When to go · Almaty
Almaty in December
Mixed month. Cold; ski season; Independence Day on 16–17 Dec.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 0° / -6°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 8
- Crowds
- Medium
- Kazakhstan overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Kazakhstan overall
Verdict
Cold; ski season; Independence Day on 16–17 Dec.
Weather in December
- AlmatyHighs around 0 °C, lows around -6 °C, rain on about 8 days
- Almaty and the south-east mountains, Kazakhstan · Almaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charyncool
Continental with mountain weather: snow in the city Dec–Feb, smog on still winter days, hot dry summers in the valleys and cool nights at the lakes.
Winter season
Cold, icy pavements, possible smog inversions; ski season at Shymbulak is the upside.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Independence Day
16–17 Dec
Cold; ski season; Independence Day brings concerts and fireworks.
Ski season at Shymbulak
Nov–Mar (variable)
Weekend crowds on the Medeu–Shymbulak road and cable car; book lift tickets ahead on powder days.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Kazakhstan overall
- Medium
- Prices · Kazakhstan overall
- Medium
Kazakhstan overall: Ski season opens; Independence Day holiday mid-month.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket