When to go · Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, month by month
The best months for Kazakhstan: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
Month by month
- JanuaryMixedCold and smoggy in Almaty; ski season on Shymbulak; −30 °C possible in Astana.Almaty and the south-east mountains: cool · Northern steppe and Astana: cool · South (Silk Road): coolCrowds: Medium · 3 festivals or holidays
- FebruaryMixedStill winter; good skiing, poor city air.Almaty and the south-east mountains: cool · Northern steppe and Astana: cool · South (Silk Road): coolCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- MarchMixedThaw and mud; Nauryz on 21–23 March fills cities with yurts and events.Almaty and the south-east mountains: fine · Northern steppe and Astana: cool · South (Silk Road): best weatherCrowds: Medium · 4 festivals or holidays
- AprilGreatApricot blossom and tulips on the steppe; mountain roads still snowy.Almaty and the south-east mountains: best weather · Northern steppe and Astana: fine · South (Silk Road): best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatGreen hills, wild tulips, good hiking at lower levels.Almaty and the south-east mountains: best weather · Northern steppe and Astana: best weather · South (Silk Road): best weatherCrowds: Medium · 6 festivals or holidays
- JuneGreatLakes and passes open; the best all-round month.Almaty and the south-east mountains: best weather · Northern steppe and Astana: best weather · South (Silk Road): hotCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- JulyGoodHot in the valleys, ideal in the mountains; lake roads busy at weekends.Almaty and the south-east mountains: hot · Northern steppe and Astana: best weather · South (Silk Road): hotCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustGoodAs July; canyon days need early starts.Almaty and the south-east mountains: hot · Northern steppe and Astana: best weather · South (Silk Road): hotCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- SeptemberGreatGolden aspens, apple harvest, clear air; the second-best month.Almaty and the south-east mountains: best weather · Northern steppe and Astana: fine · South (Silk Road): best weatherCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberGreatCooler, first snow up high; good city month.Almaty and the south-east mountains: best weather · Northern steppe and Astana: cool · South (Silk Road): best weatherCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
- NovemberMixedGrey and cold; smog returns to Almaty.Almaty and the south-east mountains: fine · Northern steppe and Astana: cool · South (Silk Road): fineCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
- DecemberMixedSki season opens; Independence Day holiday mid-month.Almaty and the south-east mountains: cool · Northern steppe and Astana: cool · South (Silk Road): coolCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almaty and the south-east mountainsAlmaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charyn | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Best | Best | OK | Cool |
| Northern steppe and AstanaAstana, Burabay, Karaganda | Cool | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | Cool | Cool | Cool |
| South (Silk Road)Shymkent, Turkistan, Taraz | Cool | Cool | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Hot | Best | Best | OK | Cool |
| West and the CaspianAktau, Mangystau, Atyrau | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Hot | Best | Best | OK | Cool |