Ulaanbaatar Weather in May

Ulaanbaatar weather in May gets generally warm with the arrival of spring, but large day-night temperature difference can be seen. Though the precipitation shows an increasing trend, the total amount is still low, which means it is dry. Luckily, May is endowed with the longest sunlight hours of the year.

Turn Generally Warm

As daytime high temperature typically fluctuates between 14 and 24 degrees Celsius (57 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit), Ulaanbaatar climate in May is warm during daytime. On the warmest days, high temperature even reaches up to 28°C (82°F), and you may sweat a little after long-time walking outside. However, it by no means implies that thick clothes are unnecessary, because when night falls, it turns chilly with the temperature dropping largely to around 0 to 7°C (32 - 45°F). Significant temperature decrease also occurs when it rains or blows heavily, feeling like it brings you back to winter in a sudden.

Low but Increasing Rainfall

Ulaanbaatar in May sees the average precipitation of 25mm (0.98 in), presenting an increasing trend though still pretty low. Light rain takes the majority of total precipitation and snow occurs very rarely. On average, about 8 days in May are rainy, but it lasts only for a short time each time. Due to this, the climate of Ulaanbaatar in May remains relatively dry, with the average humidity of 45%, especially when the heating is still supplied. Visitors should take related measures like drinking more water and using lip pomades.

Abundant Sunlight Hours

In May, Ulaanbaatar enjoys the longest sunlight hours of the year and relatively long daytime. The sun rises as early as 05:12 - 05:47 and sets at 20:15 - 20:51, bringing 15 hours of daylight averagely. It means you can slow down your steps and enjoy your trip unhurriedly. Meanwhile, Ulaanbaatar boasts 10 hours of sunshine per day averagely. In most time, the sky remains clear and blue. Therefore, generally speaking, the weather of Ulaanbaatar in May can be described as sunny. As the UV index reaches the high level of 6, the sunshine is strong and bright enough, so you had better prepare sunscreen products.

Averages for Ulaanbaatar Weather in May

High Temperature

17°C (63°F)

Low Temperature

1°C (34°F)

Rainfall

25 mm

Sunrise

05:12 ~ 05:47

Sunset

20:15~ 20:51

Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May.Jun.Jul.Aug.Sep.Oct.Nov.Dec.

The times for sunrise and sunset are based on Ulaanbaatar.

Is May a good time to visit Ulaanbaatar?

Though not recommended, May isn’t a bad time to visit Ulaanbaatar. It depends on your travel plans and personal interests. The following analysis might help you to make final decision if travelling there or not in May 2026.

There are certain advantages of visiting Ulaanbaatar in May. During this month, it experiences moderate temperature and low rainfall, providing a favorable weather condition for outdoor travelling. As it is generally warm, you can bring less clothes and travel with a light pack. With the longest daytime of the year, visitors have more time to travel around Ulaanbaatar. In addition, May lies in the low tourist season when there are less visitors, which means you can enjoy lower prices of flight tickets, hotels, chartered bus and tourist activities.

Meanwhile, you should know the disadvantages as well. The natural scenery in Ulaanbaatar is not appealing and fascinating enough. Only historical and cultural attractions are worthwhile. In early May, the trees and grass just start to sprout, so you could find only hints of green throughout the whole Ulaanbaatar, leaving the landscape mostly yellow and barren. Coming to late May, the grassland turns greener gradually, but still pale and light with some barren parts scattered.

Tips for Dressing in Ulaanbaatar in May

Upper body: It is suggested to wear long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, blouses and knitwear as the inner layer, and trench coats, leather coats or woolen coats as the outer layer. To deal with temperature drops and considering large day-night temperature difference, you may need a thin down coat as well.

Lower body: Long trousers are the best choice both for girls and boys since they are more convenient. Jeans, sweatpants, jacket pants are all acceptable. In urban areas, girls could also choose to wear long and thick dress, but remember to put on leggings to keep warm.

Shoes: Any casual shoes suit well the weather condition in May. They had better be light and comfortable to prevent foot fatigue if your schedule is tight and requires long-time walking.

Others: Sun-productive products are important especially around sunny noon, including sunglasses and sunscreen cream. You might also need caps or fisherman’s hats to prevent the strong sunlight as well as wind on the hilltop and vast grassland.

Tips for Visiting Ulaanbaatar in May

1. Scenic spots in Ulaanbaatar mostly begin to follow summer timetable since May 15 and they extend the opening time to 20:00, 3 hours later than that in winter. Therefore, visitors should adjust your travel plan accordingly and make suitable arrangement.
2. The heating supply is stopped on May 15 as well when it has turned warm enough. But sudden temperature drops might occur, and the indoor temperature gets much lower than before. You are suggested to prepare relatively thick pajamas or book a hotel with air conditioner to deal with this situation.
3. Though rarely seen, dusty days remains possible especially in early May since there are only a little plant cover on the ground. You had better prepare some masks, which can protect you from dust and sand.

7-Day Ulaanbaatar Weather Forecast