Kazakhstan Weather by Month

Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest country overall, located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west, Kazakhstan spans a vast range of landscapes. These include the steppes of the central and northern regions, mountains in the east and southeast, deserts in the south, and a long stretch of coastline along the Caspian Sea in the west. The country is home to diverse topography, ranging from lowlands to high mountain ranges, such as the Tian Shan and Altai Mountains.

Kazakhstan’s climate is predominantly continental, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures fluctuating widely depending on the season. The country is known for its extreme weather patterns, particularly in the inland areas, where summers can be scorching and winters harsh. The mountainous regions tend to have cooler temperatures, and the deserts in the south are extremely dry. Understanding Kazakhstan’s weather by month can help visitors plan their trips to experience the best of this vast and diverse country.

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Kazakhstan’s Weather by Month

January: Freezing Winter Conditions

Northern Kazakhstan (Astana, Pavlodar)

• Average Temperature: -15°C (5°F) during the day, -25°C (-13°F) at night
• Snowfall: Heavy, with frequent snowstorms
• Wind: Strong and cold winds, with occasional blizzards
• Humidity: Moderate, around 70%

Southern Kazakhstan (Almaty, Shymkent)

• Average Temperature: -2°C (28°F) during the day, -8°C (18°F) at night
• Snowfall: Moderate, with regular snowfall in the mountains
• Wind: Light to moderate winds
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%

Western Kazakhstan (Aktau, Caspian Sea)

• Average Temperature: 0°C (32°F) during the day, -5°C (23°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light, with occasional rain showers along the coast
• Wind: Stronger coastal winds

Summary: January is the coldest month in Kazakhstan, with freezing temperatures across the country, particularly in the north. Snowfall is heavy in most regions, and strong winds often create blizzard conditions in northern Kazakhstan. Southern areas, including Almaty, experience milder winters, while the Caspian Sea region sees occasional rainfall. Travelers visiting during January should be prepared for very cold conditions and icy roads.

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February: Cold but Stable

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: -14°C (7°F) during the day, -23°C (-9°F) at night
• Snowfall: Heavy, with occasional snowstorms
• Wind: Cold and strong, with wind chill
• Humidity: Moderate, around 70%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: -1°C (30°F) during the day, -7°C (19°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light, with snow in higher altitudes
• Wind: Light to moderate winds
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 1°C (34°F) during the day, -4°C (25°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light, with occasional rain showers near the coast
• Wind: Moderate coastal winds

Summary: February remains cold across Kazakhstan, with temperatures staying well below freezing, particularly in the north. The southern regions experience slightly milder weather, with some snowfall at higher elevations. Although snowstorms are still common in the north, the weather is relatively stable compared to January.

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March: Beginning of Spring

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: -5°C (23°F) during the day, -15°C (5°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light to moderate, with thawing beginning by the end of the month
• Wind: Cold, with occasional strong gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F) during the day, 0°C (32°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light, with gentle breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F) during the day, -1°C (30°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light coastal winds

Summary: March marks the beginning of spring in southern Kazakhstan, where temperatures start to rise, and snow begins to melt. In the northern regions, winter conditions persist, though the cold gradually eases by the end of the month. Rainfall is light across the country, and the weather remains mostly dry.

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April: Warming and Thawing

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F) during the day, -2°C (28°F) at night
• Snowfall: Decreasing, with most snow melting by mid-April
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-40 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate, with warmer breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F) during the day, 5°C (41°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light coastal winds

Summary: April brings warmer temperatures across Kazakhstan, especially in the southern and western regions. Snow melts completely in most areas, and spring flowers begin to bloom. Rainfall increases slightly, but the weather remains relatively dry. This is a great time for outdoor activities in southern Kazakhstan, while northern areas still experience cooler temperatures.

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May: Pleasant Spring Weather

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-40 mm
• Wind: Light, with gentle breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-50 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light coastal breezes

Summary: May is one of the most pleasant months to visit Kazakhstan, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Northern Kazakhstan finally experiences true spring weather, while the southern regions enjoy even warmer temperatures. Rain showers are common but not disruptive. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for outdoor exploration, including hiking, sightseeing, and cultural activities.

