What's the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
The peak summer months of July and August are the best time to visit Kazakhstan, with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. You can explore beautiful mountain ranges like Tien Shan and Big Almaty George, or relax at beach regions such as the Caspian Sea and Alakol Lakes.
Being a country that has everything to live up to the expectations of even the most critical of travelers, Kazakhstan presents a perfect blend of history, culture, landscapes, and outdoor adventures.
But when exactly is the best time to visit Kazakhstan, and how can you make the most out of your stay there? We answer all these Kazakhstan-related questions and provide you with so much more info in our guide. Now, onto the subject at hand!
The Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan in 2024
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The overall best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the peak summer months in July and August. These two months see fluctuating temperatures between 58°F and 78°F.
As the weather’s warm, plenty of outdoor activities take place at this time. While summers can get too hot for some strenuous physical activity, such as cycling, heading to the mountains alleviates some of the heat, making the weather ideal for hiking or trekking.
We suggest Tien Shan and Big Almaty George for the best landscapes. If wandering Kazakhstan’s mountain ranges isn’t your thing, you can just stop and enjoy the lush nature and blossoming plants.
To cool off, head to some of the beach regions for a proper summer getaway, such as the Caspian Sea, the Alakol Lakes, and Kapshagai.
For a one-of-a-kind festival experience, we can’t recommend the Preserve Balkhash festival enough (the exact dates vary each summer).
Created with the purpose of preserving nature while allowing people to have fun, this festival unites bikers from different regions in the country. If you end up in Astana at the beginning of July, you’ll be in time to join the Capital City Day festivities.
Early August visitors should join the Constitution Day celebrations.
One of the country’s most significant holidays, Constitution Day is the ultimate reminder of Kazakhstan’s freedom and the responsibilities people have toward their country, marked by plenty of educational programs, gatherings, and performances.
A true cultural spectacle, FourE Festival (August), is a celebration of arts, crafts, and tradition. The Es stand for energy, ecology, entertainment, and exhibitions.
Then, usually held in August, the Chabana Festival honors the tea-preparation process with tea ceremonies, performances, and exhibitions. Do keep in mind that the exact dates may vary each year, though.
Finally, if you visit during the country’s busiest season, book your airfare tickets and accommodation in advance. Note that booking trains should be done as early as possible, especially the night ones.
Cheapest Time to Visit Kazakhstan
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The cheapest time to head to Kazakhstan is in the fall (September–November). If affordable plane tickets and discounted accommodation rates rank high on your travel agenda, factor this period in when planning your budget-friendly getaway in Kazakhstan.
You probably may want to avoid heading to Kazakhstan when Kazakhstan’s International Oil and Gas Exhibition (KIOGE) takes place (September or October, as dates vary) because prices go up quite a bit, especially in more established hotels.
Fall months in Kazakhstan see pleasant weather, with temperatures between 18°F and 64°F, although occasional rainfall does occur.
Also, at this time, glacier melt is fairly intense, so rafting or kayaking on the Almatinka River is in full swing. If you hope to marvel at the fall foliage, head to Almaty, as the richness of colors is just stunning.
Real foodies should head to The FoodExpo Kazakhstan Almaty (November). Also, fall is ideal for fishing.
For instance, catfishing in Ile Delta is quite popular in September and October; if you’re interested in trout fishing in Tian Shan, consider heading there anytime from September to mid-November.
Finally, to go easy on your wallet whenever you visit Kazakhstan, try booking tours with agencies based in the country, as they’re much cheaper than the ones purchased online. Also, booking trains through their official website secures you the best deals.
Least Busy Time to Visit Kazakhstan
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The least busy time to visit Kazakhstan is anytime from April through June. Whether you wish to enjoy one of the national parks in solitude or explore the country’s capital city without the high-season crowds, the spring months have your back.
Besides the fewer crowds, visitors at this time get to enjoy comfortable weather, too, so strolling in cities and visiting major attractions is quite pleasant at this time.
If you visit Kazakhstan at the beginning of spring, avoid hiking or heading to the mountains in general, as the passes will be either still covered in snow or mud.
Keeping that in mind, ice landscape views are possible on the slopes of Tian Shan in May, where the sight of tulips astounds both locals and visitors. If you visit at the beginning of May, join the National Unity Day festivities.
Celebrated with a plethora of parades, this event honors the country’s culture.
Then there’s Victory Day in the same month; expect military parades, patriotic performances, and plenty of exhibitions. During these months, visitors should expect temperatures between 36°F and 76°F.
Worst Time to Visit Kazakhstan
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Weather-wise, the worst time to be in Kazakhstan is in winter (December–March).
It’s brass monkey weather, with freezing temperatures varying between -0.9°F and 28°F — certainly far from enjoyable for travelers who wish to explore the great outdoors or simply wander Kazakhstan’s cities in a laid-back manner.
That said, winters are ideal for those looking to hit the ski slopes at Chimbulak. For even more dynamic winter fun, you can try horse riding in the snow, ice fishing, or eagle hunting.
You can also try the cable car in Kok Tobe or opt for the Medeo Ice Rink. That being said, the winters in Kazakhstan may vary in intensity depending on the region you head to — some parts of the country are covered in snow; others may only get nippy weather.
To cope with the winter temperatures, we suggest trying the well-known Kazakh sauna.
December celebrations include Independence Day. From parades and fireworks to flag-raising events and cultural festivities, all events related to Independence Day are not to be missed.
The Nowruz festival in March sets the spring season in motion with its playful festivities, people dressed in traditional clothing, and tasty food.
So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | July to August |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | September to November |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | April to June |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | December to March |
The overall best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the peak summer months in July and August. The weather’s at its absolute best, but considering this is the country’s high season, making reservations in advance is a must.
On the whole, irrespective of when you head to Kazakhstan, you’re bound to have an awesome stay. Our detailed guide said it all — now it‘s up to you to pack your bags and get there. Enjoy it!