When you picture summer in Astana, you probably imagine long days under wide skies and a blend of warm sunshine with cool evenings. Average summer temperatures sit between about 18°C (64°F) and 28°C (82°F), and July usually feels the hottest. Days feel comfortable, but nights can cool off enough to remind you just how far north Astana really is.
You’ll see mostly clear skies and lots of daylight, but sudden showers or thunderstorms can show up out of nowhere. Rainfall isn’t heavy compared to many cities, though brief summer storms sometimes bring sharp bursts of rain, strong winds, or even hail.
This mix of sunny stretches and quick weather changes keeps outdoor plans interesting. It definitely makes you think twice before leaving your umbrella at home.
One thing that really stands out is the long daylight hours. In June, the sun comes up early and sets late, so you get plenty of time to explore the city or wander the steppe.
These seasonal patterns shape life and travel in Kazakhstan’s capital in ways you might not expect.
Astana’s Location and Climate Overview
Astana sits in northern Kazakhstan, where wide open steppe landscapes shape the weather. The city’s inland spot creates strong seasonal contrasts, with cold winters and warm summers that really define its continental climate.
Geographical Setting
Astana sits on the Ishim River in north-central Kazakhstan. The city is surrounded by the Kazakh steppe, a huge plain with almost no natural barriers like mountains or forests.
The elevation averages around 310–350 meters (1,020–1,150 feet) above sea level. Because the land is so flat, winds move freely across the area and often change the local temperature and cloud cover.
The open landscape means Astana’s weather can shift fast. Sudden changes in wind direction sometimes bring cooler or warmer air within just a few hours.
Daily conditions are less predictable here than in coastal or mountain cities.
Climate Classification
The Köppen-Geiger system classifies Astana’s climate as Dfb—a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. This matches the city’s wide temperature swings throughout the year.
Average yearly temperatures hover near 4°C (39°F). January usually brings the coldest weather, dropping below -20°C (-4°F), while July warms up to an average 22–25°C (72–77°F).
Precipitation is moderate, averaging 300–350 millimeters (12–14 inches) per year. Most rain falls between May and September, usually as short thunderstorms.
Winters bring light, steady snowfall that can stick around for months.
Influence of Continental Location
Astana’s inland position, far from any oceans or seas, shapes its climate more than anything else. Without the moderating effect of big water bodies, the city gets extreme seasonal variation.
In winter, cold air from Siberia pushes temperatures way below freezing. Winds from the northeast often make it feel even colder, dropping windchill below the actual air temperature.
In summer, warm air from Central Asia heats things up quickly, and sometimes temperatures spike above 30°C (86°F). Humidity levels swing a lot, from dry winter air to muggy summer days, because there’s no nearby water to even things out.
This strong continental influence means Astana gets both long, freezing winters and short, warm summers.
Typical Summer Weather in Astana
Summer in Astana feels warm but not sweltering, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and moderate rainfall. You get comfortable daytime weather, cooler nights, and a clear difference between early and late summer.
Average Temperatures in Summer
From June through August, Astana hits its warmest stretch of the year. Daytime highs usually land between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F). July is the hottest, but June and August still feel nice.
Even when it’s warm, summer temperatures in Astana stay moderate compared to other places at this latitude. The city’s northern spot and continental climate prevent extreme heat.
You can enjoy outdoor activities without suffering from high humidity or intense heat.
Rainfall is modest but peaks in July, with about 30–37 mm (1.2–1.5 in). These occasional rains cool the air and stop things from getting too dry.
Day and Night Temperature Ranges
One thing you’ll notice is the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Afternoons often reach the mid-20s °C (mid-70s °F), but nights can drop to around 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F).
You’ll want light clothes during the day, but a jacket or sweater comes in handy after sunset.
Cooler nights make sleeping easy and comfortable, usually without air conditioning.
This variation shows how Astana’s inland location lets temperatures swing a lot between day and night.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Astana during summer usually feels moderate. Relative humidity averages between 60% and 70%. It’s noticeable but not uncomfortable.
Early summer brings the highest humidity, while July and August are a bit drier.
Rain showers bump up humidity for a short time, but they don’t last long.
This mix of warmth and moderate moisture makes Astana’s summer weather great for walking around, eating outside, and catching cultural events—without sticky or heavy air.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Astana’s northern latitude gives you long summer days. In June, daylight can last up to 16.5 hours, and even in late summer you still get more than 14 hours.
On average, sunshine lasts 12 to 13 hours per day in June and July, with a bit less in August.
