Mongolia in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Mongolia

26°C (78°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak green season - The steppes are at their most lush and busy, with wildflowers blooming across endless grasslands that are brown and barren most other months
Perfect herding season - Witness traditional nomadic life at its most active as families move livestock to summer pastures, with mare's milk (airag) production at its peak
Ideal camping weather - Warm days 26°C (78°F) and cool nights 20°C (68°F) create perfect conditions for ger stays and outdoor adventures without extreme temperatures
Naadam aftermath experiences - While the main festival ends in mid-July, August offers smaller regional nadaams and continued horse training activities across the countryside

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon storms - Sudden thunderstorms with lightning can appear within 20-30 minutes, making horseback riding and hiking potentially dangerous without proper planning
Muddy rural roads - The 51mm (2.0 inches) of rainfall turns dirt roads into treacherous mud tracks, significantly slowing travel times to remote destinations by 2-3 hours
Peak mosquito and tick season - Blood-sucking insects are at their worst in August, requiring constant vigilance and proper clothing in grassland areas

Best Activities in August

Gobi Desert Camel Trekking

August offers the most comfortable Gobi temperatures of the year, with daytime highs around 30°C (86°F) instead of the brutal 40°C+ (104°F+) of summer peak. The rare August rains create temporary oases and the chance to see the desert bloom - a phenomenon that occurs maybe 3-4 times per decade. Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes) are perfect for sunrise and sunset climbs.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as August is peak season for comfortable desert travel. Expect to pay ₮450,000-650,000 ($160-230) for 3-day trips. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and experience with sudden weather changes. See current tours in the booking section below.

Central Mongolia Horseback Adventures

August is when Mongolian horses are in peak condition after months of summer grazing. The grasslands are lush and green (impossible to experience October-May), and you'll witness authentic nomadic life during the busy herding season. However, afternoon thunderstorms require flexible scheduling - most riding happens 7-11am and 4-7pm.

Booking Tip: Book through operators offering storm shelters and flexible itineraries. Typical costs ₮380,000-580,000 ($135-205) for 2-3 day experiences. Avoid operators without weather contingency plans. Current options available in booking section below.

Lake Khövsgöl Kayaking and Camping

Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl' reaches its warmest water temperatures in August - around 18°C (64°F) - making it actually swimmable for brave souls. The 70km (43 miles) long lake offers excellent kayaking conditions with minimal wind in early morning hours. August is the only month when lakeside camping is comfortable without extreme weather gear.

Booking Tip: Reserve lakeside ger camps 4-6 weeks ahead for August. Kayak rentals typically ₮45,000-65,000 ($16-23) per day. Book morning slots (6-10am) before afternoon storms develop. See current lake tour options below.

Altai Mountains Eagle Hunter Experiences

While golden eagles aren't hunting in August, this is when Kazakh families train young eagles and prepare for hunting season. You'll experience authentic nomadic culture at 2,500m (8,200ft) elevation where August temperatures are perfect for hiking and horseback riding. The mountain meadows are filled with edelweiss and other alpine flowers impossible to see other seasons.

Booking Tip: Flights to Bayan-Ölgii book up 6-8 weeks ahead for August. Expect ₮850,000-1,200,000 ($300-425) for 4-day experiences including domestic flights. Essential to book with operators who have established relationships with specific Kazakh families. Current Altai tours in booking section.

Ulaanbaatar Cultural look ats

August is perfect for exploring the capital without winter's brutal -30°C (-22°F) temperatures or summer's extreme heat. The city's museums, monasteries, and markets are all accessible, and afternoon thunderstorms provide natural air conditioning. This is peak season for traditional music performances and cultural shows at venues like the State Yerevan.

Booking Tip: City tours typically ₮85,000-120,000 ($30-42) per day. Book cultural performances 2-3 weeks ahead as August sees increased tourism. Look for operators offering indoor backup activities during afternoon storms. See current Ulaanbaatar experiences below.

Orkhon Valley UNESCO Site Exploration

The ancient capital region comes alive in August with green grasslands surrounding 1,300-year-old ruins. The Orkhon River is at perfect levels for mild rafting, and the 20m (65ft) Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall is at maximum flow from summer rains. August offers the rare combination of historical sites, natural beauty, and comfortable camping weather in one location.

Booking Tip: Valley tours typically ₮320,000-480,000 ($113-170) for 2-day trips. Book operators with archaeological expertise and weather-resistant camping gear. Road conditions can change rapidly with rain - ensure 4WD vehicles. Current valley tours available below.

August Events & Festivals

Early to Mid August

Regional Naadam Festivals

While the main Naadam ends in July, August features smaller regional celebrations across Mongolia's 21 provinces. These offer more intimate experiences with traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing without Ulaanbaatar's massive crowds.

Throughout August

Airag (Mare's Milk) Season Peak

August is the traditional peak of fermented mare's milk production. Nomadic families across the country welcome visitors to experience this central part of Mongolian culture, with the strongest and most flavorful airag of the year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation - August mud and rocky terrain demand ankle support and grip

Quick-dry pants and long sleeves - Essential for 70% humidity plus protection from mosquitoes and ticks in grasslands

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index of 8 at 1,500m (4,921ft) elevation creates intense sun exposure even on cloudy days

Compact umbrella or poncho - Afternoon storms develop rapidly with little warning, lasting 20-30 minutes with heavy downpours

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - August mosquitoes and ticks are relentless in grassland areas, especially dawn and dusk

Layers for 6°C (11°F) temperature swings - 26°C (78°F) days dropping to 20°C (68°F) nights require flexible clothing options

Power bank (20,000mAh+) - Limited electricity in remote areas and cold nights drain batteries faster than expected

Cash in Mongolian Tugrik - Rural areas have zero card acceptance, budget ₮15,000-25,000 ($5-9) daily for basic purchases

Quality sleeping bag rated to 15°C (59°F) - Even summer ger camps can get surprisingly cold during thunderstorms

First aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication - Dairy-heavy nomadic diet and fermented mare's milk can upset unaccustomed stomachs

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights 8+ weeks ahead - MIAT Mongolian Airlines has limited August capacity to regional destinations like Bayan-Ölgii, with prices doubling closer to travel dates

Carry glucose tablets or candy - High altitude activities combined with irregular meal times in remote areas can cause dangerous blood sugar drops, especially for non-meat eaters

Learn basic Mongolian storm vocabulary - 'Аянга' (ayanga) means thunder, 'Борoo' (boroo) means rain. Locals take lightning seriously and will insist you shelter immediately

Always travel with spare fuel - August mud can double driving times, and fuel stations are 200-300km (124-186 miles) apart on major routes, nonexistent on back roads

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon storm severity - Tourists often continue hiking when locals seek shelter, risking lightning strikes on exposed grasslands and mountains

Packing only summer clothes - August nights drop to 20°C (68°F) and thunderstorms can make it feel much colder, especially in gers without heating

Not carrying enough cash - ATMs exist only in major towns, and rural experiences require cash payments in Mongolian Tugrik for everything from meals to horse rentals