Mongolia in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Mongolia

20°C (69°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildflower season transforms the steppes into carpets of blue lupins, red poppies, and yellow buttercups - the most photogenic month of the year
Ideal temperatures for horseback riding and hiking: 15-20°C (59-68°F) daytime highs with minimal extreme weather
Baby animals season: foals, calves, and lambs are born, making ger visits especially rewarding for families
Clear mountain air and excellent visibility for photography - dust storms are rare compared to summer months

Considerations

Highly unpredictable weather with temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) in a single day - mornings can be 5°C (41°F) while afternoons reach 20°C (68°F)
Mud season on unpaved roads after rain makes remote ger camps harder to reach - 4WD essential for many locations
Peak tourist booking season for summer trips means June-August tours fill up and prices increase 20-30% if you wait

Best Activities in May

Gobi Desert Camel Trekking

May offers perfect temperatures for multi-day camel expeditions before summer heat becomes unbearable. Daytime temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) are ideal for walking alongside camels, while nights remain comfortable in traditional gers. Spring water sources are full, making longer treks feasible. The Khongoryn Els singing dunes are spectacular without the harsh summer winds.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead as the best camel guides get reserved early. Multi-day trips typically cost $180-250 per day including meals and accommodation. Look for operators providing quality sleeping bags rated for 0°C (32°F) as nights can still be cold. See current Gobi tour options in the booking section below.

Khuvsgul Lake Horseback Adventures

Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl' is at its most beautiful in May with crystal-clear water reflecting snow-capped mountains. The Tsaatan reindeer herders are still in their winter camps, offering rare cultural encounters before they migrate deeper into the taiga. Lake ice has melted but tourist crowds haven't arrived. Perfect weather for multi-day rides around the 136 km (85 mile) shoreline.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead as experienced horse guides are limited. Expect to pay $120-180 per day for guided rides with ger accommodation. Ensure your operator provides horses suitable for beginners if needed. Current lake tour options are available in the booking section below.

Orkhon Valley Cultural Immersion

UNESCO World Heritage valley is perfect for combining horseback riding with cultural experiences. May timing allows you to participate in spring livestock activities - helping with newborn animals, moving herds to summer pastures, and learning traditional herding skills. The ancient Karakorum ruins are accessible without summer dust, and Orkhon Falls run strong with snowmelt.

Booking Tip: Book through operators offering genuine homestays rather than tourist ger camps for real feels. Expect $100-150 per day including meals and activities. Multi-day packages offer better value and deeper cultural connection. See current valley tours in booking section below.

Altai Mountains Eagle Hunter Experiences

Late May is the final opportunity to meet traditional Kazakh eagle hunters before they release their birds for summer. Snow has melted from lower valleys making camps accessible, but high-altitude hunting grounds retain their dramatic snow-capped beauty. This is shoulder season before peak summer trekking, offering more intimate experiences with hunter families.

Booking Tip: Western Mongolia requires 5-7 days minimum due to distance. Costs range $200-300 per day including flights to Bayan-Olgii. Book 6-8 weeks ahead as there are limited English-speaking guides in the region. 4WD transport and experienced drivers are essential. Current Altai tours available in booking section below.

Terelj National Park Wildlife Photography

Just 70 km (43 miles) from Ulaanbaatar, Terelj offers easy access to Mongolia's spring wildlife awakening. May is prime time for photographing marmots emerging from hibernation, migratory birds arriving, and wildflowers blooming against granite formations. The famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple are crowd-free compared to summer months.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $60-90 including transport from UB. For serious photography, book 2-3 day packages ($120-160 per day) allowing early morning and late afternoon golden light sessions. Local drivers know best wildlife spotting locations. See current Terelj tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Naadam Festival Training Camps

May offers unique opportunities to visit training camps where wrestlers, archers, and horse racers prepare for summer Naadam festivals. Young jockeys (ages 5-13) practice on the steppes, and you can witness traditional wrestling techniques passed down through generations. Much more authentic than the main July festival crowds.

Booking Tip: These experiences must be arranged through specialized cultural tour operators familiar with training schedules. Costs vary widely ($80-200 per day) depending on access level and group size. Book 4-6 weeks ahead as this requires coordination with sports clubs. Current cultural tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Spring Livestock Birthing Season

Throughout May, nomadic families welcome newborn foals, calves, and lambs. Visitors can participate in daily herding activities, learn traditional animal care techniques, and witness the deep bond between Mongolians and their livestock. This is cultural immersion at its most authentic.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential: temperatures swing 15°C (27°F) daily, so pack thermal base layers, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell

Insulated sleeping bag rated to -5°C (23°F) even for ger stays - May nights can drop unexpectedly low

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - spring snowmelt creates muddy conditions on trails up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft) elevation

UV protection critical: SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - UV index reaches 8 at altitude with snow reflection

Merino wool socks and underwear (avoid cotton) - maintains warmth when wet from sudden weather changes

Packable down jacket for evening ger visits - indoor temperatures can be 10°C (18°F) lower than outside

Waterproof pants for horseback riding - morning dew on grass will soak through regular pants within 30 minutes

Buff or neck gaiter for dust protection during windy days - spring winds can be harsh on the steppes

Power bank capacity 20,000+ mAh - cold temperatures drain batteries faster, and ger camps may have limited charging

Cash in small Mongolian tugrik bills - many herder families cannot break large denominations for handicraft purchases

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights within Mongolia 2-3 months ahead - MIAT Mongolian Airlines has limited May schedules and weather delays are common

Carry glucose tablets or energy bars - high altitude and cold temperatures increase caloric needs by 15-20% daily

Learn basic Mongolian greetings: 'Sain baina uu' (hello) opens doors with herder families who see few foreign visitors in May

Avoid the first week of May when locals celebrate Worker's Day holidays - popular tourist sites can be crowded with domestic travelers

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather based on average temperatures - May's daily temperature swings catch tourists unprepared

Booking ger camps too close to Ulaanbaatar thinking they're authentic - genuine nomadic experiences require 3+ hours drive from the capital

Expecting reliable internet connectivity - even 4G coverage is spotty beyond 100 km (62 miles) from major towns in May weather