North Aral Sea
Spa Northern portion of the Aral Sea, partly restored reservoir
The North Aral Sea in Kazakhstan sits behind the Kokaral dam, where partial recovery has revived local fisheries; visitors observe unusual shorelines, salt flats and community fishing efforts.
The North Aral Sea is the northern basin of the former single Aral Sea, located in Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda region. It has been the focus of restoration efforts that have partially recovered water levels in the northern basin.
The shoreline and nearby settlements show clear signs of the Aral Sea’s dramatic shrinkage and partial recovery; visitors often observe exposed former seabed, abandoned ship hulks in some areas, and a returning local fishing activity where water levels have risen. The landscape is stark and illustrates large-scale environmental change.
The Aral Sea split into separate basins after extensive diversion of its feeding rivers in the Soviet period, leading to severe shrinkage through the late 20th century. Kazakhstan built the Kokaral Dam in 2005 to retain water in the northern basin, which led to rising water levels, reduced salinity and partial return of fish stocks in that basin.
The North Aral Sea occupies the northern portion of the former Aral Sea in central Kazakhstan, inland from the Aral region and associated with towns and infrastructure on the Kazakh steppe.
- Partial ecological recovery: Rebuilding work including the Kokaral Dam, completed in 2005, led to a marked partial recovery of water level and salinity in the northern basin.
Tips for Visiting North Aral Sea #
- Use Aralsk as your base when visiting the North Aral Sea - it is the nearest town with road access and boat operators who know local landing points.
- Visit in late spring through early autumn when weather is milder and boat travel across the shallower northern basin is most reliable; strong winds and storms make visits difficult outside this window.
- Allow time to see the Kokaral dam area and nearby shoreline villages-these give the best perspective on the sea's partial restoration and the local fisheries, which many casual visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit North Aral Sea #
Late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable conditions and easiest access to view the North Aral Sea.
Weather & Climate near North Aral Sea #
North Aral Sea's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -15°C to 30°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -15°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 7 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
