Weather in Astana

Stay informed about weather conditions in the city of Astana before starting your journey. Below are up-to-date forecasts and charts to help you plan your time as effectively as possible.

The climate of Astana is characterized as sharply continental, promising travellers vivid contrasts depending on the time of year. The weather here is rarely dull: the city is known for its severe, authentic winters and sunny, moderately hot summers. Thanks to low humidity, even extreme frosts or summer heat are more tolerable here than in coastal regions.

The seasons change quite dramatically. Winter here is long and cold: from November to March, the temperature often remains below -10°C, reaching its lowest points in January. Summer, by contrast, offers comfortable warmth with averages between +18°C and +25°C, making the period from June to August the ideal time for tourism. Spring and autumn pass swiftly, delighting visitors with rapid changes in the landscape.

A distinctive feature of the local weather is the frequent winds sweeping through the wide avenues of the steppe capital. Precipitation is relatively low, although cloudy days with light rain occur regularly (on average 6–10 days per month). If you are planning a trip during the off-season, be prepared for nature's caprices, when a sunny day can suddenly turn sharply cool.

The climate in Astana is distinguished by a pronounced sharply continental character, ensuring a significant temperature difference between seasons. Winter here is long and truly frosty: the coldest month is January with an average temperature of -14.4°C, while nighttime readings often drop to -18.3°C. From December to February, the city is in the grip of the cold, so travellers should ensure they have high-quality warm clothing and protection from the wind.

Summer brings a striking contrast, delighting residents and guests of the city with warmth and sunny days. The hottest month is July, when the average temperature reaches 21.0°C, and daytime highs often exceed the 26.9°C mark. Summer weather is usually comfortable, without extreme humidity, which is ideal for sightseeing, although the sun can be quite intense during the height of the day.

A characteristic feature of the weather in this region is noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, especially during the warm season. For example, in May and the summer months, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness can exceed 10 degrees (in summer, nighttime temperatures drop to 12–15°C). Therefore, even if the forecast promises a hot day, it is recommended to carry a light jacket or jumper for evening walks along the embankments of Astana.

Precipitation in Astana is distributed quite evenly throughout the year in terms of frequency, but its nature changes drastically depending on the season. Given the severe winter temperatures, when the thermometer drops to an average of -14°C, precipitation falls exclusively as snow from November to March. The "gloomiest" month in terms of days with precipitation is November (about 10 days), marking the transition to the long winter.

The summer period, especially July and August, brings warm weather with average temperatures around +21°C. At this time of year, snow is replaced by rain. July and August are characterized by a high frequency of precipitation — up to 9 rainy days per month. Nevertheless, given the low overall volume of moisture, rains here are generally short-lived and rarely turn into prolonged downpours.

The least "wet" months of the year are January and April, when only about 6 days with precipitation are recorded. Spring in Astana is quite dry, making April and May a decent time for walks, despite the temperature variability. Overall, there is no distinct rainy season here, but tourists should keep in mind that light precipitation is possible at any time of the year.

When planning a trip to Astana, it is important to remember the city's sharply continental climate and famous steppe winds. If your journey falls during the winter period (from November to March), preparation must be serious: be sure to pack high-quality thermal underwear, a warm windproof down jacket with a hood, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Winters here are frosty, and temperatures often drop significantly below freezing, so warm shoes with thick, non-slip soles are an absolute necessity for comfortable walking.

In summer, the picture changes drastically: from June to August, the city is often hot and sunny, so it is worth packing light clothing made of natural fabrics, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. However, even in the warm season, evenings can be cool, and the weather changeable. A universal solution is the principle of layering: bring a light windbreaker, cardigan, or hoodie that can be easily put on or taken off depending on nature's whims.

Spring and autumn in the capital of Kazakhstan are quite fleeting, and during these times it is especially important to have waterproof shoes and clothing that protects against the wind. Regardless of the season, prioritize comfortable walking shoes, as the city is famous for its massive squares and long embankments, which are best explored on foot. A small folding umbrella will also not be amiss, as rainy days occur regularly throughout the year.