Mongolia in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Mongolia in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulaanbaatar | -16° | -29° | 2 mm | low | Freezing |
| Erdenet | -14° | -28° | 2 mm | low | Freezing |
| Darkhan (city) | -19° | -31° | 3 mm | low | Freezing |
| Choibalsan (city) | -15° | -26° | 2 mm | low | Freezing |
| Bayankhongor | -12° | -24° | 3 mm | low | Freezing |
| Ulaangom | -26° | -36° | 3 mm | low | Freezing |
| Khovd (city) | -17° | -30° | 1 mm | low | Freezing |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
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.