Winter in Almaty feels like a whole different world compared to the city’s warm summers. Cold air settles in, days get short, and snow shows up often. You’ll usually see temperatures drop to around -8°C (17°F) at night and hover just above freezing during the day. Regular snowfall really gives the city its winter vibe.
These chilly conditions bring both hassles and opportunities, whether you’re just getting through your daily routine or searching for something fun to do outside.
Snow covers the city and the nearby mountains for much of winter. The scenery turns beautiful, but you have to prepare for it. Humidity stays pretty high, and daylight is limited, so you’ll probably plan your outdoor time carefully.
Even though it’s cold, winter brings a certain mood that really defines Almaty’s climate and culture.
If you want to know what winter here actually feels like, you can’t just look at the temperature. Snowfall, humidity, and sunshine all matter. These things don’t just affect your comfort—they also set the stage for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures that make Almaty’s winters stand out.
Overview of Almaty’s Winter Climate
Almaty gets cold winters because of its spot in southern Kazakhstan, its continental climate, and the mountains nearby. Locals and visitors deal with freezing temperatures, changing snowfall, and weather that can shift fast depending on air masses and elevation.
Location and Geography
Almaty is in southeastern Kazakhstan, sitting at about 800 meters (2,600 feet) above sea level. Its latitude at 43° north puts it in a place with big seasonal swings.
The city sits at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau, which is part of the Tian Shan mountains. That means you can get both mountain and valley weather just a short drive apart.
It’s also close to the Kyrgyz border and about 30 km south of Lake Issyk-Kul, so Almaty gets cold mountain air but sometimes milder southern breezes. Winters here run colder than in most lowland parts of Kazakhstan, but they’re not as brutally cold as the far north.
Continental Climate Characteristics
Almaty’s continental climate brings cold winters and hot summers, so temperatures swing a lot throughout the year. In January, the coldest month, you’ll see average temps around -4 °C (25 °F), but cold snaps can drag it well below -15 °C (5 °F).
Snow falls often, but not every day, and sometimes you get freezing rain when it warms up a bit. Now and then, the temperature plummets below -30 °C (-22 °F), which feels pretty extreme.
Winter precipitation is moderate, about 35–45 mm per month, and it’s usually snow. Fog and low clouds show up a lot when the weather is stable, which cuts down visibility. Compared to northern Kazakhstan, winters here are a little milder, but you still need to get ready for freezing weather.
Influence of Surrounding Mountains
The Trans-Ili Alatau mountains really shape Almaty’s winter. Cold air sinks down into the valley, making nights colder and fog more common.
At the same time, those mountains block some of the harshest Arctic blasts that hit northern Kazakhstan. That keeps Almaty’s winter temperatures a bit higher than places like Astana or Pavlodar.
Snow piles up a lot more in the mountains than in the city. Resorts like Medeu (1,700 m) and Shymbulak (2,300 m) get heavy snow, so you can count on good conditions for skiing and other winter sports.
These mountains also stir up local winds and sudden weather shifts. You might see blue skies turn to snow and back again all in one day.
Average Winter Temperatures in Almaty
Almaty’s winters are cold and pretty steady, with temperatures below freezing most of the time. You’ll spot clear monthly patterns, big differences between day and night, and the occasional spell of seriously cold weather.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
From December to February, average daily highs stick close to freezing. In December, highs usually reach 32–34°F (0–1°C), and lows drop to 18–20°F (-7 to -8°C).
January chills the city the most. Highs average around 29°F (-2°C), and lows sink to about 13°F (-10°C). That’s when mornings feel especially biting.
By February, things warm up a bit. Highs move up to 35–37°F (2–3°C), and lows are around 19–21°F (-7°C). Even then, snow and ice stick around.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 32–34°F | 18–20°F |
| January | 29°F | 13°F |
| February | 35–37°F | 19–21°F |
So, winter stays cold, with January feeling the harshest.
Daytime and Nighttime Differences
You’ll notice a real gap between daytime and nighttime temps. During the day, highs usually hover just below freezing, so you might get a bit of melting on sunny afternoons.
