Weather in Astana

The best time to travel to Astana is May-June and September-October. The weather is mild and comfortable, prices are moderate, and there are more than enough events. But each season has its own strengths. Winter brings spectacular snowy views and contrasting architecture in the background, while summer brings maximum sunshine and beautiful reflections in glass facades. And spring brings festivals and the feeling that the city is coming to life. So when to go to Astana is up to you!

Astana's climate: what you need to know

Astana is located in a sharply continental climate zone, which means very warm short summers and long, harsh cold winters. In summer, daytime temperatures rise to +30 and even +35 degrees, while in winter they can drop to -20 and below. Astana's climate is often called one of the most continental in the region.

Precipitation in general is not very much - about 340-400 mm, and most of it falls in the warm season from May to July. In summer there are enough clear sunny days for pleasant walks. But in the off-season there can be strong winds. The city is located in the open steppe, so they are especially noticeable, in particular - in new areas with wide avenues.

The average annual temperature is about +4 degrees. The coldest month is January, and the warmest is July. Despite the presence of the river, as such a full-fledged bathing season is not here. But usually Ishim freezes in November and remains under ice until April.

When is the best time to travel to Astana by season

Due to the fact that the climate in Astana is so sharp and changeable, it is better to decide at once what exactly you want.

Spring - first warmth, Nauryz, few tourists

Spring in Astana is not so much a colorful blossoming as a gradual thawing. There are still cold days in March, but by the end of April and May the city becomes a pleasant place to walk. At the end of March is the celebration of Nauryz with all the events that go along with it. At this time there are concerts, fairs, theater performances and street performances with national cuisine and souvenirs in the background.

The temperature ranges from +5 at the beginning of spring to +20 at the end. The closer to May - the longer the days and the more green. Slowly but surely comes the perfect season for street photography and promenade walks. But don't forget layered clothing for protection from the cold and winds.

Summer - heat, clear skies and evening walks

Summer in Astana is short, sunny and warm, but that's why it feels especially bright. July is the hottest month with the maximum number of sunny days. In the evening the city comes alive, the streets are filled with people, restaurants and terraces open, and the illumination of buildings makes walking magical, especially along the embankment or near the central squares.

City festivals, concerts, outdoor movie screenings and street fairs are often held, creating a festive atmosphere. Precipitation is rare and is usually short thunderstorms or light summer rains, which freshen the air and are not particularly disturbing. The main disadvantage is the heat and strong sun.

Autumn - photogenic nature and comfortable weather

Do you want beautiful photos of Astana nature? When to go for them? Of course, in the fall! The air becomes fresh, the heat subsides, and there are fewer tourists than in summer, so walks around the city and parks are calm and comfortable. The trees turn all shades of yellow, red and orange, creating picturesque backdrops for photos.

In September and October, daytime temperatures stay around +10 to +20 degrees Celsius. Nights are already cool, so bring a jacket or cardigan for night walks. Autumn is also good for gastronomic tours, walking around the historic center and attending cultural events. A special charm is the clear fall sky, which adds depth to shots on the streets and waterfront, making them more lively and atmospheric.

Winter - Christmas frosts and fairs

In winter, the climate in Astana is very cold and snow falls regularly. This is the period of a real fairy tale, when the city is covered with snow and the frost adds a special clarity to the architectural lines. But at the same time, you need to prepare for it.

Snowy streets, snow-covered parks and reflections on glass and metal facades create a magical atmosphere, especially against the backdrop of festive illuminations. Tourists can enjoy Christmas and New Year fairs, ice skating rinks, winter festivals and other outdoor events.

Astana by month: weather

To make it easier for you to decide when it is best to travel to Astana, we offer a table with average temperatures, precipitation and sunshine hours.

If your goal is active walking, aim for May, June, September and October. These months have more sun, less rain and comfortable temperatures. July brings the most sun, but also the highest temperatures, so if you can't stand the heat, you'll have to postpone activities until the morning and evening. In winter, be sure to bring several layers of warm and windproof clothing.

Holidays and events in Astana

• Nauryz - in the 20th of March. The celebration takes several days. This is the main spring holiday and there are many public events in the capital: concerts, craft exhibitions and thematic fairs. A great chance to see traditional rituals, taste national dishes and just touch Kazakh culture.
• City Day - July 6. In different years, the format of the celebration may vary, but in general it includes city festivals, street concerts, festive evening illumination, thematic decorations and photo zones in the city. Keep an eye out for a poster of events.
• Winter holiday fairs and New Year's Eve events. This is if you miss the cozy holiday atmosphere and themed locations.

Also, music festivals and other street events are regularly held in spring and summer. But all of these, too, need to be tracked down by the playbill for specific dates. Many events are published on local news portals like Astana Times.

Budget tips: high and low season

High season in Astana is May-September with a peak in July when it's warm and there are lots of events. Hotel prices and airfares are higher. Low season is in late fall, winter and early spring. Then you can make great savings on accommodation and sometimes excursions if you're not afraid of the weather.

How else can you save money? We tell you:

• Book accommodation in advance, especially if your trip falls on Nauryz or summer festivals. Astana has a selection of mini-hotels and apartments at reasonable prices in areas near the center.
• Take air tickets in advance and look for flights with connections and low-costers - prices can differ several times.
• In low season there are discounts and special offers on excursions and entrance tickets. Check locally.

What to take with you

In summer, take light clothes for the day - T-shirts, thin pants, shorts. But be sure to bring a light windbreaker or cardigan for evening and night. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You can bring a water bottle - you'll need it often.

In spring and fall, take layered clothing - a t-shirt, sweatshirt, light jacket. The wind can be cool, especially near the river. You need comfortable shoes for walking in parks and on the waterfront. A small folding umbrella or raincoat, a waterproof folder or bag for documents will not hurt.

In winter - thermal underwear, hat, scarf, gloves, warm and windproof jacket, waterproof shoes with good tread to avoid slipping on ice. Take spare batteries for your equipment, because they go dead faster in the cold.

Keep in mind that even in warm weather, strong winds will be chilly, so check the weather forecast not only for temperature and precipitation, but also how windy the day will be.