These long days let you plan full outings or just enjoy the city without rushing.
The mix of long days and steady sunshine makes summer the best season to explore Astana, visit landmarks, or relax along the Yesil River.
Precipitation and Showers During Summer
Rainfall in Astana during summer stays moderate but changes month to month. You’ll get short showers, occasional thunderstorms, and a clear difference in rainfall between early and late summer.
The weather can flip fast, so it’s smart to prepare for both sun and rain.
Monthly Rainfall Patterns
Rain doesn’t fall evenly throughout the summer. May and June usually bring the most, often between 40–60 mm each month.
By July and August, rainfall drops to about 25–35 mm, but showers can still be intense.
Most rain comes in short bursts, not long stretches. You might get a dry week, then a sudden downpour.
Rain usually falls in the late afternoon or evening, so mornings are often dry.
If you want drier weather, August is usually the safest bet.
Frequency of Showers
Showers happen often in summer, but they don’t last long. On average, you’ll see 7–10 days with measurable rain each month.
These showers usually pass in under an hour and are often followed by clear skies.
Because the city’s climate is so continental, rainfall can be unpredictable. Some weeks stay dry, while others bring several rainy days in a row.
Carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella just makes sense, especially if you plan to walk or bike.
Showers almost never last all day, so you’ll usually get back to your plans soon after it rains.
Thunderstorms and Rainy Days
Thunderstorms really define Astana’s summer weather. They happen most in June and July, when warmer air and higher humidity make things unstable.
Storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail.
Thunderstorms are usually quick, but they can dump a lot of rain in a short time. This sometimes floods streets and slows down public transport.
You can expect 5–7 thunderstorm days per month in early summer.
By late August, storms become less common and showers get lighter. Checking the forecast helps you avoid getting caught outside when a storm rolls in.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Summer in Astana brings steady breezes and mild changes in air pressure, which really shape how the city feels. Wind speed, direction, and their interactions with the dry continental air all play a big part in your comfort.
Prevailing Wind Speed and Direction
During summer, average wind speeds in Astana stay moderate, usually around 3 to 9 mph.
June and August bring lighter breezes, while April and May can be windier, sometimes over 10 mph.
By July, winds usually calm down, making it nicer for outdoor activities.
Winds often shift between northwest and northeast, bringing cooler air from Siberia or drier air from inland Kazakhstan. These shifts explain why evenings can cool off so quickly after warm afternoons.
You might notice wind speeds change during the day. Early mornings and evenings are calmer, while mid-afternoon brings slightly stronger gusts.
This is typical for open steppe regions, where nothing really slows the wind down.
Impact of Wind on Summer Weather
Wind changes how you feel Astana’s summer climate. Even at 75–77°F, a steady breeze can make the air feel cooler, especially in the shade.
Without wind, the sun feels stronger because of all the clear days.
Stronger winds can also help with air quality by spreading out dust and pollen. On dry days, you might see fine dust in the air, but breezes usually clear it out quickly.
If you’re traveling, wind can affect how comfortable you feel walking around or spending time outside. Light jackets still come in handy in the evenings, when cool air and breezes combine to lower the perceived temperature.
This small adjustment can make your visit a lot more comfortable.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Lunar Events
In Astana, daylight and lunar cycles shift a lot through the summer. You get long days with lingering evening light, and the moon’s rising and setting times change steadily as the season moves on.
Day Length Variations
You’ll notice the longest days in late June, when daylight lasts close to 17 hours.
By mid-July, days shorten a bit but still give you over 16 hours of usable light.
As summer heads into August, daylight keeps shrinking. By the end of August, you get about 14 hours of light each day.
This gradual shift means evenings stay bright well into summer, but sunsets arrive earlier as autumn approaches.
These changes affect outdoor plans, photography, and just how long you can enjoy city walks without needing streetlights.
Typical Sunrise and Sunset Times
In early summer, the sun rises around 4:30–5:00 AM and sets close to 9:30–10:00 PM. That gives you long mornings and late evenings for outdoor fun.
By July, sunrise shifts to about 5:00–5:30 AM, and sunset happens closer to 9:00 PM. You still get plenty of evening light, but the difference from June is noticeable.
Toward late August, sunrise happens near 6:00 AM and sunset around 8:00 PM.
