Climate and monthly weather forecastAlmaty, Kazakhstan
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Almaty
Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan, belongs to the humid continental climate category under the Köppen climate classification, coded as Dfa: humid continental, no dry season, hot summer. The city grapples with considerable variations in weather throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -8.4°C (16.9°F) in the cold season to a torrid 30°C (86°F) during the peak summer months.Looking at the annual cycle, a steady fluctuation is noticeable in climate parameters, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, and daylight hours. Monthly average maximum temperatures escalate gradually from 0.7°C (33.3°F) in January to the zenith of 30°C (86°F) in July, then decline progressively until December's frigid 2.3°C (36.1°F). The story echoes in the progression of minimum temperatures, nosediving to a record -8.4°C (16.9°F) in harsh January and February, subsequently ascending to a comfortable 18°C (64.4°F) in July, followed by a gradual descent to the coolest -6.4°C (20.5°F) in December.
Humidity parameters paint a contrasting picture. Relative humidity spirals down from 77% in January and February to April's 59%, only to hit the year's nadir at 45% in August. The subsequent climb peaks at 79% by the end of December.
Rainfall figures point to more nuances. The first drizzles start in January with a modest 34mm (1.34") to 43mm (1.69"), then crescendo to April's 107mm (4.21"), maintaining a consistent pattern until October before winding down to December's minimal 42mm (1.65"). A similar rhythm emerges in the count of rainfall days.
On the contrary, the frequency of snowfall days reaches a high in the winter months with 11 each in January and December, with virtually negligible occurrences from May to September. Meanwhile, daylight hours range from a minimum of 9 hours in January to a maximum of 15.3 hours in June, while sunshine hours climb from 3.3 hours in December to January to 9.9 hours in July before descending. Finally, UV index levels peak in summer with 9 from June to August, then plunge to 1 during the cold months.
Unique weather patterns manifest in Almaty, distinguished by the absence of rainfall from May to September and a particularly steep drop in humidity levels during August.
The best time to visit Almaty
Peak tourism season in Almaty spans from May to September when temperatures are agreeable, ranging from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 30°C (86°F), and the city basks in sunlight for up to 9.9 hours daily. The relative absence of rainfall, coupled with the lowest humidity levels of the year, provides an amicable environment for sightseeing and outdoor activities.The worst time to visit Almaty
The most inhospitable period to visit Almaty is between December and February. Temperatures bottom out, dropping to -6.4°C (20.5°F) to -8.4°C (16.9°F), and daylight, registering only 9-9.4 hours, is fleeting. Compounded with 11 days of snowfall each in January and December, these months can present formidable weather conditions to visitors unfamiliar with Central Asian winters.Spring weather in Almaty
Spring in Almaty, spanning from March to May, is the season of consistent rain, with downfall levels escalating from 75mm (2.95") in March to 107mm (4.21") in April, along with an increasing number of rainfall days. However, temperatures rise consistently, averaging from -1.1°C (30°F) to 11°C (51.8°F), and sunshine hours extend from 4.3 hours in February to 7.8 hours by the end of spring.Summer weather in Almaty
The Almaty summer bursts upon the scene with sweltering temperatures reaching a peak of 30°C (86°F) in July. The showers are a regular feature, particularly in May, with precipitation levels around 106mm (4.17"), tapering off to around 30mm (1.18") by August. Sunshine hours are long, peaking at 9.9 hours in July, and the UV index level hits 9 between June to August, urging protective measures during outdoor sojourns.Autumn weather in Almaty
As autumn sets in Almaty from September to November, temperatures commence a steady decline from 24.2°C (75.6°F) in September to 8.2°C (46.8°F) by November, and daylight hours whittle down to 9.7 hours in November. Rainfall retreats from 27mm (1.06") in September to 56mm (2.2") in November, painting a picture of the tranquil fall season.Winter weather in Almaty
The winter months from December to February in Almaty are cold and unforgiving. Temperatures plunge into the negative, hitting a low of -8.4°C (16.9°F) in January, while daylight is limited to only 9-9.4 hours a day. Snowfall is a constant presence, peaking at 11 days each in January and December. Sunshine hours dip to the year’s low point at 3.3 hours. The harsh weather can pose challenges to tourists, thereby suggesting careful planning before embarking on a winter journey.Weather in January
January in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is marked by a considerable intensity of cold, characterizing the peak of winter in the city. The lowest temperatures of the year are registered here, with a daily average high of just 0.7°C (33.3°F) and nightly low of -8.4°C (16.9°F). Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from January, February presents slightly less harsh weather conditions in Almaty, but it remains firmly in winter's grip. With a maximum temperature rising to 2.2°C (36°F), it is slightly warmer than the preceding month. Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the arrival of the spring season in Almaty, with an appreciable shift in weather patterns. The city starts to warm up significantly, with an average high temperature soaring to 8.7°C (47.7°F). The snowfall subsides gradually and gives way to expected rainfall. Weather in March »Weather in April
Thanks to the rising temperatures, Almaty’s weather in April symbolizes a full-fledged spring. The city continues to warm up, and the rainfall becomes increasingly prominent. With longer daylight hours, the city experiences more sunshine, augmenting its vibrant spring setting. Weather in April »Weather in May
May presents a beautiful mix of mild temperatures and vibrant vegetation in Almaty. With an average daily high temperature reaching 22.4°C (72.3°F), the weather becomes comfortably warm but not overwhelmingly hot. It also becomes noticeably drier compared to the previous month. Weather in May »Weather in June
June sets the stage for the arrival of the summer season in Almaty. The city swelters under the highest UV index of 9, demanding caution from visitors and residents alike. The splendid sun-soaked parks and gardens are quite a sight during this period. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is the hottest month in Almaty, with the average high temperature reaching a peak of 30°C (86°F). It is also relatively arid, with little rainfall and low humidity, reinforcing the summer season. Despite the heat, tourists can enjoy exciting nightlife and cultural events. Weather in July »Weather in August
