Almaty Weather: A Complete Guide to Climate, Seasons, and What to Expect

Almaty Weather:

Almaty, Kazakhstan, the largest city in the country and its former capital, is located in the southeastern part of the country.

Nestled low at the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, Almaty’s altitude varies across different parts of the city, but the central area sits at approximately 800 meters above sea level. The unique geographical location of Almaty significantly influences its climate, making it distinct from other cities in Kazakhstan.

General Climate of Almaty

Almaty experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and rain and a notable range in temperature between day and night.

The Almaty weather is influenced by its mountainous surroundings, which bring higher average precipitation levels and occasional unpredictable changes in temperature.

The average annual temperature in Almaty is about 10°C (50°F), based on climatic data collected over several years. Observed data from historical climate conditions indicate significant variations in temperature and precipitation over different seasons and years.

The coldest month is January, with average temperatures of -4°C (24.8°F), while the hottest month is July, when temperatures reach an average of 24.5°C (76°F). However, extreme temperatures can vary significantly from these averages.

Almaty in Winter (December – February) and Snow

Winters in Almaty are cold and can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. The coldest recorded temperature in Almaty was -37.7°C (-35.9°F) in February 1951.

While such extremes are rare, temperatures of -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F) can occur during prolonged cold waves. Winter days can also be either mostly cloudy or partly cloudy, which often leads to lower temperatures and a more biting cold.

Despite the cold, Almaty also experiences sunny winter days, offering a stunning contrast between the snow-covered mountains and clear blue skies. The city typically has an average snow amount of around 55 snowy days per year, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort, located just a short drive from the city center, attracts visitors looking for skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Winter Almaty Weather Highlights:

Frequent snowfall with a yearly average of 55 snow days
Sub-zero temperatures, sometimes dropping below -30°C (-22°F)
Some sunny days even in winter, making it more pleasant for outdoor activities

Almaty in Spring (March – May)

Spring in Almaty is marked by rapid temperature changes and unpredictable weather. As cold air masses from Siberia collide with warmer air from the west and south, each month Almaty experiences occasional strong winds and fluctuating temperatures.

March can still feel quite cold, with occasional snowfall, but by April, temperatures begin to rise steadily, reaching 15-20°C (59-68°F). By May, the city experiences a significant increase in warmth, with average highs of 22-25°C (72-77°F).

Spring days can also be partly cloudy or mostly cloudy, which can moderate temperatures and create a mix of sun and shade.

Spring is also the wettest season in Almaty, with heavy rainfall occurring frequently. April and May receive the highest precipitation levels observed, contributing to the city’s lush greenery and vibrant blossoms observed during this season.

Spring Almaty Weather Highlights:

Unpredictable weather with sudden temperature shifts
Strong winds due to colliding air masses
Peak rainfall season, especially in April and May
Gradual warming, with temperatures rising from cold in March to mild in May

Almaty in Summer (June – August)

Summers in Almaty are hot but bearable, thanks to its low altitude. While temperatures can reach 37-38°C (99-100°F) on the hottest days this month, the mountain breeze helps in making the heat less oppressive compared to lower-altitude regions.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Almaty was 43.5°C (110.3°F) in July 1983.

Summer in Almaty is typically sunny, although afternoon thunderstorms are common, particularly in June and July. These storms bring short but intense bursts of rain, offering some relief from the summer heat.

Because of the pleasant temperatures in the mountains surrounding the city, many locals and tourists escape the summer heat by visiting nearby natural attractions such as Big Almaty Lake or Medeu, where temperatures are notably cooler.

Summer Almaty Weather Highlights:

Hot temperatures, averaging 24.5°C (76°F) but can reach 38°C (100°F)
Frequent afternoon thunderstorms in early summer
Cooler temperatures in higher-altitude areas nearby
Perfect season for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing

Almaty in Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is one of the most picturesque seasons in Almaty, with golden leaves covering the city and surrounding mountains.

September often retains summer-like warmth, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), but by October, cooler weather sets in, and by November, winter approaches with average highs of 5-10°C (41-50°F).

Rainfall in autumn decreases compared to spring, but occasional early snowfall can occur in late October or early November. The days remain mostly sunny, making it a great season for enjoying Almaty’s beautiful parks and hiking trails before the cold winter sets and rain and snow move in.

Autumn Almaty Weather Highlights:

Warm September, cooling gradually by November
Stunning autumn foliage, especially in the mountain areas
Occasional early snowfall by late October or November
Dryer climate compared to spring

Annual Rainfall and Sunshine in Almaty

Almaty receives an annual precipitation of 585 mm (23 inches), significantly higher than other parts of Kazakhstan, making it one of the greener cities in the country. The wettest months are April and May, while the driest months are typically January and February.

The city enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round, particularly in summer when clear skies dominate. Even in winter, sunny days occur regularly, making the cold more tolerable.

Hours of Daylight and Twilight in Almaty

The length of daylight in Almaty varies significantly throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. On December 21, the shortest day of the year, Almaty sees just 6 hours and 58 minutes of daylight. In contrast, June 21, the longest day, boasts a generous 17 hours and 34 minutes of daylight.

This variation means that in the summer, the sun rises around 6:30 am and sets around 8:30 pm, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.

Conversely, in the winter, the sun rises later, around 8:30 am, and sets earlier, around 4:30 pm, creating shorter days that are perfect for cozy indoor activities and enjoying the city’s winter charm.

The moderate twilight periods add a gentle transition between day and night, enhancing the overall atmospheric experience in Almaty.

Humidity and Comfort Levels in Almaty

The perceived humidity level in Almaty does not vary significantly over the course of the year, maintaining a relative humidity of around 50-60%. This consistency contributes to a moderate level of comfort throughout the seasons.

During the summer months, there is a slight increase in humidity, but it remains manageable. The temperature range in Almaty spans from -20°C to 30°C (-4°F to 86°F) throughout the year, with January being the coldest month, averaging around -10°C (14°F). In contrast, July, the warmest month, sees average temperatures around 25°C (77°F).

These temperature variations, combined with the stable humidity levels, create a comfortable environment for both residents and visitors, regardless of the season.

Wind and Weather Extremes in Almaty

Almaty experiences a moderate amount of wind throughout the year, with average wind speeds ranging from 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph). The wind direction varies significantly, with the predominant direction being from the west for seven months of the year.

The city also experiences a moderate amount of precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of around 400 mm (16 in). May is the wettest month, receiving an average of 70 mm (3 in) of rain, while September is the driest, with just 20 mm (0.8 in).

Snowfall is another key feature of Almaty’s weather, with an average annual snowfall of around 100 cm (39 in). December stands out as the snowiest and coldest month however, with an average snowfall of 30 cm (12 in).

These weather extremes, from wind patterns to precipitation and snowfall, add to the dynamic climate of Almaty, making it a city of diverse and fascinating weather conditions.

Conclusion: What to Expect from Almaty Weather?

Almaty’s weather is diverse, offering something for every season. Whether you’re visiting for winter sports, spring blossoms, summer hiking, or autumn scenery, the city’s climate plays a significant role in shaping the experience.

Understanding Almaty’s seasonal weather patterns can help visitors plan their trips accordingly and pack the right clothing.

For those who enjoy varied weather and stunning natural landscapes, Almaty remains one of the most fascinating cities in Central Asia to explore year-round.

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