Almaty in winter means cold days, reliable snow in the mountains and skiing less than an hour from the city centre. From December to February the city averages 0–3 °C by day and −6 to −8 °C at night. Shymbulak ski resort usually runs from late November or December to mid-April. On still days the city can sit under smog, so plan mountain trips for those days.
Most people picture Kazakhstan in summer, but Almaty in winter has its own reasons to come: ski slopes above a city of 2.35 million people, frozen mountain lakes, and Charyn Canyon with very few visitors. This guide covers the weather month by month, the ski resorts, the best winter day trips and the honest downsides, so you can decide whether a winter trip is right for you.
Almaty weather in winter, month by month
These are Almaty's 1991–2020 averages. The mountains are much colder than the city: Medeu lies at 1,691 m and Shymbulak's base at 2,260 m.
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 8.1 °C | −1.0 °C | 55 mm | First snow; the ski season can open at the end of the month |
| December | 2.0 °C | −6.1 °C | 44 mm | Snow in the city, ski season under way, New Year build-up |
| January | 0.5 °C | −8.1 °C | 35 mm | The coldest month and the heart of the ski season |
| February | 2.7 °C | −6.2 °C | 43 mm | Still full winter in the mountains |
| March | 9.9 °C | −0.2 °C | 72 mm | Thaw in the city, spring skiing at Shymbulak |
Does it snow in Almaty? Yes, snow is a normal part of Almaty in winter. It usually falls in the city between late November and early March, although sunny spells can melt it between storms. In the mountains the snow lasts from about November to April, which is what makes the ski season possible.
Almaty in December: what to expect
Almaty in December is the start of the real winter. Average highs are about 2 °C and lows about −6 °C, and Almaty weather in December brings around 44 mm of precipitation, much of it as snow. Shymbulak opens for the season (in 2025 it had a technical opening on 26 November and a full opening on 6 December), New Year decorations go up across the city, and 16 December is Independence Day, a public holiday.
The last week of the month is busy. New Year (1–2 January) is the biggest holiday of the winter, so if you plan to be here then, book hotels, ski passes and tours early.
Ski resorts near Almaty
At least three ski resorts near Almaty operated in the 2025–26 season. Shymbulak is the one most visitors choose.
| Resort | Distance from Almaty | 2025–26 season | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shymbulak | 25 km | Technical opening 26 November, full season from 6 December to mid-April | 2,260–3,200 m, about 20 km of pistes, gondola from Medeu |
| Oi-Qaragai | About 35–45 km | Opened on 13 December 2025 | Smaller resort; check which lifts are running before you go |
| Ak Bulak | About 40–50 km | Reopened after renovation; season ended on 22 March 2026 | Near Talgar, east of the city |
Shymbulak's base is at 2,260 m and its lifts climb to the Talgar Pass at about 3,200 m. Most visitors ride the 4.5 km gondola from Medeu, which takes about 15 minutes. There are about 20 km of pistes for different levels, and non-skiers can ride up for the views and lunch on the mountain. Lift passes and ski hire are sold at the resort; prices change every season, so check the official site before you go. If you would rather not organise the transport yourself, our Shymbulak ski resort tour takes care of it from Almaty.
Is Medeu open for skating in winter 2026–27?
No. The Medeu rink, at 1,691 m and with 10,500 m² of ice, is one of the best-known high-altitude rinks in the world, but it has been closed for reconstruction since March 2025. It had no 2025–26 season, and the city expects the work on the ice, stands and changing rooms to be finished in the fourth quarter of 2027. You can still go up to the Medeu valley and take the gondola from there to Shymbulak.
Many photos and older guides still show skaters at Medeu. If a tour or blog promises skating there this winter, ask where exactly you will skate.
The best winter day trips from Almaty
Winter changes which trips make sense. These are the day trips that work best for Almaty in winter, when there is snow on the ground:
Shymbulak
Skiing, snowboarding, or just the lifts and the view over the Ile-Alatau. See the tour.
Frozen Kaindy Lake
The lake freezes and the tops of its sunken spruce trunks stand out of the ice; ice divers come here for the same reason. The last stretch from Saty is a dirt road, so this is a 4x4 trip. Kaindy Lake tour.
Kolsai Lakes in snow
The lakes freeze over and the spruce forest is deep in snow. Whether the road is open depends on recent snowfall, so check a day or two before. Kolsai Lakes tour.
Charyn Canyon
Open all year and very quiet in winter, sometimes with a dusting of snow on the red walls. Paths can be icy from December to February. Charyn Canyon tour or the 3 Canyons tour.
Alma-Arasan hot springs
Warm mineral water in a mountain gorge, a good half day when it is too cold for long walks. Alma-Arasan tour.
Almaty city on cold days
The Kok-Tobe cable car, a 1,620 m ride of about 6 minutes, for views over the snowy city, then the Green Bazaar and the Central State Museum to warm up.
