Almaty in March

Thaw and slush; Nauryz on 21–23 Mar.

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

March 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 8 °C (46 °F), lows around -1 °C (30 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 46 °F (8 °C), lows around 30 °F (-1 °C), rain on about 10 days
• Almaty and the south-east mountains, Kazakhstan · Almaty, Medeu, Kolsai, Charynfine

  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.

• Nauryz (Kazakh New Year)

  21–23 Mar · Republic Square

  Thaw and slush; Nauryz brings public holidays and free events at Republic Square.

• 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: Thaw and mud; Nauryz on 21–23 March fills cities with yurts and events.

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

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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