Weather in Altay

Find out everything about the weather conditions when planning your journey to Altay. Below you will find the latest information, including current readings and a detailed forecast.

The climate in the city of Altay can be characterized as cold and sharply continental. The weather here is distinguished by distinct seasonality, offering tourists completely different conditions depending on the time of year: from severe frosts in winter to pleasant, refreshing coolness in summer. Precipitation in the region is extremely low, so the climate can generally be described as arid.

Winter here is long and cold, lasting from November to March. In the coldest months, January and February, the average temperature drops to -16°C...-17°C, and nightly frosts can reach -20°C and below. Summer, on the contrary, is mild and comfortable, without exhausting heat. In July and August, the air warms up on average to +15°C...+17°C, making this period ideal for travel and nature walks.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the consistently low level of precipitation throughout the year — rains or snowfalls here are usually not heavy. Despite this, the number of days with precipitation can be noticeable (up to 10 days in May or July), but they are rarely prolonged or intense. It is best to choose the summer months for a visit, when nature comes alive and the temperature is most favourable for tourism.

Climatic conditions in the city of Altay are characterized by significant contrasts, typical of a continental climate. The winter period here is truly severe and prolonged. From December to February, average temperatures drop to -16...-17°C, and on the coldest January nights, frosts can reach -22°C. Travellers planning a visit in winter vitally need high-quality warm equipment, as sub-zero temperatures persist steadily for several months.

Summer in this region of China, on the other hand, is mild and comfortable, without sweltering heat. The warmest month is traditionally July, when daytime temperatures rise to a pleasant +23°C, and the average indicator hovers around +17°C. This time is ideal for walks and exploring natural beauties, as the weather encourages outdoor activities while remaining sufficiently fresh.

An important feature of the local climate is the noticeable temperature fluctuations during the day, especially in the warm season. Even at the height of summer, when the sun shines during the day, nights can be cool: the thermometer often drops to +9...+11°C. Spring and autumn here are short and cool, with temperatures ranging from a slight "plus" during the day to frosts at night, so multi-layered clothing will be appropriate at almost any time of the year.

The city of Altay is characterized by a rather dry climate with a low total volume of precipitation throughout the year, rarely exceeding 1–2 mm per month. Despite the small amount of moisture, the frequency of precipitation varies depending on the season. In winter, from November to March, when the temperature drops significantly below zero, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of snow. The "driest" months are December, January, and February, when only about 5 days with snowfall are recorded.

With the arrival of spring and summer, the frequency of precipitation noticeably increases. The period from May to July can be called a conditional "rainy season" for this region: the number of days with precipitation reaches its peak — up to 10 days a month. However, given the extremely low volume of falling moisture, these are most often short-term light rains or drizzle, which do not create serious obstacles for travelling around this part of China.

In autumn, the weather remains changeable: in September and October, it rains on average 8–9 days a month. As the temperature drops in October and November, rain begins to give way to wet snow, preparing the city for a cold winter. In general, tourists should not expect prolonged downpours here, but keeping an umbrella or raincoat with you during the warm season would be useful.

When packing for Altay, it is important to consider the region's sharply continental climate. Winters here are severe and protracted: the temperature often drops below -20°C, so warm clothing is the main priority. Be sure to put high-quality thermal underwear, a thick down jacket, windproof trousers, woollen socks, a hat, and mittens in your suitcase. Insulated shoes with non-slip soles will ensure comfort during winter excursions.

Summer in this corner of China is quite mild and comfortable, without exhausting heat. During the day, the thermometer rises to +20...+23°C, however, nights remain cool even in July. It is best to use the principle of layering: take t-shirts for sunny days, but do not forget a fleece jacket and a windbreaker for the evenings. Comfortable trekking shoes are mandatory, as you will be walking a lot.

Although heavy downpours are rare here, a light raincoat or a compact umbrella may come in handy. Pay special attention to sun protection: high-altitude ultraviolet radiation is active all year round. Sunglasses and cream with SPF are necessary both in summer and in winter, when rays reflect off the snow cover.