Top cities in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's most beautiful city at the foot of the Tian Shan, the base for Big Almaty Lake and the Shymbulak resort.
Mountain lakes among the forests; at Kaindy, tree trunks stand in turquoise water.
A colourful rock canyon about 3 hours from Almaty.
The modern capital, with the Bayterek tower and the Astana Grand Mosque.
A historic city with the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
Weather in Almaty by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 1° | 3° | 10° | 18° | 23° | 28° | 31° | 30° | 25° | 17° | 8° | 2° |
| Low | -8° | -6° | 0° | 7° | 12° | 16° | 19° | 17° | 12° | 5° | -1° | -6° |
| Rain (mm) | 35 | 43 | 72 | 112 | 99 | 59 | 43 | 34 | 28 | 50 | 55 | 44 |
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1° | -8° | 35 |
| Feb | 3° | -6° | 43 |
| Mar | 10° | 0° | 72 |
| Apr | 18° | 7° | 112 |
| May | 23° | 12° | 99 |
| Jun | 28° | 16° | 59 |
| Jul | 31° | 19° | 43 |
| Aug | 30° | 17° | 34 |
| Sep | 25° | 12° | 28 |
| Oct | 17° | 5° | 50 |
| Nov | 8° | -1° | 55 |
| Dec | 2° | -6° | 44 |
Source: 1991–2020 normals, in degrees Celsius.
Best time to visit Kazakhstan
May to September is the loveliest time for the mountains and lakes, with days of 23° to 31° in Almaty.
July and August are the busiest months from Saudi Arabia, so book early.
December to February is the season for snow and skiing at Shymbulak, and it's cold (around 1° by day in January).
Before you travel
- Apply for the QazETA electronic entry permit in its app at least 72 hours before travel; it is expected to become mandatory for air arrivals from 1 November 2026.
- Halal food is easy to find, as most of the population is Muslim.
- Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring a jacket even in summer.
- Carry some cash in tenge, although cards are accepted in the big cities.
Flights to Kazakhstan
Hotels in Kazakhstan: the best areas to stay
Frequently asked questions
Do Saudis need a visa for Kazakhstan?
No, Saudis can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, with the QazETA electronic entry permit requested in its app before travel.
Are there direct flights to Kazakhstan?
Yes, from Jeddah to Almaty with SCAT Airlines once a week; from Riyadh there are one-stop flights via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul.
When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
May to September for nature and the lakes, and December to February for skiing.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and flight schedules change. Please check the official requirements before travel. The binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.