That’s a swing of nearly two hours from early summer, showing just how fast the daylight shrinks as the season winds down.
| Month | Approx. Sunrise | Approx. Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 4:30 AM | 9:45 PM | ~17 hrs |
| July | 5:15 AM | 9:00 PM | ~15.5 hrs |
| August | 6:00 AM | 8:00 PM | ~14 hrs |
Moonrise and Moonset Patterns
The moon’s schedule shifts a lot faster than the sun’s. You’ll notice moonrise and moonset times can jump by nearly an hour from one day to the next.
In summer, depending on its phase, the moon might pop up in the afternoon or sometimes not until evening.
Take a full moon for example. You’ll usually spot it rising right around sunset, and it sets as the sun comes up. That means you get bright moonlight almost all night.
With a first quarter moon, you’ll see it rise in the afternoon and set after midnight. On the other hand, a last quarter moon rises around midnight and disappears by morning.
If you’re planning a night walk, some photography, or just want to stargaze, these patterns really matter. Knowing when the moon’s above the horizon helps you pick the best time to head outside.
Seasonal Weather Extremes and Notable Events
Astana’s summers are mostly warm and pleasant. Still, the city’s continental climate can throw in sudden heat waves or unusual atmospheric events that catch people off guard. These extremes definitely shape daily life and travel plans, so it’s worth knowing what to expect.
Heat Waves and Temperature Records
Most summers, Astana’s highs stick close to 25–26°C (77–79°F). But sometimes, heat waves hit, and temperatures can soar past that, even reaching 35°C (95°F) on rare days. That kind of heat makes outdoor plans a real challenge.
Heat waves don’t usually last long—just a few days, and July sees most of them. Dry air and steady winds can make the heat feel even stronger, especially out in the open with no shade. Nights cool off, but the swing between day and night is still noticeable.
Humidity stays moderate here, so the heat isn’t as suffocating as it might be in wetter places. Even so, if you’re outside for a while, especially with kids or older folks, you’ll want to be careful.
Rare Weather Phenomena
Now and then, Astana’s summer throws in a surprise. Sudden thunderstorms can pop up in the afternoon, dumping heavy rain, flashing lightning, and whipping up strong winds. They don’t usually stick around long, but they can mess with your plans.
Hail sometimes shows up in June or July. The hailstones are usually small, but if the storm’s strong, they can damage crops or cars.
Dust storms are pretty rare, but they do happen during hot, dry spells. When they roll in, visibility drops fast and travel gets tricky. Even though these events aren’t common, they show just how unpredictable Astana’s summer weather can be, so it’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast.
Summer in Astana: Travel Tips and Local Highlights
Summer lights up Astana with long days, warm weather, and a mix of cultural and outdoor fun. Clear skies make it easy to explore the city’s modern landmarks or just relax in open spaces.
Best Time to Visit
June, July, and August are the sweet spot for visiting. Daytime highs typically run from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), and nights cool off to about 15°C (59°F). Rain doesn’t fall much, just around 30 mm per month, so you’ll find it pretty dry.
If you like it a bit cooler, June brings warmth without the peak heat of late July. By August, evenings start to feel fresher, which makes walking around more pleasant. Pack light clothes, but toss in a jacket for those breezy nights.
Midsummer means up to 17 hours of daylight, so there’s plenty of time to get out and see things. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat come in handy since the sun can be intense. Astana’s weather changes fast, so it’s a good idea to stay prepared for anything.
Outdoor Activities and Events
You’ll get the most out of Astana in summer if you spend time outside. Wide boulevards, riverside paths, and green parks invite you to walk or cycle. The Ishim River embankment is a favorite for evening strolls and boat rides.
July and August bring festivals and cultural events. You might catch open-air concerts, food fairs, or performances that highlight Kazakh traditions. Most of these happen in the city center or near the striking architecture of the Left Bank.
Sports fans can watch local football matches or join in on outdoor fitness classes in public spaces. Families flock to city parks, where kids’ rides and small attractions pop up just for the summer.
Exploring Baiterek Tower and City Landmarks
Baiterek Tower stands out as Astana’s most recognized landmark. It rises 97 meters above the city and gives you an observation deck with sweeping views of the modern skyline.
If you visit early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll probably dodge the long lines. I mean, who really likes waiting around?
From up there, you spot key government buildings, modern business centers, and all those green spaces that shape the city. The glass sphere at the top lets you snap some pretty amazing photos.
Right nearby, you’ll find Nur-Sultan’s Left Bank district. Here, futuristic architecture sits right next to cultural venues.
Walking between the landmarks feels easy during summer. The wide pedestrian areas actually make it pleasant when the weather’s warm.
This area has cafes and shops, too, so you can grab a break after all that sightseeing.