When to go · Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan, month by month
The best months for Kyrgyzstan: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Month by month
- JanuaryMixedCold and smoggy in Bishkek; skiing at Karakol.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: cool · Issyk-Kul: cool · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
- FebruaryMixedWinter; passes can close.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: cool · Issyk-Kul: cool · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MarchMixedThaw and mud; Nooruz on the 21st.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: fine · Issyk-Kul: cool · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low · 3 festivals or holidays
- AprilMixedLowlands green, mountains snowbound.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: best weather · Issyk-Kul: fine · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatGood for Bishkek, Osh and Arslanbob; high pastures still snowy.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: best weather · Issyk-Kul: fine · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
- JuneGreatYurt camps open mid-month; flowers at Song-Kul (check road).Bishkek and the Chuy valley: best weather · Issyk-Kul: best weather · High pastures (jailoo): fineCrowds: Medium
- JulyGreatPeak season: treks, lake beaches, horse games.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: hot · Issyk-Kul: best weather · High pastures (jailoo): best weatherCrowds: High
- AugustGreatAs July; book drivers and yurts ahead.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: hot · Issyk-Kul: best weather · High pastures (jailoo): best weatherCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- SeptemberGreatClear and cooler; camps close mid-month; possible World Nomad Games year (check).Bishkek and the Chuy valley: best weather · Issyk-Kul: best weather · High pastures (jailoo): fineCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberMixedAutumn colour at lower levels; first snow on passes.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: best weather · Issyk-Kul: fine · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low
- NovemberMixedGrey; high country closed.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: fine · Issyk-Kul: cool · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- DecemberMixedSki season starts at Karakol.Bishkek and the Chuy valley: cool · Issyk-Kul: cool · High pastures (jailoo): coolCrowds: Low
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishkek and the Chuy valleyBishkek, Ala Archa, Burana | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Best | Best | OK | Cool |
| Issyk-KulCholpon-Ata, Karakol, south shore | Cool | Cool | Cool | OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | Cool | Cool |
| High pastures (jailoo)Song-Kul (~3,000 m), Tash Rabat, Kel-Suu, Alay | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | OK | Cool | Cool | Cool |
| South (Osh and Fergana edge)Osh, Jalal-Abad, Arslanbob | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Hot | Best | Best | OK | Cool |