Climate and monthly weather forecast
Karakul Lake, Tajikistan

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Karakul Lake

Positioned within the Karakul depression in Tajikistan, Karakul Lake experiences a tundra climate, more specifically, the Köppen climate classification identifies it as ET. This climate type equates to cold temperatures throughout the year, minimal rainfall, and extended periods of daylight during peak summer months.

Analyzing the climate parameters for Karakul Lake, one can truly decipher the ET climate. High temperatures reach their peak in July and August with 16°C (60.8°F), but fall to their lowest in January and February sinking to a chilly -14°C (6.8°F) and -12°C (10.4°F) respectively. The low temperatures share a similar trend, reaching their maximum of 3°C (37.4°F) in July and decline to a substantially cold -24°C (-11.2°F) in January.

Annual rainfall is somewhat sparing, peaking at 59mm (2.32") during May and decreasing to the lowest extent in September with only 15mm (0.59"). The number of rainfall days follows this pattern, with most days of rain observed in May (12 days), and the fewest in September and October (5 days each).

Daylight hours are most extensive in June with 14.9 hours and reduce to their shortest span in December with only 9.5 hours. Sunshine hours also show significant variation throughout the year, with a maximum of 10 hours in the summer months of June and July, and a minimum of 4 hours in December and January.

The best time to visit Karakul Lake

For those looking to experience the most agreeable weather conditions, the months from June to August prove ideal for visiting Karakul Lake. During this period, the area undergoes its warmest weather with high temperatures reaching up to 16°C (60.8°F) and rarely falling below 2°C (35.6°F).

Moreover, these months have the longest daylight hours, with June offering 14.9 hours, which decreases somewhat to 13.7 hours by August. This makes it a fantastic time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, the summer months receive the most sunshine, providing approximately 10 hours daily in June and July.

The worst time to visit Karakul Lake

Those thinking about visiting Karakul Lake must consider avoiding the colder months from December to February. During this time, the temperatures can be harsh, with highs reaching only up to -11°C (12.2°F) to -14°C (6.8°F) and lows plunging down from -19°C (-2.2°F) to -24°C (-11.2°F).

These months also receive the least amount of daylight, with December providing only 9.5 hours of daylight. The UV index is also at its lowest during these months, indicating a lack of strong sunlight.

Spring weather in Karakul Lake

Spring at Karakul Lake, encompassing the months of March to May, presents a gradual warm-up from the harsh winter. March starts off with average high temperatures of -5°C (23°F) and lows of -14°C (6.8°F). By May, the highs reach 7°C (44.6°F), and lows hover around -4°C (24.8°F).

Rainfall is progressive in spring, with an increase from 51mm (2.01") in March to 59mm (2.32") in May. Along with it, daylight also steadily escalates from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours in May, offering more time to explore the majestic landscapes of Karakul Lake.

Summer weather in Karakul Lake

Summers, spanning from June to August, manifest the mildest weather at Karakul Lake. Highs mount to the yearly maximum of 16°C (60.8°F) in both July and August, while lows stay within the range of 2°C (35.6°F) to 3°C (37.4°F). This makes the summer months the warmest period of the entire year.

Though not heavy, rainfall is lowest in August with just 21mm (0.83") over 6 days. The months are also replete with extended daylight that reaches its apex in June with 14.9 hours, and later wanes to 13.7 hours by August.

Autumn weather in Karakul Lake

Autumn at Karakul Lake is from September to November and brings the onset of cooler conditions. High temperatures in September start with 12°C (53.6°F) and by November fritter away to -4°C (24.8°F). Low temperatures follow a similar path, beginning with -3°C (26.6°F) in September and lowering to -14°C (6.8°F) by November.

September holds the lowest month for annual rainfall with just 15mm (0.59") and 5 days of rain. Daylight hours gradually contract from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 hours in November.

Winter weather in Karakul Lake

Winters, taking place from December to February, introduce the coldest months at Karakul Lake. The month of December commences with an average high of -11°C (12.2°F) and a low of -19°C (-2.2°F), the temperature conditions which continue through January, leading to -12°C (10.4°F) and -22°C (-7.6°F) respectively.

