Ulaanbaatar in January
In January, Ulaanbaatar averages -12°C (10°F) during the day and -24°C (-10°F) at night, with only about 2 rainy days.
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Skies are generally dry and clear.
January in Ulaanbaatar is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Ulaanbaatar
January is one of the coolest months in Ulaanbaatar (12th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 19°C below the annual average (7°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (-12°C) and warms a further 5°C into February (-7°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Ulaanbaatar
Times shown for Ulaanbaatar local time (Asia/Ulaanbaatar), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Ulaanbaatar — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Ulaanbaatar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Ulaanbaatar in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Off-peak) and Ulaanbaatar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Ulaanbaatar
This is off-peak for Ulaanbaatar — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Ulaanbaatar
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Ulaanbaatar in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Ulaanbaatar in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -12°C / 10°F | -24°C / -10°F | 1 mm | 2 | — |
| February | -7°C / 19°F | -20°C / -3°F | 3 mm | 3 | — |
| March | 3°C / 37°F | -10°C / 15°F | 8 mm | 7 | — |
| April | 10°C / 50°F | -3°C / 27°F | 16 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 16°C / 61°F | 2°C / 36°F | 31 mm | 14 | — |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 9°C / 49°F | 50 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 24°C / 76°F | 13°C / 55°F | 86 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 21°C / 71°F | 10°C / 50°F | 76 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 16°C / 60°F | 4°C / 39°F | 41 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 7°C / 44°F | -4°C / 25°F | 11 mm | 8 | — |
| November | -5°C / 23°F | -14°C / 6°F | 9 mm | 8 | — |
| December | -12°C / 11°F | -21°C / -6°F | 3 mm | 4 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ulaanbaatar in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ulaanbaatar in January?
In January, Ulaanbaatar averages a high of -12°C (10°F) and a low of -24°C (-10°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Ulaanbaatar in January?
January is generally dry in Ulaanbaatar, with about 2 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Ulaanbaatar?
January is cold and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Ulaanbaatar in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full January packing list for Ulaanbaatar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.