Karakorum Weather in February

Karakorum weather in February remains harshly cold and quite dry, but the daytime and sunshine hours show an increasing trend. Strong winds might hit Karakorum from time to time, leading to even lower perceived temperature. It receives low precipitation and snowfalls are mostly light and brief. Tsagaan Sar, known as the Mongolia New Year, is also celebrated in this month, providing visitors a good opportunity to experience the local festive atmosphere. 

How Cold is Karakorum in February?

As the high temperatures mostly range from -14 to -5 degrees Celsius (7 - 23 degrees Fahrenheit) and low degrees swing between -26 and -17℃ (-15 - 1℉), Karakorum climate in February is frigid and you may feel like living in a refrigerator. When strong winds blow, the perceived temperature will decrease by 6 - 8℃ (43 - 46℉).

Besides, there is a dramatic temperature fluctuation, seeing the daily highs reaching its peak of around 3℃ (37℉) and down at the bottom of -15℃ (5℉) the next one or two days. It reminds visitors to prepare multiple layers of clothes to deal with the climate change.

How Much Precipitation does Karakorum Get in February?

The total amount is not large with the average precipitation of 2mm (0.08 in), in the form of snowfall. There are averagely 3 days with some snowfall and it doesn’t last for a whole day. Instead, it usually turns from or to cloudy even sunny sometimes. Due to the freezing temperature, the snow can settle and form thin cover on the mountains which doesn’t melt away easily. But that on roads, grassland and rooves might melt a little when there are consecutive days with high temperatures above 0℃ (32℉).

How Long Are Daylength/ Sunny Hours in February?

In Karakorum in February, the daytime is extended from 9h39m to 11h3m as the sun rises earlier at 07:48 - 08:31 and sets later at 18:10 - 18:52. Therefore, visitors have more available time to visit more attractions in one day. Meanwhile, the sunny time also increase subsequently to 7 hours per day, accounting for over two thirds of the daytime. It is such a feast to eyes to see the sun casts bright sunlight on White Pagodas of Erdene Zuu Monastery and make them shine under the background of azure sky with white clouds.

Is February a Good time to Visit Karakorum?

The harsh weather of Karakorum in February makes it a bad choice to travel there during this month. Severe coldness causes a big challenge for visitors to do sightseeing outdoors. Though increasing, the daylength remains not long enough for visitors to travel around. What’s more, the natural views are less attractive since the grassland remains barren. For snow scenery, you may fail to see the vast white landscape because it doesn’t exist every day, but snow-covered mountain peaks can be seen the whole month. 

However, for those who have special interests in Mongolia culture, February provides a good chance to explore and experience local customs in person since the Mongolia New Year, also called White Festival or Tsagaan Sar, falls on February 6, 2027. During this period, visitors can participate in the Heaven/Fire Worship Ceremony, tastes traditional Mongolian food, appreciate Mongolian dancing and singing. 

What Should I Wear in February in Karakorum?

Upper body: You can wear thermal underwear as the inner layer and put on padded hoodies, fleece-lined shirts or heavy sweaters as the second layer. When temperature drops, add a thin down vest between the two layers. In terms of the outer layer, heavy down coats are most suggested to keep warm and mink coats are good alternatives as well.

Lower body: The first principle of choosing trousers is they should be windproof and thick enough. Padded jeans, thick jacket trousers and down pants all suit the temperatures in February well. Long johns remain necessary to prevent cold air touching your legs directly.

Shoes: You are suggested to wear fleece-lined walking boots and snow boots; it is also acceptable to wear padded leather shoes or padded sneakers with thick socks. Most importantly, they should be non-slippery to walk on ice and snow.

Others: The three warm accessories of gloves, scarves and hats are indispensable for visitors to prevent heat loss when conducting outdoor visits. Warm pastes can be used to generate warm for you and extend your phone’s service time. Due to the dry climate of Karakorum in February, lotion, hand cream and lip pomades are quite necessary as well.

Tips for Visiting Karakorum in February

1. When Mongolia residents enjoy their 2027 New Year holiday from February 6 to 8, local restaurants close earlier and some even close the whole day. Fortunately, most indoor attractions keep open as usual, but you are still suggested to check the actual opening time before departure.
2. Orkhon rivers are frozen during February, but it is dangerous for visitors to walk on since the ice cover might not be thick enough.