yak meat) becomes essential comfort food. Food tours focus on winter warming dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and milk tea ceremonies. Local families often invite tourists for authentic home meals during festival preparation season.

Booking Tip: Culinary tours cost ₮40,000-70,000 including multiple restaurant stops and traditional cooking demonstrations. Home dining experiences range ₮25,000-45,000 per person. Book food tours 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend experiences. Vegetarian options limited but available with advance notice.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Naadam Winter Preparation Festivals

Local communities hold smaller winter festivals preparing for the harsh months ahead, featuring traditional wrestling training, archery competitions, and horse training sessions. These intimate events offer authentic cultural experiences without summer tourist crowds.

Early November

Eagle Festival (Extended Season)

While main Golden Eagle Festival occurs in October, some hunting demonstrations and cultural displays continue into early November in the Altai region, accessible via day flights from Ulaanbaatar. Features traditional Kazakh eagle hunters and authentic nomadic lifestyle presentations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) minimum - Mongolian winter sidewalks are icy and temperatures drop rapidly after sunset

Layering system: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, windproof outer shell - indoor heating varies dramatically between venues

Heavy winter parka or down jacket rated for extreme cold - wind chill makes temperatures feel 10°C (18°F) colder than actual

Warm winter hat covering ears and insulated gloves - frostbite risk is real during outdoor photography sessions

Thick wool socks and backup pairs - feet get cold quickly walking on frozen ground

Hand and foot warmers (bring from home) - not readily available in Ulaanbaatar stores

Sunglasses for snow glare - clear November skies create intense reflection off snow surfaces

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - extremely dry air causes chapping and skin cracking

Portable phone charger - batteries drain faster in extreme cold temperatures

Cash in small denominations - card readers often malfunction in cold weather at outdoor markets

Insider Knowledge

Air pollution is worst 6-10am and 6-9pm when coal heating peaks - plan outdoor activities during midday 11am-3pm window when air quality improves

Many restaurants close early (8pm) in November due to cold - book dinner reservations for 6-7pm or earlier to ensure full menu availability

Taxis often refuse short trips in extreme cold - download ride-sharing apps or budget extra for longer minimum fares during winter months

Hotel lobbies become informal gathering spaces for travelers - most luxury hotels welcome non-guests for coffee and warming breaks during extreme weather days

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly frostbite can occur - tourists often spend too long outdoors without proper protection, especially during photography stops

Not bringing backup indoor activities - weather can change rapidly, stranding visitors indoors for entire days with nothing planned

Assuming summer hiking gear works in winter - many tourists arrive with inadequate footwear and clothing, limiting their ability to explore outdoors safely