Tolbo Lake Lake
High-altitude salt lake in western Mongolia
In western Mongolia, Tolbo Lake (Tolbo Nuur) offers stark steppe scenery, clear water and remote camping; visitors come for birdwatching, fishing and overland routes through Bayan-Ölgii Province.
Tolbo Lake at a Glance#
Tips for Visiting Tolbo Lake#
- Plan Tolbo Lake visits for mid-summer (July-August) when the road access from Ölgii and weather are most reliable, and expect a multi-day 4x4 route rather than easy day trips-book a local driver/guide familiar with the tracks.
- Stay with a lakeside yurt camp or local homestay to see sunrise/sunset reflections on the water and to access grazing and nomadic communities nearby-guides can also connect you with Kazakh eagle-hunting groups in Bayan-Ölgii Province.
Best Time to Visit Tolbo Lake#
The short summer months (June-August) are the best time to visit Tolbo Lake when access and weather are most favourable.
Weather & Climate near Tolbo Lake#
Tolbo Lake's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -25°C to 19°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -24°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 35 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.