What I Packed: Mongolia in May (Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park)

If you're visiting Mongolia in May, congratulations - you've picked one of the best times to go. Spring is arriving, tourist crowds are still relatively light, and the weather is generally comfortable for exploring. That said, "comfortable" in Mongolia is relative.

During my trip, I experienced sunny afternoons warm enough for a sweater or jacket, chilly mornings and evenings. If you're splitting your time between Ulaanbaatar and any part of a desert, you'll want to pack for several seasons in a single suitcase.

Here's everything I actually used and a few things I’d remember for next time.

Mongolia's Weather in May

In Ulaanbaatar, daytime temperatures typically range from 55–68°F (13–20°C), while overnight lows can dip into the 30s°F (1–5°C).

In Terelj National Park, temperatures are usually several degrees cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. Wind is also much more noticeable once you're outside the city.

The key to staying comfortable? Layers.

Clothing

I purchased this cashmere shawl wrap and wore it every chance I got.

Layering is absolutely essential in Mongolia, especially in May when temperatures can swing dramatically throughout the day—at least if you're like us and are out exploring from sunrise until 10 p.m.

On my first morning in Ulaanbaatar, it was chilly enough that I headed out in a sweatsuit with a trench coat layered over the top. By afternoon, I had changed into a skort with a T-shirt, sweater, and boots. By evening, I was back in long pants, a sweater, and my trench coat to stay warm.

The same thing happened in Terelj National Park. I started the morning wearing a heavy fisherman sweater over a sweatshirt and T-shirt, paired with Uniqlo HEATTECH leggings under my track pants. By the afternoon, the sun had warmed things up enough that I'd shed both the leggings and the fisherman sweater.

The weather can change that quickly, so instead of packing bulky winter clothing, focus on versatile layers that are easy to add or remove throughout the day.

I brought a lightweight trench coat that was wrinkle-resistant and doubled as a rain jacket. It was easy to throw over everything from a sweatsuit on chilly mornings to a sweater in the evening, and it packed down nicely in my suitcase.

I also packed a separate cropped jacket specifically for my days in Terelj National Park, and I'm so glad I did because it came back to Ulaanbaatar looking exactly like I'd spent two days exploring the Mongolian countryside - dusty.

Pack:

• Lightweight long-sleeve T-shirts

• A heavyweight sweater (my fisherman sweater was one of my most-worn items)

• Thin thermal leggings for layering (these have over 12,000 reviews on Amazon)

• A lightweight overcoat or trench coat that looks just as good over a T-shirt as it does over a sweater

Don't forget:

• Warm pajamas for cool nights in a ger

• Cozy socks for sleeping and relaxing after a day of exploring

Standing in front of the giant Chinggis Khan equestrian statute

One last packing tip: Don't plan on rewearing clothes you've worn in Terelj National Park without washing them.

The park is much dustier than I expected, and not only could I still feel the grit days later, but I also discovered a layer of Terelj in my suitcase when I unpacked back home.

Footwear

If you're anything like me, you'll do a lot of walking in Mongolia. I easily logged 20,000+ steps most days in Ulaanbaatar, and between city sightseeing and exploring Terelj National Park, comfortable footwear is non-negotiable.

Here's what I packed:

• Salomon hiking shoes for my morning walks and hiking in Terelj National Park - Salomon is my current go-to, but any good tennis shoe will be fine!

• Lightweight Zara trainers, which I also wore while traveling

• Knee-high boots specifically for my horseback riding day but I also wore them in Ulaanbaatar. If you’re going horseback riding, you’ll be given half chaps, but since I had boots, that wasn’t necessary for me.

• A pair of well-worn ballet flats for when my feet needed to breathe

I probably could have skipped the ballet flats, but they're one of those perfectly broken-in pairs that I can comfortably wear for 20,000 steps a day. It was nice having an option that let my feet breathe after wearing boots or sneakers.

Also, you definitely need good walking shoes if you’ll be walking around Ulaanbaatar - the sidewalks are not great.

If you’re staying in a traditional ger where you’ll have to walk to the bathroom facilities, a pair of slip on sandals would be beneficial as well. (These Archies are currently all the rage and they’re waterproof.)

One thing I do wish I'd packed? Shoe bags. (Inexpensive ones here or higher quality here.)

If you plan on spending time in Terelj National Park or the Semi Gobi, expect your shoes to be covered in a fine layer of sand and dust. By the end of my trip, both my boots and my Salomons were coated, and I wished I'd had shoe bags to keep that dirt from ending up all over the rest of my suitcase.

Extras

Standing outside my ger watching the horses

These are the little things that don't take up much room in your suitcase but made a big difference during my trip.

Portable battery pack: I almost always have a portable battery pack in my bag even when I’m not traveling. This Anker one has two cords attached already so no chance you’ll forget those!

Earplugs and/or noise-canceling earphones: These are both always in my carry-on bag anyway, but I can’t stand the sound of snoring and didn’t want to chance having to hear it while sleeping in a shared ger. I have the Bose QuietComfort Headphones and the battery lasts a long time! They’re also easy to sleep with on.

Sleep mask: If you're staying in a ger, don't skip this. The sunlight starts streaming through the ceiling around 5:45 a.m. and it woke me up. My husband sleeps with an eye mask every night and I wished I’d had one. This is the exact one my husband has used for the past 3 years.

Flashlight: I’ve also read that you should pack a small flashlight or headlamp for nighttime walks to the restroom, if you’re staying in a traditional or shared ger.

Tall, warm socks: Perfect for chilly mornings, cool evenings, and cozy nights sleeping in a ger.

A hat: The sun can feel surprisingly strong while you're exploring, even when the air is cool.

Lightweight gloves: If you get cold easily and the forecast is on the colder side, you'll appreciate having them during early morning walks or evenings outdoors.

None of these items are bulky, but they’ll make your trip a whole lot more comfortable.

Purchased this cashmere tee in Terelj and wore it to travel home with a pair of wide trousers

Packing for Mongolia in May is about being prepared for changing temperatures throughout the day.

Think layers instead of bulky clothing. A warm jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and a few versatile pieces will cover almost everything you'll encounter between Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park.

And no worries if you need to purchase pieces to keep you warm - I bought several pieces of cashmere that I thought were reasonably priced so you’ll most certainly be able to find something!