Karakorum Weather in September

As Karakorum steps into autumn in September, there appears a downward trend in temperature and precipitation. Generally, Karakorum weather in September turns cool but pleasant during daytime, while night time temperature drops bring chilly feelings. Grassland starts to turn yellow and it’s a good time to appreciate colorful autumn scenery. With the end of local rainy season, precipitation decreases significantly and because of fluctuating temperature, it falls in various forms, including occasional light rainfall, possible sleet and even snow showers. 

Pleasantly Cool with Sudden Temperature Drops 

With lingering heat in summer, Karakorum climate in September is crisp and comfortable in most time. The daytime high temperature usually swings between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius (54 - 64 degrees Fahrenheit), while in early month it may rise to around 20°C (68°F). Low degree after sunset comes to the range of 2 - 9°C (36 - 48°F), sometimes even below freezing, making visitors feel cold though with thick jackets. 

There are often several cold air visits in September which lead to sudden temperature drops. Normally, it drops by about 5°C (41°F); under extreme situations, you can see that the high temperature plunges from 20°C (68°F) to around 8°C (°F), directly dragging you from late summer to early winter. 

Sharply Decreasing Precipitation

In September, the tail of local rainy season, Karakorum experiences a significant decrease in precipitation. The average monthly rainfall drops to 28mm (1.1 in), distributed over 8 days. The low precipitation mostly falls as drizzles and showers which lasts only for a short time. With raincoats or umbrellas, you can continue your sightseeing as usual. Snowfall and sleet are also possible in September, but tend to be light and rare. Due to the relatively high temperatures, snow cover hardly accumulate; even if, it keeps only for one or two days.

Long Sunshine Duration

Daylight lasts for about 13.5 hours at the very beginning of September, but as the sunrise time is delayed from 06:25 to 07:03 and sunset time advances from 19:50 to 18:52, daytime shortens to less than 12 hours by the end of this month. However, it remains pretty enough for visitors to travel around Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorum Museum and other famous attractions. 

Another favorable factor is that Karakorum enjoys an average of about 8 sunlight hours per day, since sunny and cloudy days take the majority in September. Abundant sunshine adds a golden filter for autumn views, making the already attractive scenery even more fascinating. Though the UV index is reduced to 5, not high and damaging anymore, sun protection is suggested still.

Is September a Good Time to Visit Karakorum?

Definitely yes! September is a good time to visit Karakorum, especially for those visitors who prefer less crowds and budget-friendly trip. 

To begin with, the weather of Karakorum in September is pleasantly cool and allows visitors to conduct long-time outdoor sightseeing without burdens from bulky clothes. It is suitable for hiking across Orkhon Valley and you don’t sweat much or feel cold in general. With thick cotton coats, you can appreciate stars at night as well.

What’s more, the appealing autumn view provides you a worthwhile trip. The grassland gets increasing yellow in September and varies in different periods. Fall foliage is available as well. You may have the chance to witness the snow-covered golden tree if lucky enough.

Besides, Karakorum trip in September is more economical and quieter. Since most visitors are only interested in luxuriant grassland in summer, September is the shoulder travel season which welcomes a small number of tourists. Accordingly, air tickets and accommodations become not only more available but also cheaper, thus saving a lot budget for you.

What to Wear in September in Karakorum?

Upper body: Long-sleeved tops like shirts, hoodies and knit wear are suggested. You can wear them alone around noon in warm days, but be sure to bring outer layer like leather jackets, trench coats and woolen coats for dawn and dusk. If planning to observe stars at night, you need thicker coats such as cotton coats and 3-in-1 windbreakers. 

Lower body: You can choose from casual long trousers for autumn, for example sweatpants, jeans and jacket pants. To deal with sudden temperature drops, you had better prepare long johns or fleece-lined trousers. For girls, thick dress with thermal leggings are good matches as well.

Shoes: Comfortable and lightweight sneakers are top choices for trudging across slopes on grassland. If mainly involving short-distance walking on flat roads, you can bring leather shoes or flats for alternatives.

Others: Around noon in sunny days, it is still recommended to take sun protection measures by using sunscreen cream or wearing hats and sunglasses. Of which, bucket hats suit most since the brim is large enough to block plenty of sunlight; meanwhile, it works well to keep warm when it rains or blows.

Travel Advices and Tips for Karakorum in September

1. To enjoy distinctive autumn views, Orkhon Valley and Orkhon Waterfall are good destinations. Standing at the view point of Orkhon River, you can overlook the whole Karakorum, see a colorful painting of bule sky, yellowish green landscape and the twisting river like a jade belt. Glittering golden trees under sunshine can be seen around Orkhon Waterfall.

2. In early September, the grassland is dominated by green, just tinged with hints of yellow; widespread light-yellow grassland can be seen in middle September. It is not until late September that the grassland turns completely golden and fall foliage forms. You can plan visit time according to your preferred autumn view.