Kazakhstan Weather in March

Season: Winter

In short: Cold, Low Humidity

March is the last month of winter in Kazakhstan, the weather turns from bitterly cold to bearably cold and the ice and snow begins to melt, with the average temperature of about -16 - -5 ℃ (3 - 23℉). The climate in the south is slightly warmer than the north. In Almaty, the temperature ranges from -2 - 7℃ (28 - 45℉) on average. It is about 8 - 10℃ (46 - 50℉) higher than the average temperature of -12 - -1℃ (10 - 30℉) in Astana in the north.

In addition, the precipitation in March increases slightly. It rains for a total of 10 days on average, with a rainfall of 39mm. Astana has a rainfall of 27mm, with a humidity of 82%; while the precipitation is 57mm in Almaty and the humidity is 72%. Although not as frequently as in winter, it still snows in northern and eastern mountainous regions.

Snow Mountain in Kazakhstan's March Days

The Warmest Cities in Kazakhstan in March:

Shymkent: 2 - 13℃ (36 - 55℉); Balkhash: 0 - 10℃ (32 - 50℉); Taraz: 0 -11℃ (32 - 52℉)

The Coldest Cities in Kazakhstan in March:

Astana: -12 - -1℃ (10 - 30℉); Karaganda: -8 - 1℃ (18 - 34℉); Almaty: -2 - 7℃ (28 - 45℉)

Kazakhstan March Highlight: Nowruz

Nowruz Celebration in March Kazakhstan

Nowruz is the local New Year in Kazakhstan, which is celebrated between March 20th and 22nd every year. The word “Nowruz” originates from Persian and means a new day. During the festival, people holds all kinds of entertainment activities, including horse racing, grassland party, street parade and song and dance performance. For instance, at Abai Square in Almaty, concerts are usually held for two consecutive days, and there are many yurt stalls selling different handicrafts and local delicacies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; at Astana Square, there are performances all day long.

Clothes to Wear for Kazakhstan Trip in March

Although the temperature keeps rising, down coat, 3-in-1 windbreaker, sweater, warm jeans or down pants and winter shoes still should be at the top of your clothing list. In addition, a pair of warm and soft socks can make your feet warmer.

Thanks to the effective heating facilities, although it is cold outside, the indoor places are generally very warm, so it’s wise to wear thick overcoat that is easy to be taken off and put off outside, but thin sweater inside, which can make you more comfortable while in the room.

For ladies and girls, if you can bear the low temperature, wearing woolen overcoat, knitted dress and Martin boots is also a good choice, because they make you look better in photos. You can match them with a scarf for both fashionable looking and keeping warm. Or you can take some clothes you like on this basis.

Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan in March

1. View the Historical Sites

Although it is cold in March, the low temperature did not have too much negative impact on the historical sites, and they are sparkling the same. Besides, many of the historical sites are indoor, where you will not feel very cold.

In Almaty, the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park is waiting for your arrival. You can learn the historic deeds of the Panfilov Division here, who sacrificed their lives to defend their land during World War II. Furthermore, the Ascension Cathedral, Central Mosque and Green Bazaar are worth your visit.

Similarly, in Astana, Hazret Sultan Mosque in pure white is a must-see historical spot, while the Grand Mosque of Astana draws visitors’ eyesight with its blue dome. And in the National Museum, you can see loads of exhibits carrying rich history. Besides, on the top of the Bayterek Observation Tower, the whole city unfolds before your eyes, extremely breathtaking.

Central State Museum in March

2. Enjoy Skiing:

In March, many ski resorts in Kazakhstan are open and welcoming worldwide skiers. Among the various ski resorts in Kazakhstan, the most famous is Shymbulak Ski Resort in Almaty, which is the biggest ski resort in Central Asia and venue for 2010 Asian Winter Olympics. The ski season here lasts till end of April.

3. Taste Delicacies:

Delicious Food in Village of Karabulak

In cold weather, it must be an enjoyment to sit in a warm restaurant and try some delicious and unique Kazakhstan food. Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic country, which means it has many different kinds of cuisine. For example, different with most countries, horse meat is a representative delicacy. Expect that, dairy products, which often made of mare’s milk and ewe’s milk, like cheese and yogurt are also worth tasting. Besides, you can savor the local special smoked meat with the local traditional drink, horse milk wine.

March Weather of Major Kazakhstan Travel Destinations

City	Temp.	Rainfall (mm)	Humidity (%)	Sunrise / Sunset
Almaty	-2 - 7℃ (28 - 45℉)	57 / 8	72	6:27 - 7:23 /18:33 - 19:32
Astana	-12 - -1℃ (10 - 30℉)	27 / 5	82	6:50 - 7:57/18:54 - 19:50
Shymkent	3 - 15℃ (38 - 59℉)	96 / 11	67	7:05 - 7:56/19:11 - 19:46
Aktobe	-10 - 1℃ (14 - 34℉)	71 / 8	75	07:43 - 08:22 / 18:39 - 19:17
Charyn Canyon	-6 - 4℃ (21 - 40 ℉)	59 / 7	81	6:31 - 7:29 /18:41 - 19:42
Aktau	1 - 10℃ (34 - 50℉)	10 / 4	75	7:51 - 8:11/19:21 - 19:40

Kazakhstan Weather by Month

January January March April May June July August September October November December

3-Day Weather Forecast of Major Destinations

Almaty

Astana

Aqtobe

Aktau

Karaganda

Baikonur