At night, things change fast. Lows drop into the mid-teens Fahrenheit, so icy sidewalks are almost guaranteed in the morning. The swing between day and night can reach 15–20°F (8–10°C).
Because of this, you’ll want to watch your step in the mornings and expect slightly less cold—but still chilly—afternoons. This daily rhythm really shapes Almaty’s winter.
Extreme Cold Events
Averages tell part of the story, but sometimes cold waves hit hard. On the worst days, lows can fall to -1°F (-18°C), especially in January.
These cold snaps don’t last long, but they happen often enough that you need to be ready. When they hit, you’ll feel stronger winds and see more ice sticking around.
Travel and outdoor plans get tougher during these stretches. If you’re visiting then, you’ll need good winter gear—no way around it.
Snowfall Patterns and Accumulation
Winter in Almaty brings frequent snow that covers both the city and the mountains. The amount, timing, and how long snow sticks around all affect how you get around and what you can do outside.
Frequency and Amount of Snowfall
Snow usually starts in late November and keeps coming through March. The heaviest dumps show up in December and January, sometimes piling up several centimeters at once.
On average, Almaty gets dozens of snowy days each winter. Total snow in the city usually reaches 80–100 cm. In the mountains, it’s way more, which is great for the ski season at Shymbulak.
Snow doesn’t fall every day. It comes in bursts, with clear, cold days in between. That means you’ll see cycles of deep snow cover and then settling.
Monthly Snow Days
Snow days change month to month. December and January bring the most, usually 10–15 days with measurable snow each month. February stays snowy but tends to be a bit quieter.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Snow Days | Typical Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| November | 4–6 | First light snow |
| December | 12–15 | Frequent storms |
| January | 12–14 | Deepest snow cover |
| February | 8–10 | Cold, steady snow |
| March | 5–7 | Wet, melting snow |
So, the most solid snow cover sticks around from mid-December to early February.
Impact on Daily Life
Snow changes how people get around Almaty. After storms, road crews clear the streets, but traffic slows down, especially on hills. Public transport usually keeps running, but expect delays during heavy snow.
Locals spend a lot of time shoveling and driving carefully. Visitors get to enjoy skiing, sledding, and winter hikes.
Flights sometimes get delayed, though the airport handles winter pretty well. In the mountains, avalanche risk jumps after big storms, so guided trips and safety are a must.
The city looks different, too—parks, boulevards, and mountain views stay white for weeks.
Winter Precipitation and Humidity
Almaty’s winters bring steady moisture, but it mostly comes as snow. The cold keeps the air dry, but humidity still feels higher here than in other parts of Kazakhstan.
Rainfall Versus Snowfall
In winter, snowfall takes over in Almaty. Daytime highs usually stay below freezing, so rain barely happens. Instead, you’ll see regular snow showers building up over the season.
Snow depth changes every year, but being close to the mountains means snow is always part of the picture. On average, Almaty gets over 500 mm of annual precipitation, with a lot of that falling from late autumn through early spring.
You’ll see 10–12 days of measurable precipitation per month in winter, and most of it’s snow. Rain might show up during warm spells, but it quickly turns back to snow when the temperature drops.
This keeps snow cover pretty steady from December through February. If you’re coming to visit, get ready for icy sidewalks and snowy roads, since snow removal isn’t always perfect.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Humidity in Almaty’s winter is moderate compared to the rest of Kazakhstan. The air might feel dry on your skin, but actual relative humidity sits between 70% and 80%.
The city’s mountain setting traps moisture better than the steppe, so you get more clouds and a gray look to the season.
Cold and humidity together make the air feel heavier than you’d expect from the temperature alone. Indoors, you might notice condensation, especially if there’s not much ventilation.
If you’re traveling, dress in layers that keep you warm but also handle dampness. Good shoes matter too—humidity plus snow makes city sidewalks slippery.
