Best time to visit · Almaty · Kazakhstan
The best time to visit Almaty
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dauren Nabijan, CC0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Almaty is May–June and September, when the city is green or golden, temperatures are comfortable and mountain trails and lakes are accessible. July and August are hot in the city but ideal for high mountains. December to March is for skiing at Shymbulak and skating at Medeu, though the city can be smoggy.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 0°C (32°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- November
Seasons
Almaty has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, sunny summers. Spring and autumn are short and pleasant. In winter, a temperature inversion can trap smog over the city, while the mountains above are often sunny.
March–May
Spring
Nauryz celebrations, blossom and green parks, with frequent showers and snow lingering on high trails.
June–August
Summer
Hot, sunny city days and cool mountains; the best season for Big Almaty Lake, Kolsai, Kaindy and hiking.
September–November
Autumn
Golden foliage and apple season in September, cooling quickly through October towards the first snow.
December–February
Winter
Snowy and cold, with skiing at Shymbulak and skating at Medeu; smog can settle over the city on still days.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | -9°C | 7 | 9.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 2°C | -7°C | 8 | 10.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 9°C | 0°C | 11 | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 18°C | 6°C | 12 | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 23°C | 11°C | 13 | 14.7 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 28°C | 15°C | 10 | 15.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 30°C | 18°C | 8 | 15.1 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 30°C | 17°C | 6 | 13.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 24°C | 11°C | 5 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 16°C | 5°C | 7 | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 7°C | -2°C | 9 | 9.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 2°C | -7°C | 8 | 9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Ski season at Shymbulak (usually December to April) |
| March | Nauryz — spring new year festival with yurts and food in public squares (around 21–23 March) |
| May | Victory Day commemorations (9 May) |
| September | Almaty City Day celebrations (usually September) |
| October | Republic Day public holiday (25 October) |
| December | Independence Day (16 December); New Year celebrations — Kazakhstan's main winter holiday (31 December–2 January) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in November, and the sights are quietest in November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Almaty?
The best time to visit Almaty is May–June and September, when the city is green or golden, temperatures are comfortable and mountain trails and lakes are accessible. July and August are hot in the city but ideal for high mountains. December to March is for skiing at Shymbulak and skating at Medeu, though the city can be smoggy.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Almaty?
Usually in November. Grey and cooling, with the first city snow and smog days; a quiet month for visitors.
+What is the rainiest month in Almaty?
May, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Almaty get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).