The climate of Bishkek
Bishkek, the capital city of
Kyrgyzstan, is best characterized by a Humid Continental Climate (Dfb), per the Köppen climate classification, denoting no dry season with warm summers. Under this classification, the city experiences notable fluctuations both in temperature and humidity throughout the year, accompanied by varying levels of precipitation and snowfall.
Analysing the climatic parameters, the annual temperature fluctuates from a low of -8°C (17.6°F) in
January to a peak of 27.2°C (81°F) in
July, marking well-defined seasons. Humidity, on the other hand, varies from a high of 75% in
February to a low of 40% in July and
August, with the latter months being considerably dry. Precipitation is almost equally distributed throughout the year, ranging from 22mm (0.87") in January to a maximum of 89mm (3.5") in
June. Notably, Bishkek experiences significant snowfall, with January and
December registering the highest values at 130mm (5.12") and 176mm (6.93"), respectively, and snowfall days peaking during similar periods.
Unique weather patterns emerge in Bishkek's climate. June stands out as the wettest month, coupled with maximum daylight of 15.3 hours, while July boasts the warmest days. Conversely, January represents the coldest month, coupled with considerable snowfall.
The best time to visit Bishkek
The ideal time to visit
Bishkek depends largely on individual preferences, with different seasons offering unique experiences. Nevertheless,
July and
August stand out as popular months, courtesy of their warm temperatures averaging 27.2°C (81°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F) respectively, lowest relative humidity at 40% and extended daylight hours. These conditions offer perfect settings for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Bishkek
Conversely, the months of
January and
December can be challenging for visitors, primarily due to cold weather and heavy snowfall. The average temperature in January falls to -1.3°C (29.7°F), with lows reaching -8°C (17.6°F). December records a similar climate trend with high temperatures averaging 0.3°C (32.5°F) and lows plunging to -6.2°C (20.8°F), coupled with the onslaught of snow. Hence, travellers not accustomed to cold and inclement weather should avoid these winter months.
Spring weather in Bishkek
Spring in
Bishkek, spanning from
March to
May, welcomes a gradual rise in temperatures, from an average high of 8°C (46.4°F) in March to 19.3°C (66.7°F) by May. This period also marks a steady increase in precipitation from 48mm (1.89") to 85mm (3.35"), with May being the rainiest spring month. Additionally, daylight hours extend from 11.9 hours in March to 14.6 hours in May.
Summer weather in Bishkek
Summer ushers in the warmest period in
Bishkek from
June to
August, with temperatures peaking at 27.2°C (81°F) in
July. Relative humidity dips to its annual low at 40%, coupled with extended daylight hours reaching a maximum of 15.3 hours in June. Rainfall is slightly higher in June with 89mm (3.5"), then steadily decreasing to 43mm (1.69") by August.
Autumn weather in Bishkek
Transitioning from summer to winter, autumn in
Bishkek, spanning
September to
November, sees a decrease in temperature from high 20.7°C (69.3°F) in September to a cooler 5.8°C (42.4°F) in November. Rainfall days drop from 12.5 in September to 10.5 in November, with precipitation slightly decreasing over the period.
Winter weather in Bishkek
Winter in
Bishkek, extending from
December to
February, is characterized by the lowest temperatures, dipping to -1.3°C (29.7°F) in
January alongside snowfall reaching 176mm (6.93") in December. However, the daylight duration shortens to 9.4 hours in December, limiting outdoor activities. Snowfall days peak at 10.7 in January, presenting a winter wonderland for those who enjoy this kind of weather.
Weather in January
In
Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan,
January is known for being the coldest month in the year. Average low temperatures reside around -8°C (17.6°F), while highs do not exceed -1.3°C (29.7°F). The city experiences an average of 10.7 snowfall days with a substantial 130mm (5.12") of snowfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The sub-zero temperatures of
January often extend into
February. Though the daylight increases slightly, one should not be deceived as the air remains cold. Snowfall continues to emit an enchanting wintery vibe throughout
Bishkek, embracing the city with 174mm (6.85") of snowfall - this is the highest observed in a month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings the perks of transitioning weather in
Bishkek, including more sunshine hours. Though the temperatures remain on the colder side, the severity of winter starts to wane. The frequency and intensity of snowfall lessens noticeably during this month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Bishkek witnesses further climb in temperatures and an increase in daylight hours. This brightening and warming backdrop eludes to the impending arrival of summer. The prospect of witnessing snowfall dwindles to merely 36mm (1.42") over 0.9 days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May acts as the ushering month for summer, offering temperatures soaring anywhere between 9.3°C (48.7°F) at night and 19.3°C (66.7°F) during the day. Showers of rain, while still frequent, seem to serve as a refreshing break from the mounting warmth.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Bishkek welcomes the summer season in full throttle with the average high temperature rising to 23.8°C (74.8°F). The city enjoys the longest day of the year on the summer solstice. With an average relative humidity of 47%, this month avoids an overbearing mugginess.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July ranks as the warmest month in
Bishkek when the mercury hits an average high of 27.2°C (81°F). The heat, combined with the lowest relative humidity of the year, results in a relatively dry climate. With edging towards the warmest climatic condition, July experiences the highest UV index of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a slight decrease in temperatures without discarding the spirit of summer in
Bishkek. Though similarly warm as
July, the nights are slightly cooler due to the lower average low temperature of 15.4°C (59.7°F). The UV index goes down a bit, making it safer for skin against harmful solar radiation.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks gradual adieu to summer and greets autumn with a noticeable dip in temperature. Rainfall tends to decrease, thereby presenting clearer skies and crisp weather. Months of prolonged heat subside into a more reasonable range during the day and cooler nights.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Come
October, the city dwells deeper into autumn with temperatures quickly cooling down between 5.5°C (41.9°F) to 13.9°C (57°F). Wind speeds subtly decrease which combines with the cooler temperatures to emit a more relaxing climate.
Weather in October »Weather in November
A noticeable shift in
Bishkek's weather pattern occurs in
November, signaling the imminent arrival of winter. With a steep descent in temperatures to a high of 5.8°C (42.4°F), Bishkek gears up for colder days ahead. Days get shorter, resulting in a decrease in sunlight, and the chill in the air grows.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings winter in full swing to
Bishkek, with the maximum temperature falling to a chilly 0.3°C (32.5°F). Amidst the dropping temperatures, the city witnesses an increase in snowfall, nearing the annual high, building a beautiful winter ambiance.
Weather in December »