Rainfall levels remain consistent, with the highest in winter at 43mm (1.69") happening in December. The daylight hours reduce in this season, with 9.5 hours in December to 9.8 hours in January. Despite the cold and shorter daylight, the winter season uncovers a unique frozen beauty of Karakul Lake that is nothing short of splendid.

Weather in January

Beginning the year, Tajikistan's Karakul Lake endures winters with deep cold. The anticipated highs generally do not breach the negatives, reaching at the most -14°C (6.8°F) while the lows plunge down to colder depths of -24°C (-11.2°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Karakul Lake walks hand in hand with January in terms of cold temperatures. Although it records a slight improvement from the previous month, the warmth gain is hardly palpable. The region's usually snow-covered landscape continues to lay under the spell of winter. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The post-winter month of March accompanies a thaw in the cold weather of Karakul Lake, ushering in the anticipation of spring. The mercury level starts to rise from -22°C (-7.6°F) in February to a less severe -14°C (6.8°F). Alongside the moderating weather, longer daylight hours mark the month distinguishing it from its precedents. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April experiences a substantial shift in the weather at Karakul Lake. From the freezing low of -14°C (6.8°F) in March, it ameliorates further to approach near-zero levels. This period signifies the turning point where the hefty snowfall amounts begin to reduce. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As May presents itself, the weather around Karakul Lake warms up to invite a high temperature of 7°C (44.6°F). This can be viewed as the maiden chapter of comparatively pleasant temperatures. With ample sunshine hours, the daylight stretches longer. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signifies the advent of the brief summer experienced on the cold desert plains surrounding Karakul Lake. The temperature median shifts to display a soothing range making it a warmer month compared to May. The season is plentiful in daylight resulting in a boost of outdoor activities during this time. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, the warmest month in Karakul Lake, boasts of decent weather with the highest average temperature peaking at 16°C (60.8°F). It takes over June in the climatic relay, edging forward with marginally increased warmth. It comes with an abundance of daylight, holding the record for the maximum average of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the last month of summer, August manages to hold onto July's warmth. It maintains the pattern of pleasant weather with its high of 16°C (60.8°F) and low of 2°C (35.6°F). Despite the minor temperature fluctuations, it resembles the preceding summer month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September introduces the transit season as the weather begins to cool down at Karakul Lake. Its affinity with August's warmth shrinks as it gears up to greet the biting cold temperatures. Transitional weather ensues, marking the start of fall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October's arrival in Karakul Lake signals the onset of wintry weather, escorting a steep fall in mercury levels. Compared to September's peak temperature of 12°C (53.6°F), it drops to a cooler 4°C (39.2°F). That aside, the area witnesses dwindling daylight hours, setting the mood for the impending winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November takes up the winter baton with temperatures lowering further in Karakul Lake. It breaks away from October's semi-cool spell to present a harsher face of the season. This transition paves the way towards the ultimate low temperatures the region would witness during the end of the year. Weather in November »

Weather in December

The year ends with December clocking in the coldest temperatures around Karakul Lake. It showcases the harshest drop in the climate charts with low temperatures that channel an intense -19°C (-2.2°F). Compared to -14°C (6.8°F) in November, this is a harsh plunge further into the freezing spectrum. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months?
January proves to be the coldest month, recording an average maximum temperature of -14°C (6.8°F) and a minimum temperature of -24°C (-11.2°F).
How much does it rain?
Throughout the year, there are 92 rainfall days, and 458mm (18.03") of precipitation is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
January and December, with an average of 4h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
What are the months with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What is the wettest month?
May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 12 days and accumulates 59mm (2.32") of precipitation.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 54min of daylight.
What are the months with the most sunshine?
The months with the most sunshine are June and July, with an average of 10h of sunshine.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Karakul Lake.
What time of the year is the hottest?
The temperature hits its peak in July and August, recording an average high-temperature of 16°C (60.8°F).
What is the driest month?
The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 5 days and typically collects 15mm (0.59") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Karakul Lake does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +05 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average rainfall - Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
Average rainfall
Karakul Lake, Tajikistan

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (59mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (15mm).

Average rainfall days - Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
Average rainfall days
Karakul Lake, Tajikistan

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (12 days).
The months with the least rainy days are September, October and November (5 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Karakul Lake, Tajikistan

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 4h).

Average UV index - Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
Average UV index
Karakul Lake, Tajikistan

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

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