Weather in Turkistan

Planning a trip to Turkistan or simply want to stay informed about the weather conditions? In this section, you will find up-to-date weather information, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your time.

The climate in Turkistan, located in Kazakhstan, is characterised as sharply continental and arid. This means significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, as well as throughout the day. The city experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own specific features.

Summer in Turkistan is very hot and dry, with average temperatures reaching nearly 30°C in July, while maximum values can exceed 35°C. Precipitation during the summer months (June-September) is practically non-existent. Winter, by contrast, is cold, with average monthly temperatures around -1°C in January and December, and potential frosts. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with more moderate temperatures. Spring (March-May) sees gradual warming, whilst autumn (October-November) brings cooling. Overall precipitation is low throughout the year, highlighting the arid nature of the climate.

The climate in Turkistan is characterised by distinct seasons and significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The annual temperature range here is quite wide: from freezing winters to sweltering summers. The coldest month is typically January, when the average temperature drops to -1.1°C, and nightly lows can reach -5.3°C. The hottest period falls in July, with an average temperature of +29.5°C and daily highs regularly exceeding +36°C.

Summer in Turkistan, covering June, July, and August, is distinguished by dry heat. Average daytime temperatures during this period confidently stay above +33°C, and in July can reach +36.4°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with temperatures ranging from about +20°C to +22°C. A feature of the summer months is the almost complete absence of precipitation, which underscores the arid nature of the climate. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is quite substantial, reaching 13-14 degrees, which is typical for a continental climate.

Winter in Turkistan, from December to February, is quite cold. Average monthly temperatures hover around zero, with the coldest reading in January (-1.1°C). Daytime temperatures in the winter months may rise slightly above freezing (around +3°C to +6°C); however, night frosts are a common occurrence, with temperatures dropping to -3°C, and down to -5.3°C in January. Although precipitation in winter is low, it still occurs more frequently than in summer. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are also noticeable, though less pronounced than in summer, averaging 8-9 degrees.

Turkistan observes a clearly defined seasonality in precipitation distribution. The city is characterised by a very dry climate, especially during the summer months. The highest amount of precipitation, though still quite moderate, falls during the cold season and early spring.

The driest period occurs in summer and early autumn. June, July, August, and September are practically devoid of precipitation, with zero millimetres and a minimal number of rainy days (from 0 to 1). July and September are absolutely dry months. The "wettest" months, if one can use that term given the generally low precipitation levels, are January, February, and March, when 2 mm of precipitation falls per month. March also stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation – an average of 10 days.

In winter, particularly in January and December, when average temperatures drop below freezing (to -1.1°C and -0.2°C respectively), precipitation is most likely to fall as snow. In February and November, with average temperatures around 1.8°C and 4.8°C, both rain and wet snow are possible. In the other months with positive average temperatures (March, April, May, October), precipitation falls as rain. The frequency of precipitation noticeably decreases towards the end of spring: whilst April still counts about 7 days with precipitation, May has only 4.

When planning a trip to Turkistan, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. In summer (June-August), it can be very hot here, with the average temperature reaching +29.5°C, and the maximum rising to +36.4°C. Therefore, during this period, you will need light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics, a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. There is practically no rainfall in summer, so an umbrella will likely not be needed. Do not forget comfortable shoes for long walks around historical sites.

Winter in Turkistan (December-February) is quite cold, with average temperatures around -1°C and minimums dropping to -5.3°C. At this time of year, warm layered clothing is essential: thermal underwear, sweaters, a warm jacket or down coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although the amount of precipitation is small (about 2 mm per month), wet snow or light rain is possible, so waterproof outerwear and shoes will be useful. In the transitional seasons (March-May and September-November), the weather is changeable. It can be warm during the day (up to +27°C in May or September), whilst evenings and nights are cool. The principle of layering is especially relevant here: a light jacket, sweater, and t-shirt that can be removed or put on depending on the weather. Comfortable closed shoes will also be your best companion.

Regardless of the season, it is recommended to have comfortable footwear when visiting Turkistan, as you will be doing a lot of walking while sightseeing. Given the generally low amount of precipitation, a light umbrella or raincoat may come in handy primarily between January and April, and in November-December. Sunscreen is relevant not only in summer but also on clear days in spring and autumn. An electrical travel adapter and a portable power bank may also prove useful during your journey.