Is September a Good Time to Visit Mongolia? 

Definitely yes! September is certainly a good time to visit Mongolia and enjoy its wonderful autumn scenery.

The climate of Mongolia in September is pleasantly cool in the daytime instead of harshly cold, so visitors can go sightseeing joyfully. The autumnal scenery of Mongolia is gorgeous and appealing as well. You will surprisingly find a colorful Mongolia in September when the trees are turning yellow from green and the grassland becoming brown. If it snows, you could see the white mountain peaks reflected on the blue lake around Lake Khovsgol. The magnificent scenery will make your trip unforgettable and worthwhile. 

Mongolia Autumn View

If you plan to visit Mongolia to appreciate its autumn scenery in September 2026, you might be interested in the following destinations and activities.

Best Places to Enjoy Autumn Scenery in Mongolia

Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park is most recommended for visitors to enjoy autumnal scenery in September since it offers wonderful views of grasslands, forests and mountains. You could see glittering trees under sunlight or walk in the golden forest with the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet. Besides, it takes only 2 hours to arrive Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar. Visitors could save their time to visit more scenic spots after appreciating the great natural scenery. 

Lake Khovsgol

Lake Khovsgol located in Northern Mongolia, renowned as the “Blue Pearl of the East”, is a good place to enjoy the golden autumn in Mongolia. In September, the forest surrounding the lake starts to turn yellow, still mixed with hints of green at first and then completely yellow in late September. Here, you can walk along the lake to appreciate the sapphire-like lake and distant golden mountains, sometimes even snow-covered peaks, or you can choose to go hiking in the forest to indulge yourself in the “golden kingdom”.

Golden Lake Khovsgol

Tsaatan Reindeer Tribe

September will be a good time to experience the autumn by visiting Tsaatan Reindeer Tribe since Tsaatan people will migrate to deep mountains in winter. You might find the gentle reindeers wandering in the golden forest like the mythical creature in fairytales. You can also ride them along the lake to appreciate the brilliant autumn picture consisting of peaceful lake, azure sky, white clouds and yellow falling leaves. 

What Should Visitors Wear in September in Mongolia?

Upper body: In early September, T-shirts or long-sleeved ones with denim jackets will be good matches. When it comes to middle and late September, you need to put on your hoodies, sweaters and trench coats when staying outside. But T-shirts or long-sleeved ones are still useful since the heating is supplied usually since September 15 and it will be quite warm indoors. 

Lower body: You had better prepare trousers of two different thickness, like casual jeans for early September and fleece-lined sweatpants for temperature drops and middle and late month. 

Shoes: Comfortable casual shoes are good choices for the whole September, for example sneakers and leather shoes. Except common and breathable socks, you also should prepare thicker ones to deal with the low temperature if you are going outside at night.

Others: Considering the bright sunlight, sunscreen cream and sunglasses remain necessary for visitors. Scarves should be prepared as well to keep your neck warm and prevent the wind. After September 15, the heating will make the air indoors even dryer, so you are suggested to bring hand and facial cream to keep your skin moisturized. 
 

Travel Tips for Mongolia in September

1. Most scenic spots will start to follow the winter time schedule from September 15 on and their closure time will be earlier. Taking Mongolia National Museum as an example, it stops service at 17:00, 3 hours earlier than the previous 20:00. Therefore, be sure to check the specific opening time of every attraction in advance.
2. The natural scenery of September is of large difference. In early September, the grassland and the forest just start to turn yellow, presenting half-green and half-yellow. The completely golden forest and typical autumn scenery will not appear until late September.
3. In the grazing districts, people start to burn coals and cow dungs to keep warm in September, thus causing the air quality to be rather low. Visitors are suggested to wear masks.  

 

September Weather of Major Mongolia Cities