Ulan Bator Weather in May

May weather in Ulaanbaatar

May brings a real shift from April: afternoons can feel mild, but nights are still cold. The typical high is 16°C, while lows reach 1°C. Rain falls on about six days, so most days suit a walk around Sukhbaatar Square or a visit to the National Museum of Mongolia.

You'll get long daylight, which leaves time for both city sights and a trip to Gandan Monastery. The weather is less suited to lingering outdoors after dark. For a mountain walk near the city, keep to a shorter route if the cold would spoil your return.

Events and crowds

Ulaanbaatar's International Marathon is usually held in May, though its date can vary. Expect some road closures around the city centre when it takes place. May Day is observed in Mongolia, but it isn't the main holiday season for visitors.

May is a shoulder-season choice: it's before the busier summer period, when Naadam draws visitors in July. You're likely to find fewer tourists than in peak summer, and prices are generally less pressured. June is warmer, but also wetter, so May can work well if you want city sightseeing without summer crowds.

If you hate crowds, May is a good time to explore central sights before the summer rush.

A useful local tip

Pack for both a mild afternoon and a near-freezing evening, especially if you're heading to the Zaisan Memorial for its wide city views. The climb and open viewpoint can feel chilly after sunset. Take a taxi back down rather than relying on a long walk in the cold.

For dinner, try khuushuur, a fried meat pastry sold at local eateries. It's a filling choice after a day outdoors, and easy to find around the city centre.