December is firmly winter across most of Kazakhstan with severe cold in northern and central areas; mountain resorts may have good snow for winter sports. Travelers should be prepared for icy conditions and limited daylight.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Kazakhstan in December.
Nur-Sultan / Pavlodar / Kostanay
By year-end the steppe’s climate stabilizes into a dry, cold pattern with clear skies and long nights; temperatures usually range from −10 to −25°C depending on wind exposure. This is a classic travel window for inexpensive flights and quiet city museums, but outdoor sightseeing feels bracing - bring a heavy parka, thermal layers, and an appreciation for short daylight hours.
Karaganda / Kokshetau / Karkaraly
By year-end the uplands remain predominantly dry and cold with brief clear periods that make for spectacular low-sun photography; daytime temperatures typically sit below freezing. This period is quiet for tourism; if you want solitude and stark landscapes, it’s the time to go, but only with proper winter supplies and transport arrangements that can handle icy conditions.
Semey / East Kazakhstan
description”:”The eastern Altai and Lake Zaysan area combines high mountains with wide, river-cut valleys; expect true alpine conditions at elevation and very cold winters in Semey and surrounding towns. Summer trekking is concentrated in June-September, while winters are long, snowy and best avoided unless you are prepared for remote, cold weather travel.”
Almaty / Ili Alatau / Charyn Canyon / Kolsai
December settles into classic winter: Almaty’s nearby slopes are well-covered and the ski season is fully active, while the city experiences a mix of snow and clear days with nighttime lows commonly below −10°C. Holiday markets and indoor cultural venues provide alternatives to outdoor plans, but if you intend to travel to deeper valleys like the Karkara or beyond, book with experienced winter operators. Dress warmly for mountain altitudes and variable conditions.
Shymkent / Turkestan / Taraz
description”:”The southern lowlands around Shymkent, Turkestan and Taraz are comparatively warm and dry with hot summers and mild winters - excellent for cultural and archaeological touring outside the peak summer months. Best visiting windows are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October); summers are very hot and dusty, and heat affects long day trips across open plains.”
Atyrau / Aktau / Mangystau plateau
December’s coastal winter is chilly but typically not as severe as the continental interior; Aktau sees more grey skies and occasional sleet while the Mangystau plateau keeps a crisp, dry feel. This is a quieter season for travel but offers stark landscape photography opportunities in clear, cold air. Pack warm clothing for evenings and be prepared for occasional road closures after storms.
December 16 marks Kazakhstan's independence day from 1991, observed nationwide.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.