The best time to visit Kazakhstan is April to May or September to October, when you can enjoy mild weather without the extremes of heat or cold.
However, don’t let this stop you from visiting any other time. Kazakhstan is a country you can explore in any season. Summer is ideal for trekking and hiking, winter is perfect for skiing, autumn is great for outdoor activities and spring is a time to celebrate events.
Known as the “Land of Steppes”, the northern part features open grasslands, snow-capped mountains in the south, desert landscapes in the west and a Caspian sea coastline.
The best time to go to Kazakhstan should depend on what you want to experience. Here is everything you need to know about the best time to travel to Kazakhstan based on its seasons, unique attractions and more.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
Spring Season (Shoulder Season)
The spring season in Kazakhstan is from April to May, when wildflowers bloom in full beauty. It is called the shoulder season and is a time to celebrate and enjoy new beginnings. The mild weather and mesmerising scenery make it an ideal time for sightseeing.
If you want to experience the country’s natural charm or explore the traditional events and celebrations, spring is the best time to visit Kazakhstan.
Spring Season |
What Can You Expect? | ● Mild temperature and pleasant weather ● Moderate prices for hotel accommodation ● Moderate crowd |
Things to Do | ● Sightseeing ● Enjoy the ancient festival of Nauryz (which starts in late March) ● Experience cultural performances in Yurts built across many cities ● Try traditional cuisines ● Explore national parks ● Engage in outdoor activities |
Places to Visit | ● Burabay ● Altyn Emel National Park ● Katon-Karagay National Park ● Almaty City ● Nur Sultan City |
Summer Season (Peak Season)
The summer season starting from June and lasting until the end of August is the peak season in Kazakhstan. It is the hottest time of the year. By mid-June, as temperature rises, the snow starts to clear off, revealing the stunning mountain ranges and passes.
If you want to explore the beauty of the majestic mountain ranges, summer is the best season to visit Kazakhstan.
Summer Season |
What Can You Expect? | ● Warm temperature and dry weather ● Larger crowds ● Soaring hotel and resort prices |
Things to Do | ● Sightseeing ● Trek to explore mountain ranges ● Hiking ● Explore city life in Nur Sultan and Almaty ● Experience events and concerts on Astana Day ● Beach activities |
Places to Visit | ● Altai Mountains ● Big Almaty Gorge ● Tien Shan (hiking) ● Almatinka River ● Ustyurt Plateau |
Autumn Season (Shoulder Season)
The autumn season in Kazakhstan lasts from September to the end of October. It is also the shoulder season. As temperatures cool, the weather becomes pleasant. The charming landscape provides a perfect setting for outdoor activities.
If you are looking forward to adventure activities and thrilling experiences, autumn is the best time to go to Kazakhstan.
Autumn Season |
What Can You Expect? | ● Mild temperature and pleasant weather ● Mild rainfall ● Moderate prices for hotel bookings |
Things to Do | ● Hiking through the Altai range ● Enjoy the Almaty Apple Festival ● World Nomad Games |
Places to Visit | ● Charyn Canyon (Too hot to visit during summer) ● Almaty city ● Astana city |
Winter Season (Low/Off-Season)
The winter season in Kazakhstan spans from November to March. During this time, the temperatures drop drastically, and snow covers the landscape. It is a low season offering opportunities for snow sports that attract skiers around the world.
If you are a skier, the best season to visit Kazakhstan is winter.
Winter Season |
What Can You Expect? | ● Harsh cold temperatures ● Lesser crowd ● Discounted rates for hotel accommodations |
Things to Do | ● Engage in winter sports ● Skiing ● Snowboarding ● Watch out for Kokpar (an ancient game played by horse-mounted players) ● Chairlift in Shymbulak Ski Resort |
Places to Visit | ● Shymbulak Ski Resort (largest in Central Asia) ● Medeo valley in Zaili Alatau mountain ● Tabagan Ski Resort ● Almaty lake ● Altyn Arashan (for natural hot springs) |
Best Month to Visit Kazakhstan – Month-by-Month Travel Guide
January
Kazakhstan in January is predominantly covered in snow. You can experience a quiet and serene winter with icy landscapes and snow-covered mountains. It is the best time to visit Kazakhstan for winter games.
January in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - -18.7 degrees Celsius ● Max - -10.3 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 18 mm |
Things to Do | ● Skiing ● Snowboarding ● Sightseeing ● Experience hotsprings |
Places to Visit | ● Shymbulak Ski Resort ● Tabagan Ski Resort ● Alma - Arason Gorge |
February
February is yet another extremely calm winter month. You can witness the breathtaking snowy mountains, valleys and frozen lakes.
February in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 18 degrees Celsius ● Max - -8.8 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 17 mm |
Things to Do | ● Experience snowy landscapes ● Engage in winter sports |
Places to Visit | ● Medeu Ski Resort ● Big Almaty Lake |
March
The month of March welcomes the beginning of spring and the change to blooming scenery. The country is all set to plan its New Year celebrations, the festival of Nauryz. The climate begins to get warmer and more comfortable.
March in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - -10.4 degrees Celsius ● Max - -1.5 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 20 mm |
Things to Do | ● Engage in traditional festivals ● Sightseeing |
Places to Visit | ● Kolsoi Lake ● Ile Alatau National Park ● Taraz city ● Baiterek Tower ● Central State Museum |
April
April is the best month to visit Kazakhstan to experience the spring season with blooming flowers and beautiful steppes and mountains. The country is busy setting up various cultural activities and performances across the bustling cities to welcome the spring season.
