Kazakhstan in October

Cooler, first snow up high; good city month.

• Almaty and the south-east mountains · Almaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charynbest weather

  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, Tarazbest weather

  Early spring and long, very hot summers; mild winters compared with the north.

• West and the Caspian · Aktau, Mangystau, Atyraubest weather

  Desert: 40 °C+ summers, strong winds, freezing winter nights; Mangystau trips need a 4×4.

• Almaty15° / 5°, 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.

• Republic Day

  25 Oct

  Public holiday (restored 2022).

• Golden autumn

  Almaty

  Cool and clear; golden trees in Panfilov Park.

Crowds · Kazakhstan

Low

Prices · Kazakhstan

Low

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• Almaty and the south-east mountains

  Best weather of the year (Almaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charyn)

• South (Silk Road)

  Best weather of the year (Shymkent, Turkistan, Taraz)

• West and the Caspian

  Best weather of the year (Aktau, Mangystau, Atyrau)

• Almaty

  Cool and clear; golden trees.

• Shymkent

  Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (mild before or after the summer heat)

• Turkistan

  Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (mild for walking the open mausoleum grounds)