Lake Zhalanashkol

Lake Border lake in eastern Kazakhstan near China

Lake Zhalanashkol lies near the China-Kazakhstan border, hemmed by steppe and mountains; travelers stop for remote camping, birding and views along the cross-border highway.

Main image
Lake Zhalanashkol
Lake Zhalanashkol (eastern Kazakhstan near the border with China), Kazakhstan
45.5625, 82.1519
Open 24 hours
Free

How to Get to Lake Zhalanashkol #

Reached by long drives from regional centres like Shetpe or Usharal; overland travel is common and visitors should plan logistics well in advance, including permission for any border-adjacent areas.

Tips for Visiting Lake Zhalanashkol #

  • Check border regulations if approaching from the Chinese side - the area is sensitive and remote.
  • Bring layered clothing: mountain weather at the lake can swing from sun to wind in an hour.
  • Visit lookouts on the surrounding ridges for the best alpine-lake vistas.

Best Time to Visit Lake Zhalanashkol #

Summer and early autumn provide the best window for clear views and overland travel; winters are harsh and roads may be impassable.

Summer
June-August · 10-25°C
Warm days and clear skies - best for photography and camping.
Autumn
September-October · 0-15°C
Crisp air and quieter roads; foliage in foothills changes colour.

Weather & Climate near Lake Zhalanashkol #

Climate

Lake Zhalanashkol's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
-32°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -6°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -4°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°
56%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
14.7h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 29°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.4h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
17° 32°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

91 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
16° 30°
43%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

89 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 24°
45%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°
56%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -3°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

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