Karakorum Weather in May

As May arrives, Karakorum steps into early Spring with rising temperatures and precipitation. Karakorum weather in May is still a little cold in general, but on some days, it becomes pleasantly warm around noon. Light rainfall is the main form of precipitation, though the total amount is not large. It also snows occasionally. The unstable climate brings somewhat inconvenience to pay a visit to Karakorum in May.

Temperature: Turning Warm Gradually

In Karakorum during May, the temperatures rise progressively with daily highs mainly ranging from 10 to 21 degrees Celsius (50 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and night lows 0 - 8℃ (32 - 46℉). From the data you can see a large day-night temperature difference around 10 ℃ (50℉), which means you may wear shirts around noon but have to put on thick coat even thin down coats in early morning and late evening.

Besides, the temperature is not stable. When it rains or snows, the low degrees might go below freezing. Meanwhile, there usually are several days in May when the maximum temperatures hovers around 25℃ (77℉), making you sweat a little after long-time walking under strong sunlight.

Low Precipitation: Mainly Rainfall & Possible Snow 

Karakorum climate in May is actually dry since the total precipitation is relatively small. On average, it gets monthly precipitation of only 24mm, though with 9 rainy days. Rainfall, the main form of precipitation in this month, often occurs in low intensity, bringing little disruption to your Karakorum tour. When it drizzles, waterproof jackets are enough for you to walk out if without an umbrella. 

On occasions, it snows, mostly lightly. In some years, heavy snow even snow storm is formed, causing large influence on the transportation, especially for cars. Though snowfall doesn’t happen in May every year, you are still suggested to bring a down coat just in case, because it always significantly brings down the temperature.

Long Daylength & High UV Index

At 05:14 - 05:50 in May, the sun rises in Karakorum and falls at 20:19 - 20:56. Therefore, the daytime is exceptionally long and expands day by day from 14h29m to 15h41m. Correspondingly, the average sunshine duration reaches the second longest of the year, about 9 hours per day. It is such a favorable weather condition for visitors to visit as many attractions as possible. On sunny days, the sunlight is so strong that the UV index reaches a high level of 7, thus make sure to protect yourself from the sun especially around noon. 

Is May a Good time to Visit Karakorum?

Generally speaking, you are not recommended to visit Karakorum in May. The biggest challenge is the changeable weather of Karakorum in May and there are too much risks visitors need to worry about. Except for the possible snowstorm mentioned above, strong winds also might occur in several days and lead to low visibility if combined with snow or dust, thus bringing visitors bad travel experience. What’s more, the vast landscape is less attractive since the grassland hasn’t turned completely green yet.

However, in some aspects, May is not a typically bad time to arrange a Karakorum trip. In terms of costs, you can spend more days in Karakorum with the same budget of peak travel seasons and enjoys your trip at a leisurely pace. Besides, there actually are some natural views available though not in their best time, such as running Orkhon River and falling Orkhon Waterfall. 

If you think the pros overweight the cons and plan to visit Karakorum in May 2026, you might want to know the following information for a better trip. 

What to Wear in May in Karakorum?

Upper body: In most time, you can wear sweatshirts or knitwear with outer coats of different thickness according to the temperatures, for example denim jackets, trench coats, woolen coats even thin down jackets. Long-sleeve T-shirts might be necessary for long-time walking around warmest noon.

Lower body: It is most suggested to prepare jeans and sweatpants, and pack long johns for large temperature drops. For girls who plan to take beautiful pictures, dress with thermal leggings are good alternatives as well.

Shoes: Any breathable and comfortable shoes like sneakers or flats are good choices. Considering the possibility of outdoor sightseeing during light rainy period, you had better choose waterproof and non-slippery shoes or bring rainproof shoe covers.

Others: Be sure to prepare sun protection products including high-SPF sunblock and sunglasses to prevent the strong sunlight. Hats and masks remain important to resists wind and dust. But casual hats like baseball caps and bucket hats work well enough; thick ones are not necessary in May.

Tips for Visiting Karakorum in May

1. Since May 1, Erdene Zuu Monastery starts to follow summer time schedule and opens from 9:00 to 18:00, closed one hour later than before.

2. In early May, the grasses and trees just start to sprout, seemingly barren and brown overall. Coming to middle May, there is only a little scattered plant cover on the grassland, looking like unshaved stubble. It is not until late May that you can see light green blanket on the grassland of Karakorum.

3. Orkhon Waterfall is formed at the cliff where Ulaan Gol River merges with Orkhon River, thus also called Ulan Waterfall. With increasing temperatures and precipitation in May, it has moderate flow and wonderful waterfall could be seen.