When to go · Almaty
Almaty in March
Mixed month. Thaw and slush; Nauryz on 21–23 Mar.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 8° / -1°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 10
- Crowds
- Medium
- Kazakhstan overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Kazakhstan overall
Verdict
Thaw and slush; Nauryz on 21–23 Mar.
Weather in March
- AlmatyHighs around 8 °C, lows around -1 °C, rain on about 10 days
- Almaty and the south-east mountains, Kazakhstan · Almaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charynfine
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.
Spring season
Thaw, blossom by late April, Nauryz festivities in late March.
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.
Nauryz (Kazakh New Year)
21–23 Mar · Republic Square
Thaw and slush; Nauryz brings public holidays and free events at Republic Square.
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: Thaw and mud; Nauryz on 21–23 March fills cities with yurts and events.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast