Central Asia in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Central Asia in December.
Country Weather in December
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 8° | -1° | 60 mm | low | Cold |
| Kazakhstan | 2° | -7° | 36 mm | low | Freezing |
| Tajikistan | 10° | 0° | 62 mm | low | Cold |
| Kyrgyzstan | 5° | -5° | 35 mm | low | Cold |
| Turkmenistan | 9° | 1° | 24 mm | low | Cold |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Kazakh Steppe & Northern Plains (Kazakhstan)
Long nights return in December and the steppe settles into true winter: thick snow cover, severe wind chill and routine temperatures well below freezing in places like Kostanay and Petropavl. City life continues under strong central heating, but rural travel is difficult and many mountain or peripheral roads close. If you travel now, prioritize heated accommodations and arrange ground transport with operators experienced in winter conditions.
Tien Shan, Pamirs & Altai Mountains (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, eastern Kazakhstan)
By December the mountains are in full winter with deep snow and frozen routes - great for experienced skiers at established resorts but hazardous for high‑altitude trekking. Many remote mountain villages become reachable only by winterized vehicles or not at all; if you plan to ski, choose organized resorts and check avalanche forecasts. Insulated clothing, a robust travel plan and flexibility are crucial for any winter mountain travel.
Fergana Valley & Southern Plains (Eastern Uzbekistan, southern Kyrgyzstan, northern Tajikistan)
Frost returns in December and the Fergana Valley slows into winter: Tashkent and Osh remain active hubs with relatively mild daytimes but consistently cold nights. Snow is common on surrounding hills and can affect passes into the higher mountains, so if you plan to cross into alpine areas check road conditions. For cultural city trips, however, December is manageable with warm outerwear and fewer crowds.
Central Asian Deserts & Turkmenistan (Karakum, Kyzylkum, Aral basin - Turkmenistan, parts of Uzbekistan & southern Kazakhstan)
Long, clear nights and cold mornings dominate December, with the desert showing its most wintry face: daytime sunshine can still feel pleasant in midday, but after sunset temperatures drop sharply. Roads are generally passable between main towns but remote tracks may be icy or frozen; travel is best focused on established itineraries and settled accommodations. Insulated layers, a warm hat and thermal base layers are advisable for desert nights.