Weather in Алматы by month: what to expect in different seasons

Алматы sits at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, where the climate shifts noticeably with the seasons. Winters here are cold but not extreme, with January averaging -3.5 °C, while summers bring warmth and sunshine, especially in July when temperatures reach 26.2 °C. The transition months—April and October—offer mild conditions, though they can be unpredictable.

The city’s weather is shaped by its geography, with mountain winds moderating the heat in summer and trapping cold air in winter. С мая по сентябрь is the most stable period, with long daylight hours and minimal temperature swings. If you prefer cooler weather, сентябрь and октябрь are ideal for exploring Алматы without the summer crowds.

Temperatures in Алматы vary widely throughout the year. In январе, the coldest month, the average high is just 0.8 °C, while nights can drop to -7 °C. By марте, the city begins to thaw, with daytime temperatures climbing to 11.9 °C, though evenings remain chilly.

Июль and август are the warmest months, with averages of 26.2 °C and 24 °C respectively, and daytime highs often exceeding 30 °C. Evenings stay pleasant, rarely falling below 18 °C. The shoulder seasons—апрель and октябрь—bring comfortable ranges of +13...+19 °C and +5...+16 °C, making them great for outdoor activities.

Rainfall in Алматы is unevenly distributed, with the wettest period falling in апреле and мае, when monthly precipitation reaches 120.8 мм and 86.5 мм. These months can bring sudden showers, so a light rain jacket is useful. С июня по август, the weather dries out, with июль and август seeing only 70 мм and 44.7 мм of rain respectively.

Winters in Алматы are relatively dry, with январь and февраль averaging 31.9 мм and 45.8 мм of precipitation, mostly as snow. The snow cover is usually light and melts quickly. Сентябрь and октябрь mark the return of drier conditions, with сентябре recording just 34.5 мм of rain.

For a winter trip to Алматы, pack warm layers, including a insulated jacket, gloves, and a hat. While temperatures rarely drop below -7 °C, the mountain winds can make it feel colder. Waterproof boots are useful for occasional snow.

In июле and августе, light, breathable clothing is essential, along with sunglasses and sunscreen. Evenings can be cool, so a light sweater or shawl is a good idea. For апрель and май, bring a mix of light layers and a waterproof jacket to handle rain showers.

If you’re visiting Алматы in сентябре or октябре, pack versatile layers—mornings can be crisp, while afternoons warm up to +18...+20 °C. A scarf and light jacket will cover most conditions, and comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the city.