Kazakhstan Weather in December

Season: Winter
In short: Freezing, dry, frequent snowfall

December brings frigid weather to Kazakhstan with plentiful snow and dry air. The shortest daylight hours are recorded this month, when the days end earlier.

Temperature 

December in Kazakhstan sees freezing temperatures with daytime highs of -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of -15℃ (5℉) on average.

The temperatures can be much lower in some regions. Astana encounters bitterly cold climate with bone-chilling lows of -20℃ (-4℉) for several days. In the central and eastern Kazakhstan, the minimum temperature in some regions can dip to -20℃ - -35℃ (-4 - -31℉). 

The Warmest Cities in Kazakhstan in December: 
Shymkent: -4 - 6℃ (25 - 43℉); Almaty: -7 - 2℃ (19 - 36℉); Qyzylorda: -10 - 0℃ (14 - 32℉)

The Coldest Cities in Kazakhstan in December: 

Astana: -17 - -8℃ (1.4 - 18℉); Karaganda: -18 - -7℃ (0 - 19℉); Aqtobe: -14 - -5℃ (7 - 32℉)

Central State Museum in December Sunny Day

Precipitation

During December, the monthly precipitation totals 30mm primarily in a form of snow and drizzles. 
The rain falls for 4 days in Kazakhstan. Besides, the country enjoys 13 snowy days on average. When it snows, large snowflakes fly in the sky, blanketing the country into a white fairyland. As December unfolds its charm, it offers a perfect opportunity to make a snowman and throw snowballs. Gloves and warm hats are musts for playing in such frigid climate. 

Humidity 

Although Kazakhstan experiences a damp 75% humidity in December, people still feel dry both indoors and outdoors. Hence, it is quite vital to stay hydrated, and prepare moisturizer and lip balm.

Sunrise & Sunset

Averaging 8.4 hours, December has the shortest daytime of the year in Kazakhstan. The sunrise is late at around 9:01-9:22 and the sunset is early at 5:41-5:49. Therefore, tourists need to arrange travel itinerary reasonably and make the best of the limited daytime.

What to Take for Visiting Kazakhstan in December?

For Upper Body: As the indoor heating can be strong, it’s advisable to put on a base layer like a shirt, quick dry long sleeves or sweater indoors. Wear a long down jacket or

fur coat on top when you go out.

For Bottoms: For the cold weather, choose thick sweatpants, woolen pants or padded soft shell pants to keep warm. Pick comfortable light pants for indoor rooms.

Shoes: Walking on the street in winter, snow boots are always good choices for their good look and warm prosperities. For high lands with icy roads, waterproof and anti-slip winter boots are essential.

Accessories: It’s necessary to prepare winter accessory trio including warm hat, scarf and gloves in winter. Crampons and trekking poles are quite vital for hikers as the roads can be very slippery in December. Also, take a thermos with hot water to warm up your body and replenish water at any time. Lastly, bring some thick socks to prevent coldness particularly when going skating.
   

Advantages and Disadvantages to Visit Kazakhstan in December

Advantages:

1. If you are fond of snow, December with frequent snowfall is perfect for you to appreciate striking winter beauty.
2. If you are a skiing enthusiast, December is the right time to go, when ski resorts are basically open. FYI: The best skiing period in Kazakhstan spans from December to next March.
3. Kazakhstan is adorned with Christmas trees and Santa Claus ornament‌ in December, filling the air with festival vibe. By the way, beautiful snowflakes paired with Christmas trees, creating romantic ambiance and excellent chance to take nice pictures.

4. Kazakhstan experiences the off season in December, providing quieter travel experience and favorable travel costs.

Snowy Wonderland in December

Christmas Activities in December

Disadvantages:

1. Subzero temperatures are common in December companied with plentiful snow. The climate is too cold, especially unfriendly for people with arthritis and pneumonia.  
2. The lake is basically frozen and blanketed in snow such as Big Almaty Lake and Kaindy Lake, so for tourists preferring vibrant and colorful views, the scenery there may be unsatisfactory.
3. Hiking in December is extremely dangerous. It’s highly advised to check the weather forecast in advance and go there on sunny days. Don’t forget to take crampons with you.

Kazakhstan December Travel Advice 

1. If you are going to tour Big Almaty Lake in December, prioritize to take the main road instead of the pipe for safety concerns, because it is too steep and slippery with accumulated snow. 
2. If you want to spend Christmas in Kazakhstan, there is no better option than Almaty where Christmas trees are seen everywhere. Abai Square is highly recommended for its big Christmas tree, Santa Claus and performances. Additionally, the biggest Christmas tree at Kok Tobe offers a wonderful backdrop for you to take gorgeous photos.
3. If you would like to ski in Kazakhstan, don’t miss Shymbulak Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in Central Asia. In addition to skilling courses, the resort offers various ski facilities like snow tubing, snowmobile, and snowboarding.

December Weather of Major Kazakhstan Travel Destinations

City	Temp.	Rainfall (mm/days)	Humidity (%)	Sunrise / Sunset
Almaty	-7 - 2℃ (19 - 36℉)	38 / 9	84	7:04-7:25 / 16:17-16:26
Astana	-17 - -8℃ (1.4 - 18℉)	27 / 12	83	7:55-8:18 / 16:07-16:16
Shymkent	-4 - 6℃ (25 - 43℉)	56 / 10	78	7:30-7:50 / 16:50-16:58
Aktobe	-14 - -6℃ (7 - 21℉)	29 / 4	82	8:40-9:00 / 17:11-17:21
Charyn Canyon	-13 - -4℃ (8.6 - 25℉)	40 / 8	55	5:07-5:39 / 15:26-18:19
Aktau	-2 - 4℃ (28 - 39℉)	14 / 7	83	8:48-9:08 / 17:59-18:08