August in Almaty witnesses a slight cooling trend, compared to July's peak summer heat. With reduced rainfall and temperatures, the city is in the waning phase of the summer season. Weather remains favorable for outdoor activities, including hiking in the nearby mountains. Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the onset of autumn in Almaty and brings about an impressive color change in the city's foliage. While the temperatures dip to a daily average high of 24.2°C (75.6°F), the city remains hospitable. The reduced rainfall and humidity enhance the overall pleasant and mild climate. Weather in September »Weather in October
October witnesses a retreat of the mild weather, as Almaty prepares for the upcoming winter season. Apart from declining temperatures, there is an evident decrease in daylight hours. The first signs of snow can start to appear towards the end of the month. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Almaty corresponds to the late autumn period where winter touches upon the cityscape. Average temperatures drop sharply, paving the way for the colder months ahead with snowfall starting to become a regular occurrence. Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the full force of winter to Almaty, with cold temperatures and plentiful snowfall. The shortest daylight hours of the year can be anticipated this month, causing the days to typically end early. The city gets adorned with lights and decorations, filling the air with festive cheer. Weather in December »Updated: Jan 31, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January proves to be the coldest month, recording an average maximum temperature of 0.7°C (33.3°F) and a minimum temperature of -8.4°C (16.9°F).
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the entire year, the rain falls for 122 days and collects up to 684mm (26.93") of precipitation.
January through May, August through December are months with snowfall in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the entire year, snow falls for 53.4 days.
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The month with the most snowfall days in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is February, when snow falls for 13 days.
The month with the most rainfall in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is April, when the rain falls for 14 days and typically aggregates up to 107mm (4.21") of precipitation.
June and July are months without snowfall.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 18min of daylight.
The months with the highest UV index in Almaty are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 9.
July is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 30°C (86°F) and an average low-temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
With an average of 9.9h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
August is the least humid month in Almaty, with an average relative humidity of 45%.
The month with the least rainfall in Almaty is September, when the rain falls for 9 days and typically collects 27mm (1.06") of precipitation.
The most humid month in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is December, with an average relative humidity of 79%.
The month with the shortest days in Almaty is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.
Almaty, Kazakhstan, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +05 timezone is used over the entire year.
December has the least sunshine of the year in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with an average of 3.3h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Almaty, Kazakhstan
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (30°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (0.7°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (18°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-8.4°C).
Average humidity
Almaty, Kazakhstan
The month with the highest relative humidity is December (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (45%).
Average rainfall
Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Average rainfall in January:
34mm - Average rainfall in February:
43mm - Average rainfall in March:
75mm - Average rainfall in April:
107mm - Average rainfall in May:
106mm - Average rainfall in June:
57mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (107mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (27mm).
Average rainfall days
Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Average rainfall days in January:
4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14 days - Average rainfall days in May:
15 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15 days - Average rainfall days in August:
10 days - Average rainfall days in September:
9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8 days - Average rainfall days in December:
6 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are May, June and July (15 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (4 days).
Average snowfall days
Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Average snowfall days in January:
11 days - Average snowfall days in February:
13 days - Average snowfall days in March:
8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in October:
2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
6 days - Average snowfall days in December:
11 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (13 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June and July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 24min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 30min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 24min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 42min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 18min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 42min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 48min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 18min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 30min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 48min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 18min
- Average sunshine in July:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 12min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 54min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 18min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 3h and 18min).
Average UV index
Almaty, Kazakhstan
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 9).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
