Mongolia in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Mongolia
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak ice festival season - Harbin Ice Festival extends to Mongolian border regions, with ice sculptures and winter activities at their absolute best
- Clearest skies of the year with 85% sunny days - perfect for photography and stargazing with minimal light pollution interference
- Authentic winter nomad experiences available - herders welcome visitors into heated gers, traditional winter horse training is active, and you can participate in actual winter livestock care
- Lowest tourist numbers create intimate cultural exchanges - locals have more time to share stories, teach traditional crafts, and invite travelers into their daily winter routines
Considerations
- Extreme cold requires serious preparation - temperatures below -15°C (5°F) for 20+ days means frostbite risk is real without proper gear
- Limited daylight hours (9am-5pm) restrict outdoor activities and many remote locations become inaccessible due to snow-blocked roads
- Higher accommodation costs as heating expenses peak - ger camps charge 40-60% more for winter heating, and many budget options close entirely
Best Activities in February
Khuvsgul Lake Winter Festivals
February is the only month when Khuvsgul Lake is completely frozen solid (1m+ thick ice) allowing for ice walking, traditional ice fishing with locals, and participation in the annual Ice Festival. Temperatures create perfect conditions for ice activities while avoiding the harsh January winds. Local Tsaatan reindeer herders descend from mountains specifically during February for trading and cultural exchanges.
Gobi Desert Winter Camel Trekking
February offers the most comfortable Gobi conditions - daytime temperatures reach -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) making camel riding pleasant, while the desert's famous sand dunes are outlined with frost creating spectacular sunrise photography opportunities. Winter is when Bactrian camels grow their thickest coats and are most active. Snow-capped dunes phenomenon occurs only in January-February.
Ulaanbaatar Winter Cultural Immersion
February coincides with Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) preparation period when locals engage in traditional winter crafts, food preparation, and cultural practices. Museums and cultural centers offer indoor workshops on felt making, traditional clothing, and Mongolian calligraphy. Winter theater and music performances showcase traditional epics and are performed in heated venues.
Traditional Winter Horse Training
February is peak training season for Mongolian horses as herders prepare them for spring migrations. Visitors can observe and participate in traditional winter horsemanship techniques including ice-ground training and cold-weather conditioning. This is the only time of year to witness specialized winter riding techniques used for centuries.
Winter Wildlife Photography Expeditions
February offers optimal conditions for photographing snow leopards, argali sheep, and golden eagles against snowy landscapes. Wildlife congregates around water sources and lower elevations due to harsh mountain conditions. Clear skies provide perfect lighting 80% of days, and animals leave distinct tracks in snow making tracking easier.
Hot Springs Winter Wellness Retreats
Mongolia's natural hot springs create dramatic contrast against February's frozen landscape. Springs maintain 38-42°C (100-108°F) year-round while surrounded by snow and ice formations. This creates unique therapeutic experiences combining traditional Mongolian healing practices with natural geothermal therapy. Steam against -15°C (-4°F) air creates mystical atmospheric conditions.
February Events & Festivals
Tsagaan Sar Preparation Period
The month-long preparation for Mongolian Lunar New Year involves traditional food preparation, home blessing ceremonies, and family gathering rituals. Visitors can participate in making traditional foods like buuz and airag, learn ceremonial customs, and witness the spiritual cleansing practices that prepare families for the new year.
Winter Eagle Festival (Regional)
Smaller regional eagle festivals occur in western Mongolia during February as golden eagle hunting season peaks. Unlike the crowded October festivals, February events are intimate gatherings of actual hunters demonstrating traditional techniques in authentic hunting conditions.