Ulaanbaatar
Capital of Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and has a population of about 1.5 million as of 2019. Visitors travel here to explore prominent local landmarks such as Sükhbaatar Square and the Gandantegchinlen Monastery.
What to see
The city features several key cultural and historical locations. Central gathering points include Sükhbaatar Square and the Mongolian National Broadcaster. Architectural and spiritual sights comprise Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Choijin Lama Temple, and Zaisan Memorial.
When to go
The warmest months are June, July, and August, with daily highs ranging from 20 °C to 23 °C and lows from 8 °C to 12 °C, though these months also experience the highest rainfall, peaking in July with 60 mm of rain over about 16 days. Winter months are severely cold, with January daily highs dropping to -13 °C and lows down to -26 °C.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located 31 km away in Ulaanbaatar (Sergelen).
Top sights in Ulaanbaatar
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 23 °C. The wettest is July, with about 60 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -13 | -8 | -1 | 8 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 21 | 15 | 6 | -4 | -11 |
| Average low, °C | -26 | -23 | -15 | -5 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 9 | 2 | -5 | -16 | -22 |
| Rainfall, mm | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 17 | 39 | 60 | 59 | 24 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| Rainy days | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Ulaanbaatar (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Chinggis Khaan National Museum
- Mongolian Natural History Museum
- National Museum of Mongolia
- Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan