One of the most landlocked countries in the world, Kazakhstan has four very distinct seasons, though spring and autumn pass by quickly. Summer and winter bring extreme conditions, with the harshest heat and cold found in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Between June and August, temperatures can climb above 40°C, while winter (December to February) can drop as low as -20°C. The southern regions around Almaty tend to be milder, while the Altai Mountains receive the most rainfall. The best time to visit Kazakhstan is therefore April to May or September to October, avoiding both the scorching summer heat and the heavy winter snow.
January in Kazakhstan
- Low season
- Very cold weather
- Snow likely
January is one of the toughest months to visit. Sub-zero temperatures and Siberian winds sweep across the steppe, and there isn't much to do beyond sightseeing in a very quiet Almaty or skiing at resorts like Shymbulak. Pack very warm clothing, as temperatures can fall as low as -45°C in some areas.
February in Kazakhstan
- Snow-dusted scenery
- Hearty cuisine
- Hot springs
As one of the world's largest countries, Kazakhstan's climate varies by region, but February is bitterly cold almost everywhere, often with a light covering of snow. Almaty can see temperatures as low as -5°C. It's a good time to enjoy warming dishes like kebabs and dumplings, and to seek out hot springs such as those near Charyn Canyon.
March in Kazakhstan
- Nauryz
- Traditional games
- Winter easing
Winter starts to loosen its grip in March, coinciding with Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year celebration held across the country with traditional games, dancing, singing, and horsemanship displays. Visitors can also try regional specialties such as a sweet wheat-based paste and a milky broth made with horsemeat.
April in Kazakhstan
- Start of spring
- Wildflowers
- Local festivals
Small local festivals take place across the country in April, marking the end of winter and the start of Kazakhstan's brief spring. Temperatures remain cool, but meadows fill with wildflowers and Almaty becomes livelier. Occasional dust storms can occur in desert regions.
May in Kazakhstan
- Wild tulips
- Altyn Emel National Park
- Small group touring
May is a popular month for touring, with destinations such as Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, Katon-Karagay National Park, and Altyn Emel National Park (known for its singing dunes) drawing visitors. Wild tulips native to Central Asia bloom, followed soon after by poppies, while rivers swell as mountain snow begins to melt.
June in Kazakhstan
- Hiking
- Katon-Karagay National Park
- Start of peak season
June marks the beginning of the peak travel season, though crowds remain rare. Hiking season gets underway as most mountain passes in the Tian Shan and Altai ranges clear of snow. It's also a good time to visit Katon-Karagay National Park, where local honey is well worth trying. As snow melts and mountain pastures open up, herders bring their flocks up to graze.
July in Kazakhstan
- High summer
- Wettest month
- Horse riding
July is warm, with central areas frequently exceeding 30°C, making it ideal for horse-riding trips in Katon-Karagay National Park. The Caspian Sea is even warm enough for swimming. Although July is technically the wettest month, Kazakhstan's overall climate is dry, so heavy rain is uncommon.
August in Kazakhstan
- Book early
- Hot but low humidity
- Cooler in mountains
August is the busiest month, and since accommodation options are limited, early booking is recommended. The weather is hot but humidity stays low, with cooler conditions in the mountains. It's a great month for hiking, though it's best to stick to marked trails, and afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
September in Kazakhstan
- Wedding season
- Charyn Canyon
- Autumnal foliage
September offers warm weather and beautiful autumn colours in the forests, making it a great time for walking in Charyn Canyon, which is uncomfortably hot in summer, or along the edges of the Altai Mountains. Steppe communities often hold weddings in autumn, so visitors may come across local celebrations.
October in Kazakhstan
- Mild and damp
- Harvest season
- Almaty Apple Festival
October brings mild weather, with rain becoming more likely later in the month. Autumn harvests are in full swing, and the Almaty Apple Festival on 21 October celebrates the season's abundance. Hiking, lake kayaking, and cultural tours to places like Turkestan and Tamgaly are all still possible, though warm clothing is recommended.
November in Kazakhstan
- Eagle hunting
- Subzero temperatures
- Snow likely
Winter sets in firmly in November, bringing snow, sub-zero temperatures, and biting winds. While not an ideal month for travel, visitors might spot traditional Kazakh eagle hunters, known as berkutchi, flying their birds across the steppe. Snow appears across the steppe, cities, and mountains alike, though it's rarely heavy enough to disrupt travel.
December in Kazakhstan
- Quiet and cold
- Sharp winds on the steppe
- Very little travel
December sees very few visitors due to the harsh weather. Sharp winds blow in from Siberia across the steppe, and snow is common with temperatures well below freezing throughout the country. Those who do travel during this month might catch a match of kokpar, a traditional Kazakh sport similar to polo played using a goat carcass instead of a ball.
