The climate of Shymkent
Located at the crossroads of Eurasia,
Shymkent,
Kazakhstan, exhibits a Dsa predominant climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This cold semi-arid climate experiences distinct seasonal variations with sweltering summers, frigid winters, and shorter yet notable spring and autumn periods.
During a calendar year, Shymkent undergoes quite a gamut of climate conditions. Temperature-wise, lows drop to nearly negative 4.8°C (40.6°F) in the winter months and climbs up to as high as 32.7°C (90.9°F) during the height of summer. Rainfall, too, illustrates a wide variance:
January and
December experience the maximum rainfall of 73mm (2.87") and 75mm (2.95") respectively, whereas the summer months from
June to
August record bare minimum rainfall, at times as low as 4mm (0.16"). The number of days of rainfall follows a similar pattern with maximum days of rain observed in the winters and minimum during the summer.
Consequently, the relative humidity exhibits a clear trend mimicking the rainfall pattern; higher humidity in winter months with decreasing levels through summer, reaching as low as 34% in August. Sunshine hours peak in the summer months, reaching up to 12 hours per day, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the UV index follows a similar curve, reaching a maximum of 9 during this period.
The best time to visit Shymkent
Considering the climatic conditions and weather variations, the best time to visit
Shymkent falls between
May and
September. During this period, the daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F) range with ample sunshine of approximately 10 to 12 hours per day and minimum rainfall records. The low humidity level further enhances the charm of this period, making it conducive for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Shymkent
The winter months from
December to
February pose a considerable challenge for visitors due to harsh climate conditions. The temperatures plummet to an average low of negative 4.8°C (40.6°F) in
January. Additionally, the city experiences a relatively high level of rainfall during January and December, adding to the uncomfortable cold.
Spring weather in Shymkent
From
March to
May,
Shymkent transitions towards the warmer side after the cold winters. Temperatures gradually rise, starting at a moderate 12.9°C (55.2°F) in March and reaching the mid-20°C (-4°F) range by May. Rainfall also increases during this period, often peaking in March with an 83mm (3.27") downpour over 11 days.
Summer weather in Shymkent
From
June to
August,
Shymkent bears the brunt of the summer sun, with temperatures spiking to a scorching high of 32.7°C (90.9°F) in
July. Nonetheless, these months offer generous sunlight hours and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Autumn weather in Shymkent
September to
November marks the autumn season in
Shymkent. A gradual cooldown from summer highs, the temperatures range from a high of 27.2°C (81°F) in September to a more comfortable 12°C (53.6°F) by November. Rainfall begins to increase again, particularly in November which receives about 67mm (2.64") over eight days.
Winter weather in Shymkent
Winter in
Shymkent arrives in
December and lasts through
February. With below freezing temperatures, often plummeting to as low as negative 4.8°C (40.6°F), and increased chances of rainfall, the weather can be quite challenging. Despite this, the city offers its own winter charm with pristine snowy landscapes and low crowds offering solitude seekers a lovely destination.
Weather in January
In
Shymkent,
Kazakhstan,
January marks the depths of the winter season, during which the local population encounters some of the lowest temperatures of the year. The cold air and freezing temperatures averaging between -4.8°C (23.4°F) and 4.1°C (39.4°F), make it the coldest month of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Shymkent is still part of the winter season, demonstrating a modest increase in temperature from the preceding month. The weather during this time sees cold mornings and relatively cool afternoons, but upon comparison, it is slightly warmer than
January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is a transitionary period for
Shymkent, as the city begins to bid farewell to winter and welcome the first signs of spring. The considerable increase in temperature from -2.7°C (27.1°F) to 12.9°C (55.2°F), softening the cold bite of winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April in
Shymkent is nothing less than a breath of fresh air. A steady increase in temperature marks the full arrival of the spring season. The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation, covering the city in shades of green.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The weather in
May in
Shymkent,
Kazakhstan, slowly but surely shifts towards the warm spectrum. A surge in the temperature spectrum from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F), indicates the first stirrings of the forthcoming summer season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the month when summer officially arrives in
Shymkent, altering the city's weather significantly. The temperature continues to climb, and the daylight hours maximize, transforming the city into a summer paradise. Outdoor activities are the order of the day due to the warm weather and ample sunshine.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July holds the distinction of being the hottest month in
Shymkent, with temperatures scaling between the range of 19.1°C (66.4°F) to 32.7°C (90.9°F). It marks the zenith of summer, and the city witnesses the most substantial amount of sunshine during this time.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With
August, a gentle decline in temperature marks the decline of the peak summer season in
Shymkent. Yet, the weather remains warmer with considerable daylight and sunshine hours still maintained. The city receives the least amount of rainfall this month, ensuring most days are clear and bright.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Shymkent is the beautiful bridge between summer and autumn, as it brings a comfortable decline in temperature. September possesses the charm of both the receding summer and the onset of autumn. It gifts the city with pleasant weather, offering respite from the summer heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Shymkent,
October is the harbinger of the autumn season, transforming the locale with the vibrant colors of fall. October paints the cityscape in shades of red, orange and golden, offering locals and tourists a picturesque view.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The weather in
November in
Shymkent, sees a significant drop in temperature, indicating the onset of the colder season. The comfortable autumn temperatures recede, replaced by fresh winter air. Leaves continue to fall, paving the way for the dormant winter landscape that is marking its arrival.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Shymkent marks the onset of the winter season, bringing along lower temperatures ranging from -3.1°C (26.4°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). It introduces an era of cold nights and crisp days, significantly different from the preceding months' weather.
Weather in December »