January is in the middle of Mongolia's long, bitter winter with very low temperatures-especially in Ulaanbaatar and northern regions. Travel in remote areas can be difficult due to extreme cold, but winter festivals and unique landscapes are accessible with proper preparation. Road and transport services may run to limited schedules.
SeasonLow SeasonTemperature -30 to -10°C (-22 to 14°F)Crowds LowPrices Low
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in January
CityLow / highRain
Ulaanbaatar
Freezing
-29°-16° 2 mm
Erdenet
Freezing
-28°-14° 2 mm
Darkhan
Freezing
-31°-19° 3 mm
Choibalsan
Freezing
-26°-15° 2 mm
Bayankhongor
Freezing
-24°-12° 3 mm
Ulaangom
Freezing
-36°-26° 3 mm
Khovd
Freezing
-30°-17° 1 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Mongolia in January.
Where to Go in Mongolia in January
Ulaanbaatar and the Central Highlands
Biting Siberian cold dominates the city through deep January nights, with temperatures often plunging below −20 to −30°C; wind chill can make it feel even colder. Ulaanbaatar’s coal-fired ger district heating creates intense winter smog that reduces visibility and aggravates lungs-carry an N95 if you’re sensitive. Daylight is short so sightseeing is limited to museums, the Gandan Monastery and indoor cafés; bring a heavy down parka, insulated boots and chemical hand warmers.
The Gobi Desert and Southern Sands
Dalanzadgad, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag
Midwinter nights in January can be bitter under a crystalline sky-temperatures often fall below −20°C in the Gobi’s basins-while days are cold and dry. Desert air is razor-dry and the region is remarkably quiet; many visitor camps close and road travel is slow because of frozen switches. If you must travel, prepare for snow-adapted road crews, expect little services, and pack a warm sleeping bag rated well below freezing.
Western Mongolia and the Altai Mountains
Bayan-Ölgii, Khovd, Altai Tavan Bogd
January is deep winter in the Altai: mountain passes and high plateaus are buried in snow and temperatures commonly fall below −30°C in sheltered valleys of Bayan-Ölgii. Road access to remoter valleys is often cut and many villages hunker down with dried meat and yak butter tea; travel is possible only with specialised winter operators. If you’re drawn by eagle-hunting culture in winter, expect local festivals to be smaller and the weather brutally cold.
Lake Khövsgöl and Northern Taiga
Khatgal, Murun, Khovsgol National Park
January freezes Lake Khövsgöl solid and seals the taiga in silence; temperatures often dip below −30°C and the lake forms a thick, walkable ice sheet used by local transport. Winter routes require snowmobiles or skis and many remote camps close, though hardy operators run ice-fishing, reindeer and winter-lake treks. Travelers should carry very warm layers, and be aware that strong winds off the frozen lake can make daytime temperatures feel much colder.
Eastern Steppe and Dornod Grasslands
Choibalsan, Onon River, Mongol Daguur
January places the eastern steppe under a hard cold with strong, dry winds and frequent clear skies; temperatures often fall well below −20°C. Choibalsan and Dornod settlements have functioning year-round services, but roads to remote conservation areas can be slick and icy. Winter is quiet and culturally interesting-bring heavy insulating layers and expect stark, open landscapes with very long shadows.
Events & Festivals in January
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Mongolian Lunar New Year is a major holiday celebrated across the country, typically falling in January or February depending on the lunar calendar.
Planning a trip to Mongolia?
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
