June through August is the only realistic time to visit for most travellers. The grasslands and geopark are at their best in July when summer rain has turned the steppe green, temperatures are warm (20–27°C), and the wildflowers around the volcanic formations are in bloom. The Naadam festival, a celebration of traditional Mongolian horse racing, wrestling, and archery, takes place across the region in late July and is worth timing a visit around if you can.
Spring (April to May) can be pleasant in the city but the grassland routes remain muddy and cold, and the geopark is largely dormant. Autumn brings superb golden light on the steppe in September and October before the cold arrives. Winter is harsh — temperatures regularly fall below minus 20°C — and most rural guesthouses and geopark facilities close from November to April.