Ulaanbaatar in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Ulaanbaatar

7°C (45°F) High Temp

-5°C (23°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak autumn colors across the steppe - golden larches and crimson shrubs create impressive landscapes that last only 2-3 weeks in early October
Crystal clear skies with visibility up to 50 km (31 miles) - perfect for photography and seeing the surrounding mountains
Ideal weather for outdoor activities - comfortable hiking temperatures during midday (5-7°C/41-45°F) without summer's intense UV
Traditional autumn festivals including Овсны Баяр (Harvest Festival) when locals gather sea buckthorn and prepare for winter - authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

Rapid temperature drops - can swing from 7°C (45°F) at noon to -8°C (18°F) by dawn, requiring careful layering
Very short daylight hours with only 10 hours 45 minutes of daylight by month's end - outdoor activities must be planned around limited light
Pre-winter preparation means some ger camps in outlying areas close after October 15th, limiting accommodation options for countryside visits

Best Activities in October

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Autumn Trekking

October offers the year's most spectacular hiking conditions with golden larch forests and comfortable daytime temperatures around 5-7°C (41-45°F). The park's famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple are surrounded by peak autumn colors. Crystal clear air provides impressive mountain views impossible in summer's haze. Early October is ideal before snow begins mid-month.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Full-day tours typically cost ₮80,000-120,000 (US$30-45). Choose tours that include warm lunch and return by 4pm due to rapid temperature drops. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Ger with Nomadic Families

October is when herding families prepare for winter - milking mares for the last airag of the season, moving livestock to winter pastures, and gathering dried dung for fuel. You'll witness authentic seasonal activities like felt-making and meat preparation that don't happen in summer. Nighttime temperatures create perfect conditions for cozy ger stays with traditional heating.

Booking Tip: Book homestays 10-14 days ahead as many families stop hosting after October 20th. Expect to pay ₮60,000-90,000 (US$22-33) per night including meals. Choose locations within 2 hours of Ulaanbaatar to avoid road closures. Current family stays available in booking section below.

Hustai National Park Wild Horse Viewing

October is prime takhi (Przewalski's horse) viewing season as these rare wild horses gather in larger herds before winter and are active during warmer midday hours. The golden steppe grassland provides perfect contrast for photography, and clear weather offers 90% success rate for sightings. Cooler temperatures mean horses stay in valleys longer rather than seeking shade.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost ₮70,000-100,000 (US$26-37) and should depart by 8am to maximize wildlife viewing time. Book through certified eco-tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Tours include park fees and typically return by 6pm. Check current wildlife tours in booking section below.

Mongolian Traditional Music and Throat Singing Performances

October marks the beginning of indoor cultural season when Mongolia's best musicians perform in heated venues. The State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet runs special autumn programs, and traditional music schools hold recitals. Cool weather creates perfect conditions for intimate ger concerts where throat singing resonates beautifully in enclosed spaces.

Booking Tip: Evening performances cost ₮15,000-45,000 (US$6-17) depending on venue. Book cultural shows 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or licensed cultural tour operators. Performances typically start at 7pm in heated venues. Current cultural experiences available in booking section below.

Mongolian Cashmere Factory Tours and Shopping

October is when the new cashmere season begins - goats have grown their winter undercoats and fresh products arrive in showrooms. Factory tours show the complete process from raw fiber to finished garments. Prices are lowest before winter export season, and you'll find the widest selection of colors and styles. Cool weather makes trying on cashmere coats practical.

Booking Tip: Factory visits are typically free but call 1-2 days ahead. Major factories like Gobi and Mongolian Pride offer English tours 10am-4pm weekdays. Expect to spend ₮200,000-800,000 (US$75-300) for quality pieces. Current shopping tours listed in booking section below.

Bogd Khan Mountain Sacred Site Hiking

October provides the only comfortable weather for climbing to the sacred ovoo cairns at 2,256 m (7,402 ft) elevation. The mountain's autumn colors are extraordinary, and clear skies offer panoramic views of the entire capital valley. Traditional ceremonies still occur at mountaintop shrines during October's auspicious dates. Snow hasn't yet made high-altitude trails dangerous.

Booking Tip: Guided spiritual hikes cost ₮50,000-80,000 (US$19-30) and require moderate fitness for 4-6 hour round trip. Book with local guides who know sacred sites and customs 3-5 days ahead. Start by 9am to avoid afternoon weather changes. Current mountain tours in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Early to Mid October

Овсны Баяр (Mongolian Harvest Festival)

Traditional celebration when families gather sea buckthorn berries and prepare winter food supplies. Experience authentic customs like making aaruul (dried curds) and learning traditional food preservation. Local families welcome visitors to join berry gathering expeditions in nearby hills.

Mid October

Cashmere Festival

Annual celebration of Mongolia's cashmere industry with fashion shows, factory tours, and cultural performances. Features traditional herding competitions and demonstrations of goat combing techniques. Best opportunity to purchase directly from producers at festival prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - essential for early morning and evening activities when temperatures drop rapidly

Merino wool base layers - cotton becomes dangerous when wet from snow flurries, wool maintains warmth even if damp

Wind-resistant outer shell jacket - Mongolian winds can make 5°C (41°F) feel like -5°C (23°F) with wind chill

Warm hat covering ears - most body heat lost through head, critical during sunrise/sunset photography sessions

Thick wool socks and sock liners - prevents blisters during long hiking days and keeps feet warm in unheated vehicles

UV sunglasses - snow glare and thin atmosphere at 1,350 m (4,429 ft) elevation creates intense UV reflection

Hand warmers - disposable heat packs essential for photography and outdoor activities lasting more than 2 hours

Thermal underwear for sleeping - ger accommodations may not provide adequate heating below -5°C (23°F)

Waterproof gloves - not for rain but for handling metal objects and camera equipment in freezing temperatures

Portable battery pack - cold weather drains phone/camera batteries 50% faster than normal

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat more dairy and meat in October to build body fat for winter - try traditional autumn foods like борцог (fried dough) and extra-thick суутэй цай (milk tea) that aren't available in summer

Book domestic flights early morning (7-9am) - afternoon thermal currents and sudden weather changes can delay flights to countryside destinations after 2pm

Mongolian families burn dried animal dung for heating starting in October - the smell is normal and not a sign of poor accommodation, it's traditional fuel that provides steady, long-lasting heat

Currency exchange rates are most favorable in October before winter import season drives up prices - exchange money early in your trip for better rates on cashmere and souvenirs

Avoid These Mistakes

Bringing only cotton clothing - cotton kills in Mongolian weather when it gets wet from snow or sweat, always choose wool or synthetic materials

Planning outdoor activities after 4pm - sunset comes quickly and temperatures drop 10-15°C (18-27°F) within two hours, leaving tourists dangerously underdressed

Assuming all ger camps stay open through October - many close October 15th without warning, confirm accommodation availability 48 hours before arrival