Mongolia in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Mongolia

27°C (80°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak grassland season - the steppes are emerald green and wildflowers bloom across 156 million hectares (385 million acres), creating the iconic Mongolia travelers dream of
Perfect ger camping weather with comfortable 20-27°C (68-80°F) days and cool nights that make sleeping under stars ideal without winter's -30°C (-22°F) brutality
Naadam Festival season begins - local competitions start early June leading to the National Naadam on July 11-13, with better prices and smaller crowds at regional festivals
Mare's milk season peaks - fresh airag (fermented mare's milk) is at its best quality, and nomadic families are most welcoming as livestock are healthy and abundant

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days, often violent with hail and lightning, making Gobi Desert drives dangerous between 2-6 PM daily
Peak tourist pricing begins - accommodation costs jump 40-60% from May levels, and popular ger camps book solid requiring reservations 6+ weeks ahead
Mosquitoes and biting flies emerge in northern regions near lakes, making dawn and dusk particularly challenging without proper repellent and protective clothing

Best Activities in June

Gobi Desert Photography Expeditions

June offers the year's most dramatic desert photography with green oasis contrasts and massive thunderstorm cloudscapes. The Khongoryn Els singing dunes reach perfect climbing temperature before the July heat becomes unbearable. Morning golden hour starts at 5:30 AM with crystal clear visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles).

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead through established operators offering 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers familiar with sudden weather changes. Expect to pay $180-250 USD per day including vehicle, driver, and fuel. Avoid afternoon departures due to storm risk - morning starts are essential.

Khuvsgul Lake Horseback Adventures

The 'Blue Pearl' of Mongolia is surrounded by lush green meadows only in June-July, before August's brown dormancy begins. Water temperature reaches swimmable 18°C (64°F) for the first time since September. Tsaatan reindeer herders are accessible via 6-8 hour horseback rides through pristine taiga forests.

Booking Tip: Reserve through Murun-based operators 3-4 weeks ahead, typically $120-180 USD per day including horse, guide, and basic meals. Multi-day trips require camping gear rated for 5°C (41°F) night temperatures. Check current Tsaatan family locations through local guides.

Orkhon Valley Nomadic Family Stays

UNESCO World Heritage valley comes alive in June as nomadic families move to summer pastures. This is peak season for witnessing traditional life - sheep shearing, airag production, and foal training. The Orkhon Waterfall runs at maximum volume from spring melt, creating spectacular 20 m (66 ft) cascades.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism networks, typically $40-60 USD per person per day including meals and ger accommodation. Book minimum 2 weeks ahead as the most hospitable families have limited space. Bring gifts like tea, sugar, or children's books.

Ulaanbaatar Cultural Walking Tours

June's long daylight (sunrise 5:20 AM, sunset 9:20 PM) maximizes city exploration time. Gandan Monastery's morning ceremonies at 9 AM showcase active Buddhist practice. The new Central Tower observation deck offers 360-degree views, while Narantuul 'Black Market' operates in comfortable weather ideal for bargaining.

Booking Tip: Book local guides through established cultural centers, typically $60-90 USD for half-day private tours. English-speaking guides require 1-2 weeks advance booking. Combine with traditional throat singing performances at State Yerevan for evening entertainment.

Terelj National Park Rock Climbing

Granite formations offer world-class climbing just 70 km (43 miles) from Ulaanbaatar. June provides perfect grip conditions - not too hot, not icy like winter months. The famous Turtle Rock area has routes from beginner to expert level, with impressive wildflower meadows below providing soft landing zones.

Booking Tip: Local climbing guides charge $80-120 USD per day including equipment and transport from UB. Book through adventure tour companies 10-14 days ahead. Afternoon thunderstorms make morning climbing essential - plan 6 AM starts for safety.

Altai Tavan Bogd Trekking Expeditions

Mongolia's highest peaks are accessible only June-September, with June offering the most stable weather before July's tourist crowds. Potanin Glacier and ancient petroglyphs require 5-7 day treks through pristine wilderness. Kazakh eagle hunters maintain summer camps, demonstrating traditional hunting techniques.

Booking Tip: Specialized operators charge $200-300 USD per day including guides, permits, and camp equipment. Book 6+ weeks ahead as permits take time to process. Requires good fitness - daily treks cover 15-20 km (9-12 miles) at 3000+ m (9800+ ft) altitude.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June, varies by aimag (province)

Regional Naadam Festivals

Local communities hold traditional Naadam competitions throughout June, featuring the 'three manly sports' - wrestling, archery, and horse racing. These smaller festivals offer intimate cultural experiences without the crowds and commercialization of the National Naadam. Prizes include livestock and traditional items rather than cash.

Mid to Late June

Airag Festival Season

Nomadic families celebrate the peak of mare's milk production with informal gatherings featuring fresh airag tasting, traditional games, and horse blessing ceremonies. Each family's airag has distinct flavors based on local grasses and fermentation techniques passed down through generations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for wet conditions - afternoon storms create muddy terrain and river crossings can be necessary

Layered clothing system: T-shirts for 27°C (80°F) days, fleece for 20°C (68°F) nights, and waterproof shell for sudden temperature drops during storms

High-factor sunscreen SPF 50+ and glacier glasses - UV reflection off grasslands at 1500 m (4900 ft) altitude causes severe burns

DEET-based insect repellent (30%+ concentration) plus permethrin-treated clothing for northern lake regions where mosquitoes swarm at dawn and dusk

Portable charger/power bank - many ger camps have limited electricity, usually 2-4 hours evening generator time only

Quick-dry towel and wet wipes - shower facilities are limited outside Ulaanbaatar, and dust from dirt roads requires daily cleaning

Cash in small denominations (1000, 5000 MNT notes) - credit cards work only in UB, rural areas operate on cash economy

Headlamp with red filter - summer nights are short but ger camps have no outdoor lighting, and red light preserves night vision for stargazing

Sturdy daypack (30-40L capacity) for horseback riding and day hikes - cheap bags break quickly on rough terrain

Personal first aid kit including altitude sickness medication - nearest medical facilities can be 200+ km (124+ miles) away in remote areas

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities between 2-6 PM during storm season - schedule driving and hiking for early morning (5-11 AM) when roads are safest and visibility best

June is peak season for gers (yurts) availability as nomadic families have moved to summer camps and welcome visitors - but book through local contacts, not just tour companies, for real feels

Fresh dairy products are safest in June when livestock are healthiest - this is the only time of year to safely try homemade cheese, yogurt, and airag without significant stomach risk

Ulaanbaatar's air pollution drops dramatically in June as heating season ends - this is the best time to explore the city on foot and visit outdoor markets without respiratory issues

Avoid These Mistakes

Driving in the Gobi after 2 PM - afternoon thunderstorms create flash floods in dry riverbeds and zero visibility conditions that trap vehicles overnight

Booking accommodations less than 4 weeks ahead - June marks the beginning of high season, and quality ger camps fill up quickly, leaving only overpriced or substandard options

Underestimating insect protection in northern regions - Lake Khuvsgul and surrounding areas have aggressive mosquitoes and biting flies that can ruin entire days without proper preparation