Mongolia in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Mongolia
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Crystal clear skies with exceptional visibility - perfect for photographing snow-capped mountains and vast steppes without summer haze
- Lowest tourist numbers of the year mean authentic interactions with herder families and access to ger camps without crowds
- Traditional winter activities peak in March - witness ice fishing on frozen rivers, horse sledding, and authentic nomad winter survival practices
- Hotel and tour prices drop 40-60% compared to summer peak season, with luxury ger camps offering winter packages at ¥15,000-25,000 ($2,100-3,500) per night
Considerations
- Extreme cold makes outdoor activities challenging - temperatures can feel like -35°C (-31°F) with wind chill, limiting sightseeing to 2-3 hours at a time
- Many remote ger camps and tourist facilities remain closed until May, restricting access to popular areas like Khövsgöl Lake's northern shores
- Domestic flight delays are common due to weather conditions, with 30-40% of flights to regional airports experiencing delays or cancellations
Best Activities in March
Terelj National Park Winter Trekking
March offers the best winter hiking conditions with stable snow cover and clear visibility up to 50 km (31 miles). The iconic Turtle Rock and Meditation Temple are dramatically beautiful covered in snow, and you can witness traditional winter herding practices. Temperatures are manageable for 3-4 hour treks with proper gear.
Khövsgöl Ice Festival Activities
The frozen lake becomes a playground for ice skating, ice fishing, and traditional Mongolian winter sports. Lake ice reaches 1.2 m (4 ft) thick by March, safe for walking and horse riding. Local Tsaatan reindeer herders bring their herds down from the mountains specifically in March.
Ulaanbaatar Winter Culture Tours
March is ideal for exploring the capital's indoor attractions - the Banjul, Gandan Monastery's heated halls, and traditional cashmere workshops. Local families host authentic hot pot dinners and demonstrate traditional winter clothing making. The city's heating systems work efficiently, making museum-hopping comfortable.
Gobi Desert Winter Photography Expeditions
March provides unique contrast photography opportunities with snow-dusted sand dunes and ice formations in the desert. The famous Flaming Cliffs appear more dramatic against winter skies, and Bactrian camels grow their thickest winter coats. Clear, dry air creates exceptional long-distance visibility.
Traditional Ger Stay Winter Immersion
March offers authentic nomadic winter lifestyle experiences impossible during tourist season. Herder families welcome visitors to help with winter animal care, learn traditional felt making, and share hearty mutton stews. The contrast between harsh outside conditions and warm ger interiors creates memorable cultural immersion.
March Events & Festivals
Camel Festival Preparation Activities
While the main festival occurs in February, March features post-festival celebrations and training sessions for next year's competitions. Witness traditional camel training techniques and participate in smaller, more intimate gatherings with Gobi herders.
Spring Migration Preparation Ceremonies
Nomadic families perform traditional rituals preparing for spring migration routes. These private ceremonies involve blessing animals, repairing equipment, and community gatherings that tourists rarely witness during busy summer months.