The climate of Karakol
Karakol, located in
Kyrgyzstan, is subject to a Subarctic climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate is also referred to with a Dfc code, indicating severe winters, no dry season and cool summers. The climate is generally characterized by cold temperatures with variations occurring throughout the year.
Throughout the year, Karakol sees wide variations in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. The monthly mean temperature ranges from -5.3°C (22.5°F) to 19.3°C (66.7°F), with the low-point in
January and the high-point in
July. The relative humidity varies from 42% to 68%, lowest in July and highest in
February. Regarding precipitation, the amount of rainfall progressively increases from 1mm (0.04") in January to 26mm (1.02") in
August, before descending again. The same pattern occurs for snowfall, with peaks in February and
November, and no snowfall from
May to
September.
There are distinct weather features in Karakol. The minimal temperatures drop deep into the negatives at -15.2°C (4.6°F), particularly during January. The absence of snow from May to September, and the subsequent rush of snowfall in
October reaching 27mm (1.06") are unique to this region. Furthermore, moderate levels of UV-index are observed, ranging between 2 and 4 across the year, providing relatively safe conditions for outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Karakol
Taking into account
Karakol's weather patterns, the most favorable period to visit this city occurs from
May to
September. During this time, the city experiences its highest temperatures, reaching up to 19.3°C (66.7°F) in
July. At the same time, there is no snowfall, rainfall averages stay below 21mm (0.83"), and the relative humidity falls to its lowest levels, from 48% to 42%, resulting in a more comfortable atmosphere. Despite the increasing temperature, the UV-index stays within 4, contributing to safer weather conditions for travellers seeking outdoor adventures.
The worst time to visit Karakol
In contrast, the months from
November to
March pose the harshest conditions, making them not so favourable for a visit. The temperatures during these months are significantly low, dropping to -15.2°C (4.6°F) in
January. Additionally,
Karakol also experiences high snowfall during these months, reaching up to 27mm (1.06") in November and
December. The relative humidity also rises during this time, making the weather conditions less suitable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Karakol
Coming out of the harsh winter months, Spring in
Karakol witnesses a gradual rise in temperatures with averages climbing from -3.8°C (25.2°F) in
February to 12.1°C (53.8°F) in
May. The snowfall sees a sharp decline from February's 18mm (0.71") to May's 3mm (0.12"), making way for rainfall which progressively rises to 12mm (0.47") in May from 2mm (0.08") in February. The relative humidity stays steady during Spring and the amount of daylight increases from 10.6 hours in February to 14.6 hours in May, providing longer days for outdoor exposure.
Summer weather in Karakol
During Summer, the city experiences mild to moderately warm conditions with average temperatures ranging from 15.9°C (60.6°F) in
June to 18.6°C (65.5°F) in
August. This period is also the wettest of the year with rainfall reaching a high of 26mm (1.02") in August. Simultaneously, the snowfall ceases entirely, allowing for more comfortable travel. Despite the rainfall, the relative humidity remains relatively low, and daylight hours reach a peak at 15.3 hours in June, giving tourists ample daytime to explore the city.
Autumn weather in Karakol
Autumn sees a decrease in temperatures from 14.5°C (58.1°F) in
September to 0.8°C (33.4°F) in
November, preparing
Karakol for the forthcoming winter. Rainfall also decreases during this period, reducing to 3mm (0.12") in November from September's 8mm (0.31"). Snowfall returns during this period, reaching a high of 27mm (1.06") in November. The amount of daylight gradually reduces to 9.8 hours in November from 12.5 hours in September, signaling the approaching winter.
Winter weather in Karakol
Winter in
Karakol is characterized by notably low temperatures, with averages dropping to -3.6°C (25.5°F) in
December and hitting -5.3°C (22.5°F) in
January. The heavy snowfall during winter with accumulations of 21mm (0.83") in December exemplifies the severity of the season. Rainfall takes a backseat during winter, averaging around 3mm (0.12") in these cold months. Despite the harsh cold and heavy snowfall, tourists can still enjoy a decent amount of daylight, which hovers around 9 hours during this season.
Weather in January
In comparison to the remaining times of the year,
January tends to bring in the coldest temperatures in
Karakol,
Kyrgyzstan. The evenings can get bone-chillingly cold with the low temperature dipping down to -15.2°C (4.6°F). The city experiences the winter season in its full glory with frosty weather and snow-covered landscapes.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues to maintain the trend of winter set by
January, but individuals would notice a slight rise in temperature. The city enters its peak snowfall time with snowfall accumulations reaching up to 18mm (0.71"). The daily hustle life can be a little disrupted during this time due to the heavy snowfall.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings some relief from the stringent cold as it signals the advent of the spring season. The temperature clock marks a marked increase from
February, setting itself at around -3.8°C (25.2°F) going up to 1°C (33.8°F). The city still experiences a fair share of snowfall, although not as much as the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a month of significant change in
Karakol, with the warm spring air replacing the chill of winter. The city experiences a higher amount of rainfall at 8mm (0.31"), indicating a shift in the season. The daylight hours extend more, allowing locals and tourists more time to explore the city's landscapes during the day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the city is fully swathed in the spring season's charm, marked by warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours. The highest temperature inches towards 12.1°C (53.8°F), indicating the city’s progressive movement into the summer season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the start of the warm summer season in
Karakol with temperatures reaching up to a comfortable 15.9°C (60.6°F). It is characterized by longer daylight hours, providing ample opportunity to explore the city. The number of rainfall days increases significantly, and the humidity also starts to drop, bringing a pleasant change from the preceding months' dampness.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Karakol steps into
July, the city experiences its warmest temperatures of the year, soaring up to about 19.3°C (66.7°F). July also marks the highest rainfall amount recorded in the year, providing a refreshing touch to the otherwise dry summer weather.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues with the summer spell, but with slightly lower temperatures than
July. Despite this, it records the highest rainfall, clocking in at 26mm (1.02"), signalling a slow departure from the typical summer traits. The reduction in daylight hours becomes noticeable as the month progresses.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the autumn season in
Karakol, with temperatures ranging between 14.5°C (58.1°F) and 6.1°C (43°F). It also sees a decline in rainfall amount, giving way to clear skies. Despite the notable decrease in rainfall, the humidity and the hours of sunshine remain relatively stable, delivering a balanced weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the full arrival of autumn in
October, a dip in temperature is observed as the atmosphere cools towards the onset of winter. The first spell of snowfall in the year is seen in this month, marking the city’s transition into the cold season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November introduces the city to the winter season as temperatures drop further, and snowfall becomes more regular. The city once again becomes a snow-clad paradise with 27mm (1.06") of snowfall. The daylight hours are now noticeably less, making way for long, chilly nights.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December sees the full swing of the winter season with frigid temperatures from -3.6°C (25.5°F) to -12°C (10.4°F). The city turns into a winter wonderland with its snow-laden streets and frosted rooftops. The short daylight hours of just 9.1-hours, combined with the cold weather, serve as an invitation to stay cozy indoors with warm beverages.
Weather in December » [Resources]