Weather in Altay

Stay informed about the latest meteorological changes in the city of Altay before beginning your trip. This section contains current data, detailed charts, and weather forecasts for your convenience.

The climate of Altay city can be characterized as sharply continental and arid. The weather here is full of contrasts: a harsh, frosty winter is replaced by a short but quite comfortable summer. Extremely little precipitation falls in this region throughout the year, so the sky almost always remains clear, and the air remains dry.

Seasonality is very clearly defined. Winter months, especially January, are distinguished by low temperatures that can drop below -20°C, requiring serious preparation and warm gear from tourists. Summer brings long-awaited warmth: in July, the air warms up to an average of +17°C, and during the day, the temperature often reaches a comfortable +22°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is its stability and the absence of prolonged rains. Even during the "wettest" summer period, precipitation is practically unnoticeable. When travelling to this region offered by Mongolia, one should be ready for bright sunshine and significant temperature fluctuations, which are characteristic of high-mountain and steppe zones.

The climate in the city of Altay is distinguished by a harsh continental character with pronounced seasonal contrasts. Winter here is long and frosty: the coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -15.7°C, and night figures often reach the -20.3°C mark. Travellers planning a visit during the winter period or early spring need to ensure they have high-quality warm clothing, as stable freezing temperatures persist from November to March.

Summer brings long-awaited warming, but without scorching heat, making this season the most comfortable for exploring the region. The warmest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of around 16.8°C. During daytime hours, the air usually warms up to a pleasant 22.3°C, creating ideal conditions for walks; however, by September, average figures decrease to 8.7°C, reminding everyone of the approaching cold weather.

It is important to consider the characteristic daily temperature fluctuations inherent to this area. Even in the height of summer, the difference between daytime warmth and night coolness is quite perceptible: for instance, in July, with daytime highs of +22°C, nights can be fresh with temperatures around 11.3°C. In spring and autumn, this contrast forces tourists to carefully select their wardrobe, giving preference to layered clothing to feel comfortable at any time of day.

The city of Altay is characterized by an extremely arid climate, which is typical for this region. Heavy precipitation here is a great rarity, and throughout the year, its amount remains minimal. Travellers are unlikely to encounter prolonged downpours capable of seriously disrupting travel plans.

The winter period, which lasts from November to March, passes against a backdrop of severe frosts and a practically complete absence of moisture. The average level of precipitation during these months tends towards zero. If precipitation does occur (usually 2–3 days a month), it falls exclusively in the form of dry snow, which may not melt for a long time due to low temperatures.

Summer brings a slight change in weather conditions. July and August are considered the "wettest" months of the year: the number of days with precipitation increases to 9–10. Nevertheless, the total volume of moisture remains insignificant (about 1–2 mm). This means that in summer, only short-term and very weak rains are possible, which quickly evaporate and bring only temporary freshness.

When preparing for a journey to Altay, it is important to consider the features of the sharply continental climate of this region. Winters here are long and severe, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, so in the cold season, the foundation of your wardrobe should be quality thermal base layers, a warm hat, a scarf, and a windproof down jacket. Pay special attention to footwear: it should be insulated, have thick soles, and be non-slip.

In summer, the weather is more comfortable, but intense heat is rare: the average daytime temperature stays around +15...+17°C. Even in the warmest months, July and August, nights remain cool, so the principle of layering in clothing is relevant year-round. Be sure to bring a fleece jacket and a sturdy windbreaker to protect yourself from the winds characteristic of the steppe. Precipitation is scarce, but a light raincoat will not take up much space and will come in handy in case of short-term bad weather.

Regardless of the season, do not forget to pack sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen, as the sun in Mongolia is very active. For excursions and walks in the surroundings, comfortable, broken-in trekking shoes are ideal to ensure comfort when walking on rough terrain.