Kazakhstan in January

Cold and smoggy in Almaty; ski season on Shymbulak; −30 °C possible in Astana.

• 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.

• Almaty-2° / -9°, 8 rain days

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.

• New Year

  1–2 Jan

  Two days off; the big family holiday.

• Orthodox Christmas

  7 Jan

  Public holiday.

• Ski season at Shymbulak

  Almaty

  Cold, ski season at Shymbulak; check air quality before outdoor plans.

Crowds · Kazakhstan

Medium

Prices · Kazakhstan

Medium

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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