Big Almaty Lake
Frozen and very beautiful on a clear day, but the road is snowy and icy, and private cars are not allowed on the last section. Big Almaty Lake tour.
Smog in Almaty: the honest part
The one real downside of Almaty in winter is smog. On still days the city can sit under a layer of it. Almaty lies in a basin at the foot of the mountains, and in late autumn and winter cold air and weak winds trap pollution near the ground, a temperature inversion. The heating season runs from November to March, and December to February are usually the worst months.
A March 2026 study by the Almaty Air Initiative traced the city's fine particles to coal and biomass burning (34%, from power and heating plants and from home heating), road dust (32%), pollution that builds up in the basin (20%) and vehicle exhaust (14%). The city's CHP-2 power plant is being converted from coal to gas, with commissioning planned for the end of 2026.
Check the air quality in the morning. On a bad day, head up into the mountains, where the air is usually much clearer, and save walking tours of the city for days with good air.
What to pack for Almaty in winter
Pack for the mountains, not just for the city. For Almaty in winter we suggest:
- Warm layers and a down or insulated jacket. Mountain days are much colder than the city.
- Waterproof boots with a good grip. Pavements and canyon paths can be icy.
- A hat, gloves and a scarf or neck gaiter.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the glare off snow at 2,000–3,000 m is strong.
- Slip-on ice grips for Charyn and Kaindy (optional, but useful).
- A power bank, because phone batteries drain fast in the cold.
Kazakhstan in winter beyond Almaty
Kazakhstan in winter varies a lot by region. Astana is far colder than Almaty, with January averages of −10 °C by day and −19 °C at night, so a winter visit there is mainly about architecture and indoor sights. The south around Turkistan and Shymkent is milder than the north, but for snow, skiing and mountain scenery Almaty is the best base in the country.
A 4-day Almaty winter itinerary
Four days is enough to see the best of Almaty in winter without rushing. Swap days around to follow the weather.
City and Kok-Tobe
Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and the Central State Museum, then the Kok-Tobe cable car at sunset. See our Almaty city tour.
Shymbulak
Ski, snowboard or ride the lifts for the views, with the gondola up from Medeu.
Charyn Canyon
A quiet canyon walk in the cold, or the longer 3 Canyons day with the Black and Moon canyons.
Frozen Kaindy and Kolsai, or hot springs
If the roads are open, go to the frozen lakes by 4x4. If not, spend the morning at the Alma-Arasan hot springs and the afternoon in the city.
Travelling from India to see snow? Our Kazakhstan tour package from India is built around exactly this kind of trip. For longer stays, the Kazakhstan tour packages combine these days, with or without hotels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Almaty worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you like snow. Almaty in winter means skiing at Shymbulak less than an hour from the city, frozen Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon with few other visitors. The downsides are short days, cold nights and occasional smog in the city.
What is the weather like in Almaty in December?
Cold and often grey: average highs of about 2 °C, lows of about −6 °C and around 44 mm of precipitation, much of it snow. The mountains above the city are much colder.
When does the ski season start in Almaty?
Shymbulak usually opens in late November or December and runs until mid-April. In 2025–26 it had a technical opening on 26 November and a full opening on 6 December. Dates for 2026–27 are announced closer to the start.
Is the Medeu ice rink open in winter 2026–27?
No. Medeu has been closed for reconstruction since March 2025, and completion is planned for the fourth quarter of 2027. The gondola from Medeu to Shymbulak still runs in the ski season.
Can you visit Kaindy Lake in winter?
Yes. The lake freezes and the sunken spruce trunks stand out of the ice. The last stretch from Saty is a dirt road, so you need a 4x4, and access depends on recent snowfall.
Is Charyn Canyon open in winter?
Yes, Charyn is open all year and has few visitors in winter. Paths can be icy from December to February, so wear boots with a good grip.
How cold is Kazakhstan in winter?
It depends on the region. Almaty averages about 0 °C by day and −8 °C at night in January, while Astana averages −10 °C by day and −19 °C at night.
Planning a snow trip to Almaty?
Tell us your dates and whether you ski. We know Almaty in winter well and will plan Shymbulak, frozen Kaindy or snowy Charyn around the weather and the road conditions.
- Climate averages 1991–2020: Wikipedia climate tables for Almaty and Astana, citing Pogoda.ru.net and NOAA.
- Shymbulak: official site; skiresort.com; Medeu–Shymbulak gondola. 2025–26 season: Zakon.kz, Forbes Kazakhstan, Tengrinews.
- Medeu: Wikipedia; reconstruction timeline: Tengrinews, August 2026.
- Air quality: Almaty Air Initiative, March 2026; PLOS ONE; CHP-2 conversion: Kazinform, September 2026.
- Kaindy Lake: Wikipedia. Kok-Tobe cable car: Kok-Tobe. Big Almaty Lake road rules: bes.media, April 2026.
