Almaty in December

Cold; ski season; Independence Day on 16–17 Dec.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• AprilGreatApple and cherry blossom; mild.
• MayGreatGreen and warm; holidays on 1 and 9 May.
• JuneGreatWarm; mountains open.
• SeptemberGreatBest month for walking and mountains.

• AlmatyHighs around 0 °C (32 °F), lows around -6 °C (21 °F), rain on about 8 daysHighs around 32 °F (0 °C), lows around 21 °F (-6 °C), rain on about 8 days
• Almaty and the south-east mountains, Kazakhstan · Almaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charyncool

  Continental with mountain weather: snow in the city Dec–Feb, smog on still winter days, hot dry summers in the valleys and cool nights at the lakes.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Independence Day

  16–17 Dec

  Cold; ski season; Independence Day brings concerts and fireworks.

• Ski season at Shymbulak

  Nov–Mar (variable)

  Weekend crowds on the Medeu–Shymbulak road and cable car; book lift tickets ahead on powder days.

Crowds · Kazakhstan overall

Medium

Prices · Kazakhstan overall

Medium

Kazakhstan overall: Ski season opens; Independence Day holiday mid-month.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Almaty, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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