Weather in Atyrau

Find out what weather awaits you in the city of Atyrau right now. Below you will find detailed meteorological reports, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your trip.

The climate of Atyrau is characterised as sharp continental and arid, which is typical for western Kazakhstan. The city, located on the border of Europe and Asia, welcomes guests with significant temperature contrasts depending on the time of year. All four seasons are clearly defined here, so the nature of your trip will depend heavily on your chosen dates.

Summer in the region is usually hot, sunny, and long. In peak months, such as July, the air often warms up above +30°C during the day, providing true steppe heat. Winter, on the other hand, brings moderately frosty weather with stable negative temperatures, which can drop to -7°C and below in January. Spring and autumn serve as dynamic transition periods: in spring, warmth arrives rapidly, turning into almost summer-like weather by May.

One of the main features of the local weather is the extremely low amount of rainfall throughout the year. Rain and snowfall are quite rare here, and the number of cloudy days is minimal. This climatic stability and abundance of sunshine allow tourists to confidently plan outdoor walks without fear of sudden bad weather, although in summer it is worth taking care of sun protection and staying hydrated due to the dry air.

The climate in Atyrau is distinguished by a pronounced contrast, characteristic of the sharp continental zone. The annual temperature range here is quite wide: from palpable winter frosts to intense summer heat. The coldest month of the year is January, when average night temperatures drop to -7.7°C, and the hottest is July, delighting heat lovers with daytime figures reaching an average of 33.5°C.

The summer season here is truly hot and dry. From June to August, daytime temperatures consistently exceed the +30°C mark, and precipitation is practically absent during this period, creating an atmosphere of dry steppe heat. Spring and autumn pass quite dynamically: already in May, the air warms up to a comfortable +25°C during the day, and September offers pleasant "velvet" weather with average highs around +23.8°C, before noticeable cooling begins in October.

Winter in the region is moderately frosty, with average temperatures below zero, but without extreme cold during daylight hours. Travellers should also take into account noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations: throughout the year, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime cool is about 10–11 degrees. This is especially pleasant in summer, when a refreshing evening follows a hot day, and important in winter, when nights become significantly colder than sunny days.

The climate in Atyrau is characterised as arid, so heavy rainfall is a great rarity here. Throughout the year, the amount of moisture falling remains minimal (often not exceeding 1 mm per month according to statistics), and no pronounced rainy season is observed in the city. Travellers should expect clear and dry weather most of the time.

In winter, when the temperature drops below zero, precipitation falls mainly in the form of light snow. In the period from December to February, an average of 4 to 5 days with precipitation are recorded, but snowdrifts do not always form due to the low intensity of snowfall. In spring and autumn, especially in March, October, and November, the frequency of precipitation remains at the same level (about 5 "wet" days), but it falls in the form of light rain or drizzle.

Summer in Atyrau is the driest time of the year. In June and July, it rains rarely, and the driest month is considered to be August, when on average there is only one day with precipitation. Even if the sky frowns in summer, rains usually pass quickly and do not interfere with tourists' plans.

The climate in Atyrau is sharp continental, so the contents of your suitcase will depend heavily on the season. In summer, especially in July and August, it can be very hot here, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. For a trip at this time of year, be sure to take light clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), a hat, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with high SPF. Since there is practically no precipitation in summer, you are unlikely to need an umbrella, but protection from the active steppe sun should be a priority.

Winter in the region is frosty and, importantly, windy. Temperatures drop below zero, so a warm down jacket or parka with a hood that protects against the piercing wind is necessary for a winter trip. Do not forget thermal underwear, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves. In the off-season (spring and autumn), the weather is changeable, so it is best to use the layering principle: wear a t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a windbreaker to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

Regardless of the time of year, for walks along the Ural River embankment and sightseeing, you will need comfortable footwear with flat soles. Given the dry climate of the region, it is also recommended to bring moisturising cream and lip balm. If you are planning a trip in spring or autumn, a light scarf or shawl will help protect against the dust that the wind sometimes raises in this steppe land.