Daylight, Sunshine, and Wind Conditions
Winter in Almaty means short days, not much sunshine, and mostly calm winds. These things affect how you plan your day, whether you’re sightseeing or just getting around.
Average Daylight Hours
In December, you only get about 9 hours of daylight—the shortest stretch of the year. January gives you around 9.2 hours, and by February, you get a little more at 10.5 hours. The change is slow, so expect short days all winter.
Short daylight hours can limit outdoor time. If you want to explore or head into the mountains, you’ll need to start early to make the most of it.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Month | Average Daylight |
|---|---|
| December | ~9.0 hours |
| January | ~9.2 hours |
| February | ~10.5 hours |
That drop in daylight is pretty normal for cities at this latitude, and you’ll notice it as soon as fall ends.
Sunshine Duration
Even with those daylight hours, actual sunshine is in short supply. December averages just 3.4 hours of sunshine per day, making it the darkest month. January’s only a bit better, and February brings a little more sun, but not much compared to spring or summer.
Clouds hang around a lot in winter, and snow on the ground can make things brighter even when the sun’s hidden. When the sun does come out, it feels especially clear and crisp.
If you’re into photography or want to walk around the city, aim for midday. The sun sits low, so shadows are long and the light feels softer than other times of year.
Wind and Fog Occurrence
Winds in Almaty during winter usually stay light. In December and January, average speeds hit about 1 meter per second. So, you won’t often get blasted by strong gusts.
This calm weather helps reduce wind chill, but don’t expect it to feel warm—temperatures still drop very low.
Fog pops up more often in winter than any other time of year. Cold air gets stuck in the valley, especially when it’s humid, and that creates hazy mornings.
These foggy spells can make morning visibility tough, but most of the time, the fog clears up by midday.
Since the wind doesn’t do much, air pollution tends to stick around. If you care about air quality, keep this in mind before heading out on those calm, foggy days.
Winter Outdoor Activities and Attractions
Almaty’s cold season brings steady snow, crisp air, and some pretty reliable conditions for outdoor fun. The city sits right at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, so winter sports and cultural attractions are never far away.
Medeu Ice Rink Experience
Medeu stands out as one of Almaty’s most famous winter spots. Built at about 1,691 meters above sea level, it claims the title of the world’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Thanks to that elevation, the air stays colder and the ice lasts longer, so you can count on it being open most of the season.
The rink spreads over 10,000 square meters of ice. It’s big enough for international competitions, but anyone can show up for a casual skate.
You don’t have to bring your own skates—rentals are available right there.
Medeu runs both day and night, so you can skate under the lights and take in the mountain views.
If you’d rather stick to a smaller rink, you’ll find seasonal options in Republic Square, Central Park, and Esentai Mall too.
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Shymbulak is Almaty’s main ski resort, sitting about 25 to 30 kilometers from downtown. You can get there by bus or hop on the cable car near Medeu, which makes things pretty easy.
The resort features a vertical drop of over 900 meters and several runs for all skill levels. Sure, it’s not as big as the European giants, but the slopes are well maintained and usually less crowded.
You’ll find modern lifts, rental shops, and restaurants at different heights along the mountain.
Even if skiing isn’t your thing, you can ride the gondola to the highest station just for the sweeping views of the Trans-Ili Alatau range.
Other Winter Sports Opportunities
Almaty doesn’t just stick to traditional skiing. You’ll find plenty of other snow-based activities if you’re up for something different.
Locals and visitors both love ski touring in the backcountry around the city. You climb up the slopes on your own, skipping the lifts, and then ski down unmarked runs. It definitely takes some fitness and, honestly, a good guide helps a lot.
Snowboarding’s a big deal at Shymbulak too, right alongside the skiing crowd. If you’re craving a quieter vibe, try sledding or snowshoeing in the valleys nearby. These options let you really soak in the winter scenery, just at a more relaxed pace.
The mountains nearby have safe spots for cross-country skiing as well. Guided tours cater to beginners, and local operators focus on safety in avalanche-prone zones. So, you can get outside and enjoy the snow even without fancy skills.