Climate and monthly weather forecast
Aktau, Kazakhstan

Aktau, nestled in Kazakhstan, falls under the Köppen climate classification of BSk, indicating a mid-latitude steppe climate. This type of climate reveals a dry temperate zone, often associated with brisk winters and warm to hot summers, continental in nature and quite varied. Digging deeper into the data demonstrates a predictable pattern in the region's temperatures, rainfall, and sunlight hours.

The average monthly temperatures shift noticeably, with high temperatures spanning from a mere 2°C (35.6°F) in the winter months up to a sizzling 32°C (89.6°F) in the peak summer month of July. Low temperatures fluctuate between -5°C (23°F) in the ice-clad winter months and a much milder 21°C (69.8°F) in the heat of summer. Demonstrating moderate variation, rainfall ranges from as little as 5mm (0.2") in August to 14mm (0.55") during the rains of November. Unexpectedly, the number of rainfall days does not deviate dramatically, oscillating between 3 to 7 rainy days monthly.

Sunshine hours oscillate between a bright 11 hours daily in mid-summer and a comparatively dim 3 hours during the shorter days of winter. Daylight hours vary significantly between the shortest 9 hours in the dark days of December to the longest 15.4 hours in the resplendent days of June. The sea temperatures exhibit a pattern of warming up to 24°C (75.2°F) from June to August and cooling back down to 5°C (41°F) by February. Lastly, the UV index, a measure of the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation, reaches its maximum of 9 in July and plummeting to a safe 1 in the winter months of December and January.

Taking into account the temperatures, daylight hours, and rainfall, the best time to visit Aktau spans from late spring to early autumn. Specifically, from May to October, the city bathes in temperatures ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Visitors during this period can enjoy long daylight hours extending from 13.4 hours to 15.4 hours daily coupled with a pleasant 10mm (0.39") to 11mm (0.43") of rainfall monthly, offering comfortable conditions to explore the city and its surroundings.

The period from November through April typically makes for less than ideal travel conditions. During this interval, daytime temperatures dip down significantly, from 10°C (50°F) in November all the way to 2°C (35.6°F) in January. Furthermore, daylight hours are notably reduced in the winter months, with as little as 9 to 9.7 hours of light per day. Rainfall does not deviate significantly from the rest of the year, however, the lower temperatures make any precipitation less tolerable, hence making this period less suitable for outdoor activities.

Springtime in Aktau, from March to May, brings about a gradual warming of temperatures. Daytime highs climb steadily from 8°C (46.4°F) in March to an enjoyable 24°C (75.2°F) in May, while nighttime lows increment from 0°C (32°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). Rainfall totals average 12mm (0.47") to 13mm (0.51") per month, making for mild wet weather conditions. During this time, daylight hours increase from 11.9 hours in March to 14.7 hours in May, fostering longer days perfect for outdoor pursuits.

Summers are the warmest with high temperatures soaring, with daily maxima reaching up to 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) from June to August. Evenly, nighttime temperatures hover above 18°C (64.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), maintaining consistently warm conditions. Rainfall is at its lowest in summer, with totals dipping down to as little as 5mm (0.2") to 7mm (0.28") per month. Long daylight hours of up to 15.1 to 15.4 hours provide ample opportunities for visitors to explore the region's offerings.

Autumn in Aktau witnesses a decline in temperatures, falling from a pleasant 25°C (77°F) in September to a brisk 10°C (50°F) by November. Correspondingly, nighttime lows decrease from 15°C (59°F) down to 3°C (37.4°F). Rainfall increases to an annual maximum of 14mm (0.55") in November, and the days shorten with daylight hours reducing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours by November.

Winters in Aktau are traditionally cold, with temperatures remaining between 2°C (35.6°F) to 5°C (41°F) from December to February. Nighttime lows are particularly chilly, dropping down to as low as -5°C (23°F) from December to February. Rainfall in winter remains relatively steady at around 8mm (0.31") to 13mm (0.51") per month. Daylight hours are at their shortest in winter, with the region seeing between 9 hours and 9.4 hours of light per day.

The first month of the year in Aktau, Kazakhstan is dismally cold, characterized by minimal daylight and scarce rainfall. It offers a freezing spectacle with the lowest temperatures dipping to -5°C (23°F). Few daylight hours paint a stark contrast to the long nights, embodying the quintessential winter. Weather in January »

February largely mirrors its preceding month, featuring frigid temperatures and meager sunlight. The below-freezing low of -5°C (23°F) keeps the populace pretty wrapped up in woollens. The month officially marks the last throes of winter, its bone-chilling grip still eminent. Weather in February »

The arrival of March welcomes the beginning of Spring in Aktau, Kazakhstan, ushering in a gradual climatic transition. Compared to the rigid cold of February, this month sees temperatures twine around 0°C (32°F) to 8°C (46.4°F). Weather in March »

April steps in with significant upheavals in Aktau's weather narrative, symbolizing the earnest onset of spring. The temperatures observe a noteworthy ascension, spiralling to a maximum of 17°C (62.6°F). Compared to March, April paves the way for additional daylight hours, extending outdoor activities. Weather in April »

A pre-summer-like atmosphere dominates the city of Aktau in May, with the mercury rising consistently. Increasing daylight, appreciable sunshine duration, and a temperate sea render the month inviting to outdoor enthusiasts. The temperatures and rainfall collectively orchestrate a transition towards the approaching summer. Weather in May »

With June enters the first torrid month of the summer season in Aktau, Kazakhstan. The meteorological fluctuations of June result in temperatures soaring to a scorching 29°C (84.2°F). Longer sunlight hours, enhanced UV index, and considerable sunshine constitute the weather fabric. Weather in June »

July reinforces the eminence of the summer season in Aktau, with its blistering sunlight and escalating mercury. The temperature reaches zenith in July, the sweltering highs stretch up to an intense 32°C (89.6°F). As daylight hours reach their year-long pinnacle, July marks the height of aquatic activity. Weather in July »

August is the last lap of summer in Aktau, Kazakhstan, retaining most of the weather traits of its predecessor, July. The temperatures retain their stranglehold over the city, albeit slightly mellowed down to a maximum of 31°C (87.8°F). Weather in August »

Aktau gradually slips into autumn with the arrival of September, showcasing a moderate transition from summer. Despite a considerable drop in temperature from August, heat persists to a comfortable extent. The landscape starts donning an autumnal tinge as daylight hours shorten and the UV index drops. Weather in September »

The transition towards winter repossession gains pace in Aktau, Kazakhstan with October's advent. Compared to September, daylight hours are limited, prompting a subsequent fall in temperature. Autumn's full spectacle is on display, with the sea temperature also endorsing the downward trend. Weather in October »

November presents a dramatic descent into Aktau's winter season, letting loose chill winds and shorter daylight. A pronounced drop in temperature from October demonstrates the sway of winter impact. Outdoor activities see a reduction as the sea too gives in to the cold invasion. Weather in November »

December_FINAL in Aktau, Kazakhstan marks the victory of winter complete with biting cold, limited daylight, and sporadic rainfall bouts. Temperatures in December plummet to an icy -1°C (30.2°F), transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Weather in December »