Inner Mongolia weather, the best time and seasons to visit

Generally, the best time for traveling to Inner Mongolia is summer. This is the best time for you to enjoy what the grasslands have to offer. Since Inner Mongolia extends a wide span of land from the west to the east, the time for appreciating the various sceneries in different areas is not the same. Roughly speaking, there are two tourist areas in Inner Mongolia: the prairie area and the desert area.

Summer in Inner Mongolia

The weather in spring, summer and autumn in the prairie area is nearly the same. From May to September, it’s comparatively mild and cool there, which will make your trip comfortable. Yet you should visit between the middle of May to the beginning of September. During this time, the grasslands are lush and flocks and herds are everywhere. What’s more, the annual Nadam Fair will be held during this period. By then, you will have witnessed the grand fair and had the opportunity to ride a horse in the grassland. Recommended scenic areas: Xilinguolemeng and Hailaer

Spring in Inner Mongolia

It's harsh in the desert area. Sandstorms are commonly seen in spring; it’s incredibly hot in summer and exceedingly cold in winter; it’s in autumn that you can enjoy the cool wind and sunny days. So, autumn is the best time for you to go to the desert area. Following a group of camels into the desert, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery that the strong winds and oases have to offer. If you are lucky enough, you will get a chance to see the mirage by yourself, experiencing the gorgeous charm of the desert. In addition, places such as the poplar forests in Ejina and the vast stretch of forests in Aer Mountain show their exceptional charm in autumn. When it comes to autumn, the red leaves in the vast poplar forests are just like fires burning across the earth and the sky, majestic and magnificent; the green forests fade away and embrace colorful hues just like an oil painting, beautiful and enticing. Recommended scenic areas: Alashanmeng, Chifeng and Xing'anmeng

Winter in Inner Mongolia

The winter in Inner Mongolia is rather long with a temperature 30℃ lower than the freezing point and sometimes extremely harsh weather is common. This season is not good for traveling. In recent years, traveling to Inner Mongolia in winter to appreciate the snow scene is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. In winter, the prairie is covered by snow, providing a perfect opportunity for you to appreciate the dancing snowflakes and the vast snowfield. There, you can truly understand what the poem “hundreds of leagues are locked in ice and thousands of leagues are surrounded by whirling snow” means. You can give various ice-skating sports a shot. Winter is a slack season for tourism, so there aren’t too many travelers there and you can stay away from boisterousness and enjoy what tranquility has to offer. However, you need to stay warm to be free from coldness. When undertaking any ice-skating activity, you need to be very careful. You should also watch the transportation and communication conditions closely. Winter in Inner Mongolia is also a great time to learn about Mongolian Spring Festival culture. Recommended scenic areas: Hailaer and Xing'anmeng

Autumn in Inner Mongolia

Recommendations for the seasons: Nature displays its charm and beauty in the four different seasons. In the prairie, flowers blossom and flocks scatter around the grassland in spring; green grasses wave with the wind in summer; the prairie is dyed with the color of gold in autumn; the grassland is encapsulated by snow in winter. You need to experience what these beautiful sceneries have to offer with your heart.

Weather by month

Inner Mongolia experiences a typical temperate continental climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The region's weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and location, but here is a general guide based on the average weather conditions in Inner Mongolia by month:

January: January is the coldest month in Inner Mongolia, with average temperatures ranging from -20°C to -10°C (-4°F to 14°F). The region is covered in snow, and strong winds and blizzards are common. Traveling in Inner Mongolia during this time can be challenging due to the harsh weather conditions.

February: Temperatures in February are similar to those in January, with average temperatures ranging from -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F). Snow and cold winds are still present, but the weather starts to show signs of improvement.

March: March marks the beginning of Inner Mongolia's spring, with temperatures gradually increasing to average around 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow starts to melt, and the region starts to turn green with the emergence of new vegetation.

April: April is a good time to visit Inner Mongolia, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The region is full of life, with fields of wildflowers and grasslands turning green. This is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

May: May is warm, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The region is in full bloom, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. This is the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

June to August: June to August is Inner Mongolia's summer, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The weather is warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers. This is a good time for visiting Inner Mongolia's famous grasslands and lakes.

September: September marks the beginning of autumn in Inner Mongolia, with temperatures gradually decreasing to around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The region is surrounded by the beautiful colors of fall, with yellow and red leaves on the trees and grasslands.

October: October is still warm, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The region is still surrounded by the beauty of fall, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine.

November: November is the beginning of winter in Inner Mongolia, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow is starting to fall, and the region starts to become covered in a blanket of white.

December: December is the coldest month in Inner Mongolia, with temperatures averaging around -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F). The region is covered in snow and strong winds and blizzards are common. Traveling in Inner Mongolia during this time can be challenging due to the harsh weather conditions.

I hope this helps with your trip planning. Please keep in mind that this is just a general guide and actual weather conditions may vary from year to year.

Packing list based on the four seasons

Spring (March-May):

• Warm clothing (fleece jacket, sweater, long johns) as temperatures can be cool, especially in the early morning and evening
• Light rain gear (rain jacket, umbrella) as spring is the rainiest season in Inner Mongolia
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
• Portable charger and power bank
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Cash (China is largely a cash-based society)

Summer (June-August):

• Light clothing (t-shirts, shorts) as temperatures can be warm during the day
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
• Light rain gear (rain jacket, umbrella) in case of sudden showers
• Hiking shoes or sandals
• Portable charger and power bank
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Cash (China is largely a cash-based society)

Autumn (September-November):

• Warm clothing (fleece jacket, sweater, long johns) as temperatures can drop in the morning and evening
• Light rain gear (rain jacket, umbrella) as autumn is the rainiest season in Inner Mongolia
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
• Portable charger and power bank
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Cash (China is largely a cash-based society)

Winter (December-February):

• Warm clothing (down jacket, insulated pants, hat, gloves, scarf) as temperatures can be extremely cold
• Waterproof boots
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat (to protect from the strong sun reflecting off the snow)
• Portable charger and power bank
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Cash (China is largely a cash-based society)

Note: It's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and pack accordingly. Inner Mongolia can experience sudden changes in weather, so it's better to be prepared.

Useful information on Inner Mongolia

• Inner Mongolia travel itineraries for your reference
• Customizable private Inner Mongolia tours
• Interesting cultural Activities and outdoor adventures to rich your trip
• Top attractions you can't miss in Inner Mongolia
• When is the best time to travel to Inner Mongolia
• Inner Mongolia Travel Advisory