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 »