April in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 1.2 degrees Celsius ● Max - 12.2 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 22 mm |
Things to Do | ● Experience blooming flowers ● Sightseeing ● Experience Kazakh traditional festivals |
Places to Visit | ● Medeu Valley ● Burabay park ● Caspian sea |
May
As the temperature gets warmer, you can experience the country’s natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities, such as sightseeing, exploring ancient historical sites and other adventurous activities.
May in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 8.2 degrees Celsius ● Max - 20.9 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 33 mm |
Things to Do | ● Outdoor activities ● Explore cultural events and performances ● Explore ancient regions and historical sites |
Places to Visit | ● Caspian Sea ● Almaty city ● Nur Sultan city ● Turkistan ● Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum |
June
June marks the arrival of summer in Kazakhstan. You can see melting snow, longer days and clear skies. It is the best time to visit Kazakhstan to explore the landscape transitions and partake in popular mountain adventures.
June in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 13.4 degrees Celsius ● Max - 25.8 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 40 mm |
Things to Do | ● Mountaineering ● Rock climbing ● Trekking ● Camping |
Places to Visit | ● Steppes region ● Kolsai lake ● Kokzhailau camp |
July
July is extremely warm in Kazakhstan. It is the best month to visit Kazakhstan to explore the vibrant cities, valleys, lakes and coastal adventures. The country welcomes a lot of visitors across the world during this time of the year.
July in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 14.9 degrees Celsius ● Max - 26.6 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 56 mm |
Things to Do | ● Hiking ● Sightseeing ● Visiting historical places ● Shopping ● Try traditional cuisines |
Places to Visit | ● Balkhash lake ● Kaindy lake ● Issyk lake |
August
August brings in the extreme warm days in Kazakhstan. However, it is the best time to experience the stunning desert landscapes, beaches and the ancient landmarks.
August in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 13 degrees Celsius ● Max - 25.5 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 31 mm |
Things to Do | ● Beach activities ● Outdoor activities ● Visit historical sites |
Places to Visit | ● Balkhash beach ● Burabay beach ● Jasybay Lake beach ● Zharkent Mosque Architectural and Art Museum |
September
After the peak summer season, autumn arrives in September, bringing cooler and pleasant temperatures. It is the best time to visit Kazakhstan and witness the magical transformation of its landscapes and vibrant cities. The vibrant golden colours take over the forests, steppes and mountains.
September in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 6.8 degrees Celsius ● Max - 18.9 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 21 mm |
Things to Do | ● Explore city life ● Sightseeing |
Places to Visit | ● Shymkent city ● Aktau city ● Kokshetau ● Oskemen city ● Karagandy city |
October
October, with its autumn transition and picturesque landscape filled with beautiful colours, makes Kazakhstan a beautiful place to be.
October in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - 0.5 degrees Celsius ● Max - 10.4 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 26 mm |
Things to Do | ● Sightseeing ● Adventure activities |
Places to Visit | ● Almaty city ● Charyn Canyon ● Alakol lake ● Kok Tobe for adventure activities |
November
In November, the season now changes from autumn to winter. It becomes an off season with very few visitors from across the world. It is the best time to visit Kazakhstan to explore skiing.
November in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - -8.7 degrees Celsius ● Max - -1.3 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation (for Nur Sultan) | 29 mm |
Things to Do | ● Skiing ● Ice skating |
Places to Visit | ● Shymbulak Ski Resort ● Medeu Ice Skating Rink |
December
December brings the perfect winter with snow in the mountains and in the cities. Hotel prices and accommodations become affordable due to the off-season. December is also the best time to travel to Kazakhstan for skiing if you can withstand the cold temperature.
December in Kazakhstan |
Average Temperatures (for Nur Sultan - between 1991 - 2020) | ● Min - -16 degrees Celsius ● Max - -8 degrees Celsius |
Average Precipitation | 25 mm |
Things to Do | ● Adventure activities ● Skiing |
Places to Visit | ● Shymbulak Ski Resort ● Medeo valley in Zaili Alatau mountain ● Tabagan Ski Resort |
Why Should You Have Travel Insurance to Visit Kazakhstan?
As you prepare to explore some of the best experiences in Kazakhstan, it is equally important to secure a comfortable financial condition.
Unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, lost or delayed checked-in baggage, trip cancellations, or flight delays, can disrupt your planned itinerary and result in significant additional costs.
An international travel insurance policy ensures you are covered for these unexpected expenses so that you can reduce your financial burden and continue your journey.
Reliance General Insurance offers online
international travel insurance policies tailored to meet your specific requirements as you plan your journey to Kazakhstan. You can decide the type of travel insurance plan, coverage required, number of persons to be covered and the trip duration to ensure complete protection.
We also refund your entire travel insurance premium if your visa to visit Kazakhstan gets rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
In which areas of Kazakhstan does it snow?
The northern and southern regions, including Astana and Almaty, experience snowfall during the winter season. The eastern regions also have snow covering the mountains.
How many days are enough for Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is a vast country, with every region, such as the south and north, offering unique attractions. It is recommended to spend at least a week in one region to fully explore its highlights without expensive travel.
Is Kazakhstan visa-free for Indians?
Indian citizens can travel visa-free to Kazakhstan for a maximum of up to 14 days. However, it is restricted for up to 42 days within every 180 days. For longer stays or travel for specific purposes, you can visit the Embassy of Republic of Kazakhstan in India to apply for a visa.
Which month is best for Kazakhstan?
The best month to visit Kazashatan depends on what you want to experience.
- For exploring mountain ranges, summer from June to August is ideal.
- If you are a skiing enthusiast, winter from November to March is the perfect time.
- For the best landscapes, sightseeing, traditional events and outdoor activities, the shoulder season (April to May and September to October) is the best time to visit Kazakhstan.
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Product & Sum Insured: T&C Apply. Details mentioned here are for Reliance Travel Care Policy, UIN: RELTIOP08002V010708.
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