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June: Beginning of Summer

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-50 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 30-40 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate, with warm breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 45-50%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional breezes from the Caspian Sea

Summary: June marks the start of summer in Kazakhstan, with rising temperatures and more stable weather across the country. The northern regions warm up significantly, while southern areas experience hot days with cooler nights. Rainfall is moderate, with occasional thunderstorms, particularly in the north. This is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and cultural tours.

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July: Hot Summer Days

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Low to moderate, around 30-40 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Low to moderate, around 50-55%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very low, around 10-20 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional heat-induced gusts
• Humidity: Low, around 40-45%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very low, around 10-20 mm
• Wind: Light coastal breezes

Summary: July is the hottest month in Kazakhstan, particularly in the southern regions, where temperatures frequently exceed 34°C (93°F). Northern areas are also warm, though the weather is more comfortable with cooler nights. Rainfall is minimal, and the dry, sunny days are ideal for beach trips along the Caspian Sea or outdoor adventures in the mountains. Visitors should be prepared for hot weather, especially in the southern deserts.

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August: Hot and Dry

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: Low, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional breezes
• Humidity: Low to moderate, around 50%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very low, around 10-20 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional gusts during thunderstorms
• Humidity: Low, around 40-45%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Wind: Light coastal winds, with occasional gusts

Summary: August remains hot and dry across Kazakhstan, especially in the southern regions. Northern areas see slightly cooler temperatures, particularly at night. Rainfall is minimal, with dry conditions prevailing across the country. Despite the heat, this is a popular time for outdoor activities, including desert exploration and visits to Kazakhstan’s natural parks and reserves.

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September: Transition into Autumn

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-40 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light coastal breezes

Summary: September brings cooler temperatures and more comfortable weather to Kazakhstan, particularly in the north. The southern regions remain warm, though the heat begins to subside. Rainfall increases slightly, but the weather is still mostly dry. This is an excellent time for sightseeing and cultural exploration, as the weather becomes more favorable for outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.

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October: Cooler and Rainier

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 2°C (36°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-50 mm
• Wind: Light to moderate, with cooler breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-40 mm
• Wind: Light, with occasional gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55-60%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F) during the day, 5°C (41°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Wind: Light coastal winds

Summary: October marks the arrival of autumn in Kazakhstan, with cooler temperatures and more rainfall across the country. Northern Kazakhstan experiences significant drops in temperature, while the southern regions remain milder but cooler than the summer months. The cooler weather is ideal for exploring the country’s national parks and experiencing cultural festivals.

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November: Onset of Winter

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 0°C (32°F) during the day, -8°C (18°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light, with the first snowfalls of the season
• Wind: Cold, with occasional strong gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 70%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 7°C (45°F) during the day, -1°C (30°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm, with occasional snowfall at higher altitudes
• Wind: Light, with cold breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F) during the day, 0°C (32°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light, with occasional rain showers
• Wind: Cold coastal winds

Summary: November signals the onset of winter in Kazakhstan, with temperatures dropping significantly, particularly in the northern regions. Snow begins to fall, and cold winds make the weather feel even chillier. The southern areas remain relatively mild but cool, with the occasional snowfall in higher elevations.

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December: Full Winter Conditions

Northern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: -10°C (14°F) during the day, -18°C (0°F) at night
• Snowfall: Heavy, with frequent snowstorms
• Wind: Strong and cold winds, creating blizzard-like conditions
• Humidity: Moderate, around 70%

Southern Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: -2°C (28°F) during the day, -10°C (14°F) at night
• Snowfall: Moderate, with regular snowfall in the mountains
• Wind: Light to moderate, with cold gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%

Western Kazakhstan

• Average Temperature: -3°C (27°F) during the day, -8°C (18°F) at night
• Snowfall: Light, with occasional rain showers along the coast
• Wind: Stronger coastal winds

Summary: December brings full winter conditions to Kazakhstan, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in most regions. Northern Kazakhstan experiences the harshest winter weather, with strong winds and blizzards. Southern regions, including Almaty, experience milder but still cold winters with regular snowfall. Travelers visiting during December should be prepared for very cold conditions, especially in the northern and mountain regions.