The climate of Astana
Astana, the capital city of
Kazakhstan, is subject to a Humid Continental climate, specifically falling under the category of no dry season, warm summer or Dfb according to the Köppen climate classification. This is characteristically associated with large seasonal temperature differentials and a warmth to hot summer. The city is located in the north-central region of the country, which has an influence on its weather conditions.
The temperature in Astana fluctuates widely from sub-zero levels in winter to over 24.8°C during summer. The highest average temperatures occur from
June to
August, starting from 24.8°C in June, reaching a peak of 25.6°C in
July before dipping slightly to 24.8°C in August. The lows can fall below freezing, with the coldest months being
December through
February, with average temperatures dropping to -26°C in December, -18.3°C in
January, and -18°C in February.
Humidity stays relatively high throughout the year, with the highest levels seen in January and February at 92% and 91%, respectively. Rainfall averages vary through the year, with the highest levels observed in July averaging at 37mm, and the lowest in January and February at 12mm and 13mm, respectively. Snow is typical from
November till
April, with the heaviest snowfall seen in November and December at 84mm and 70mm respectively.
The wind blows at various speeds across the year, reaching maximum speeds of 19km/h in November and 18.7km/h in December. The average amount of daylight varies as well, with the longest days witnessed in June with approximately 16.5 hours of daylight.
The best time to visit Astana
Considering the weather conditions,
June through
August present the most desirable period to visit
Astana. The temperature during these months averages between 24.8°C and 25.6°C, providing warmth without burdening heat. The daylight hours peak with 16.5 hours in June, gradually decreasing through
July and August. This period also has the maximum amount of sunshine, averaging between 12.6 and 13 hours.
The worst time to visit Astana
The harsh winter conditions from
December to
February make it the least suitable period to visit
Astana, as temperatures plunge to extreme lows of -14.8°C to -18.3°C. Snowfall is also significant during these months, making outdoor activities nearly impossible. The days during this period are shorter with daylight hours dwindling down to just 8 hours per day in December and
January.
Spring weather in Astana
During spring months from
March to
May,
Astana starts to warm up with temperatures ranging from -2.2°C in March to 19.4°C in May. The rainfall during this season ranges from 16mm in March to 17mm in May. Despite being the spring season, the city still experience snowfall in March and
April, although at a significantly lower rate at 65mm and 14mm respectively.
Summer weather in Astana
Summer in
Astana is warm and inviting, with temperatures from
June to
August fluctuating between 24.8°C and 25.6°C. Rainfall tends to increase during these months, averaging from 27mm in June to 37mm in
July, before dipping down to 20mm in August. Despite the summer season, Astana does not experience any snowfall during these months.
Autumn weather in Astana
Autumn, from
September to
November, is cooler with temperatures ranging from 8.8°C in
October to -3°C in November. Rainfall decreases steadily from 12mm in September to 18mm in November. Snowfall starts to make a comeback during this season, with heavy snow hitting the city from October with 34mm and increasing to 84mm in November.
Winter weather in Astana
Winter in
Astana is extraordinarily cold with temperatures from
December to
February plummeting from -9.1°C to -18.3°C. Snowfall reaches its peak during these months with an average of 70mm in December and 50mm in
January. Despite the frigid temperatures, Astana receives minimal rain during winter with rainfall levels at around 12mm to 16mm.
Weather in January
Beginning a new year in
Astana,
Kazakhstan, the chilly period continues with the lowest temperatures of the year.
January sees Astana under extreme cold, with temperatures plunging to an average low of -18.3°C and only reaching an average high of -11.6°C.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues to maintain the bitterly cold climate of
January, albeit with slightly improved conditions. The average temperatures rise marginally from the preceding month, with lows of -18°C and highs up to -10.1°C.
Astana remains blanketed in snow, while daylight hours increase incrementally.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is a reprieve from the icy throes of
January and
February as
Astana transitions into spring. Signs of the thaw are noticeable with the average temperatures jumping up to -9.9°C at the low and -2.2°C on the high side. Active snowfall decreases significantly, while the daylight hours lengthen.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the definitive arrival of spring in
Astana as the weather warms notably. Temperatures rise significantly into positive territory, ranging between 2.4°C and 11.2°C on average. With the last vestiges of snow almost gone, Astana blooms beautifully into spring with sprouting greens and blooming flowers.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a warm and sunny change, denoting the commencement of summer in
Astana. The city sees the highest average increase in temperature, from 9.3°C to 19.4°C. This transition attracts more daylight, making it an ideal period for sightseeing.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings
Astana's summer to its peak. Pleasant and warm days dominate this month, offering copious sunshine and enabling an array of outdoor activities. The lengthy daylight hours, culminating at 16.5 hours, guarantee abundant time for exploration.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Astana with average temperature reaching an apex at 25.6°C. This is coupled with bountiful sunshine and moderate humidity, creating idyllic summer conditions. Visitors can participate in water games at the cultural-entertainment center, Duman, or take leisurely walks by the pristine Yesil River.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August follows
July's warm trend, but begins the gradual return to
Astana's cooler weather. Temperatures start to exhibit a slight dip, maintaining highs of 24.8°C and lows at 14.4°C. Still, plenty of sunshine and warmth persist, facilitating outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the official advent of autumn in
Astana. Cooler temperatures set in, falling within the range of 8.6°C to 18°C, making for crisp autumn days. The daylight hours begin to decrease, casting a beautiful play of colors over the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a significant drop in temperature as
Astana transitions further into autumn. The increasing cold ushers in the first snowfall of the season late in the month. With daylight continuously decreasing, the city's panorama alters into a collage of fall hues.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sets the stage for
Astana's imminent winter, marked by an uptick in snowfall occurrences and the reduction of daylight hours. The city witnesses a sharp decline in temperature, with lows reaching -7.9°C and highs only reaching -3°C.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the full bearing of winter in
Astana, signaled by plummeting temperatures down to an average low of -14.8°C. The cityscape turns into a remarkable spectacle of ice, turning Astana into a winter wonderland. The city lights, festively adorned, illuminate the snowy landscape, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Weather in December » [Resources]