Best Time to Visit
the Almaty RegionКогда ехать в Алматинскую область
- Most tours run all yearMost run all year
- 9 places, month by month9 places by month
When to go, by what you want to see
- Mountain lakesJune to SeptemberKolsai, Kaindy and Big Almaty Lake are at their bluest.
- Canyon and desertApril to June, September and OctoberCharyn and Altyn-Emel have mild days.
- SkiingDecember to MarchShymbulak is a ski resort, and most other tours still run.
What each season is like
April to JuneSpring
The steppe turns green and Tanbaly is at its prettiest, with poppies in May. Charyn and Altyn-Emel have mild days, and Big Almaty Lake loses its ice.
At its best
July and AugustSummer
The best time for the mountains: Kolsai, Kaindy and Big Almaty Lake are at their bluest, and the Assy Plateau is open. In the canyon and the desert we start early, before the heat.
At its best
September and OctoberAutumn
Golden colors in the mountains, mild days in Charyn and Altyn-Emel, and fewer people.
At its best
November to MarchWinter
Most tours still run. The lakes freeze, Shymbulak becomes a ski resort and Charyn is crisp and clear. Lake Issyk, the Turgen Gorge and the Assy Plateau are closed.
At its bestClosedWinter tours from AlmatyBest months for each place
Best monthsOpenClosed
| Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charyn Canyon | open | open | open | best | best | best | open | open | best | best | open | open |
| Kolsai Lakes | open | open | open | open | open | best | best | best | best | open | open | open |
| Kaindy Lake | open | open | open | open | open | best | best | best | best | open | open | open |
| Big Almaty Lake | open | open | open | open | open | best | best | best | best | open | open | open |
| Shymbulak (skiing) | best | best | best | open | open | open | open | open | open | open | open | best |
| Altyn-Emel | open | open | open | best | best | best | open | open | best | best | open | open |
| Tanbaly | open | open | open | best | best | best | best | best | best | best | open | open |
| Assy Plateau | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | best | best | open | open | open | closed | closed |
| Lake Issyk and Turgen | closed | closed | closed | closed | best | best | best | best | best | best | closed | closed |
Questions about the seasons
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
For most trips, May, June, September and October: the canyon and the desert are mild and the mountain lakes are open. July and August are best for the lakes, and December to March for skiing at Shymbulak.
Can I visit in winter?
Yes. Most tours run all year, including Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy, Big Almaty Lake and Altyn-Emel. Lake Issyk, the Turgen Gorge and the Assy Plateau are closed in winter.
When are the mountain lakes frozen?
Big Almaty Lake is usually frozen from November to April. Kaindy freezes in winter too, and walking on its ice is not allowed.
Can I visit Charyn Canyon in summer?
Yes. July and August are hot in Charyn and Altyn-Emel, so on summer tours we start early to make the most of the cooler hours.
