When to go · Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan in December
Mixed month. Ski season opens; Independence Day holiday mid-month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Medium
- Kazakhstan
- Prices
- Medium
- Kazakhstan
Verdict
Ski season opens; Independence Day holiday mid-month.
Weather in December
- Almaty and the south-east mountains · 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.
- Northern steppe and Astana · Astana, Burabay, Karagandacool
One of the coldest capitals: −30 °C cold snaps and blizzards in winter, short warm summers.
- South (Silk Road) · Shymkent, Turkistan, Tarazcool
Early spring and long, very hot summers; mild winters compared with the north.
- West and the Caspian · Aktau, Mangystau, Atyraucool
Desert: 40 °C+ summers, strong winds, freezing winter nights; Mangystau trips need a 4×4.
- Almaty0° / -6°, 8 rain days
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
Two-day holiday; busy transport.
Ski season at Shymbulak
Nov–Mar (variable) · Almaty
Weekend crowds on the Medeu–Shymbulak road and cable car; book lift tickets ahead on powder days.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Kazakhstan
- Medium
- Prices · Kazakhstan
- Medium
What to pack
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket