Mongolia in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Mongolia

29°C (84°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer temperatures of 20-29°C (68-84°F) make horseback riding and camping comfortable without extreme heat - you can ride for 6-8 hours daily without overheating
Wildflowers transform the steppes into carpets of color - edelweiss, purple larkspur, and yellow buttercups bloom only in July, creating Mongolia's most photogenic landscapes
Naadam Festival (July 11-13, 2025) offers authentic cultural immersion with traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing - the only time to see all three sports together
Rivers and lakes reach their warmest temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F), making swimming and fishing actually pleasant rather than the bone-chilling experience of other months

Considerations

Tourist season peaks with 60% higher accommodation prices and ger camps booking out 2-3 months in advance, especially around Naadam dates
Afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days create muddy roads that can trap vehicles for hours - 4WD becomes essential rather than recommended
Mosquitoes and biting flies are most active, particularly around water sources and in the evenings from 6-9pm, requiring constant repellent application

Best Activities in July

Gobi Desert Camel Trekking

July's warm nights (15-20°C/59-68°F) make desert camping comfortable without freezing temperatures. Clear skies offer incredible stargazing, and the Flaming Cliffs are accessible via dried riverbeds that are impassable during spring floods. Bactrian camels are in peak condition after spring birthing season.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead through licensed operators offering insurance coverage. Multi-day treks typically cost $180-250 USD per day including meals and camping gear. Look for operators providing both Mongolian and English-speaking guides.

Khövsgöl Lake Horseback Adventures

Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl' reaches its warmest swimming temperature of 18-22°C (64-72°F) in July. Wildflower meadows surrounding the lake are in full bloom, and Tsaatan reindeer herders move to summer pastures accessible only in warm months. 12+ hours of daylight maximize riding time.

Booking Tip: Reserve 8-10 weeks ahead as accommodations are extremely limited. Expect $120-180 USD per day for horseback tours with ger camp stays. Verify operators provide experienced horses suitable for multi-day treks.

Traditional Naadam Festival Experiences

July 11-13, 2025 marks Mongolia's most important cultural celebration. Beyond Ulaanbaatar's main event, attend authentic local naadams in Kharkhorin or Tsetserleg where tourist crowds thin out. Witness child jockey races covering 15-30 km (9-19 miles) and traditional wrestling with no time limits.

Booking Tip: Book festival packages 3-4 months ahead, costing $80-150 USD per day including transportation and ceremony access. Local naadams offer better photography opportunities and cultural immersion than the capital's crowded main event.

Altai Mountains Eagle Hunter Visits

July's accessible mountain passes at 2,500-3,000m (8,200-9,800 ft) allow visits to Kazakh eagle hunters in summer camps. Young eagles born in spring are being trained, and herders move to high alpine pastures with impressive wildflower displays. Roads are passable without extreme weather delays.

Booking Tip: Arrange through specialized operators 6-8 weeks ahead, typically $200-300 USD per day including 4WD transport and translator. Confirm eagle hunter families are actually in residence during your travel dates.

Orkhon Valley Nomadic Homestays

UNESCO World Heritage valley comes alive in July with lush grasslands perfect for learning traditional herding. Families welcome guests for real feels including mare milking for airag, felt making, and sheep shearing. Comfortable temperatures make outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Book community-based tourism programs 4-6 weeks ahead, ranging $40-80 USD per day including meals and accommodation in traditional gers. Look for programs offering translation services and cultural activity instruction.

Terelj National Park Adventure Activities

Located 70 km (43 miles) from Ulaanbaatar, July offers perfect weather for rock climbing at Turtle Rock, hiking to Ariyabal Meditation Temple, and river activities. The park's accessibility makes it ideal for acclimatization before heading to remote regions, with temperatures perfect for outdoor adventure.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $60-100 USD including transport from Ulaanbaatar. Multi-day ger camps range $80-150 USD per night. Book adventure activities through operators offering proper climbing and safety equipment.

July Events & Festivals

July 11-13

Naadam Festival

Mongolia's premier cultural celebration featuring the 'Three Manly Sports' - wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The main festival in Ulaanbaatar draws international crowds, but regional celebrations offer more real feels with local families competing in traditional dress.

Mid July

Khövsgöl Ice Festival Summer Edition

Lake-focused cultural events featuring Mongolian traditional music, Tsaatan reindeer herder demonstrations, and shamanic ceremonies. Unlike the winter ice festival, summer events include boat races and swimming competitions in the world's 14th largest freshwater lake.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 9°C (16°F) daily, requiring t-shirts for midday heat and fleece jackets for evening temperatures around 20°C (68°F)

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640+ ft) elevation changes - rocky terrain and stream crossings are unavoidable in most destinations

High-quality rain jacket and pants - July thunderstorms are intense but brief, lasting 20-40 minutes with heavy downpours that soak through light rain gear

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 at high altitudes with intense reflection off grasslands and water

DEET-based insect repellent (25-30% concentration) - mosquitoes peak in July evenings, and traditional herbal repellents are insufficient against Mongolian varieties

Sleeping bag rated to 5°C (41°F) minimum - even summer nights can drop unexpectedly, and ger heating may be inconsistent in remote locations

Portable water purification tablets or UV sterilizer - rural water sources require treatment, and bottled water availability decreases dramatically outside Ulaanbaatar

Cash in small denominations (Mongolian Tugrik) - ATMs exist only in major towns, and rural services operate on cash-only basis with limited change-making ability

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages are common in rural areas, and early morning activities begin before 5:30am sunrise

Lightweight cotton bandana or neck gaiter - dust protection essential during horseback riding and desert travel, plus useful for multiple outdoor situations

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights within Mongolia 6-8 weeks ahead - MIAT Mongolian Airlines has limited July capacity and prices double closer to travel dates, particularly for routes to western provinces

Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere - rural Mongolia has pit toilets or no facilities, and even established ger camps may run short on supplies during peak season

Learn basic Mongolian greetings like 'Sain baina uu' (hello) - rural herders speak little English, and showing language effort dramatically improves cultural interactions and hospitality

Expect 4-6 hour drives between destinations to take 8-10 hours in July - afternoon thunderstorms create muddy conditions requiring frequent stops and route changes

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothing without warm layers - even July nights drop to 20°C (68°F), and mountain areas can be 10°C (18°F) cooler than valleys

Booking accommodation only in Ulaanbaatar - July requires advance booking throughout the country, and assuming rural availability leads to sleeping in vehicles or unsuitable conditions

Expecting Western-style bathrooms and consistent hot water - even luxury ger camps have shared facilities and solar-heated water that runs out during peak usage times