The climate of Osh
Osh, located in
Kyrgyzstan, experiences a predominantly Hot Summer Mediterranean climate, as marked by the Köppen climate classification of "Dsa". The climate expresses a considerable range throughout the year, with hot summers and moderately cold winters providing a distinct contrast across the seasonal change.
Throughout the year, the highest recorded average temperature is 31.2°C (88.2°F) during
July, and the coldest average temperature is -3.8°C (25.2°F) in
January. Situated in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan and surrounded by the Tian Shan mountain range, the climate is further characterized by significant differences in humidity. In fact, it varies from 32% in July and
August to a much higher 69% in
February.
Rainfall in Osh does not occur uniformly throughout the year. The region sees an average of from 6mm (0.24") in
September to 54mm (2.13") in
April. Snowfall in Osh is limited to the winter months, from 103mm (4.06") in January dropping to 0mm (0") from
May to August, and again progressively increasing up to 162mm (6.38") by the end of
December. The region typically boasts from 15.3 sunshine days in February and peaks at about 23.6 sunny days in August.
The best time to visit Osh
Summer and early autumn present the best time to visit
Osh, specifically from
June to
September. Average temperatures range from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F), with relatively low humidity of between 40% to 32%. During this period, the city also receives the maximum amount of sunshine, approximately around 11.7 hours to 14.7 hours daily, and the least rainfall, ranging from 11mm (0.43") in
July to 31mm (1.22") in June.
The worst time to visit Osh
The harshest weather conditions in
Osh occur during winter, making it the least favourable time for tourism. Average temperatures drop drastically to between -3.8°C (25.2°F) and -2.6°C (27.3°F) in
January and
February. Furthermore, the region experiences the highest snowfall during these months, with 103mm (4.06") in January and 190mm (7.48") in February.
Spring weather in Osh
In spring,
Osh sees a substantial rise in temperature, from 4.3°C (39.7°F) in
February to 18.3°C (64.9°F) in
April. Rainfall is moderately high during this period, with 36mm (1.42") in February, 40mm (1.57") in
March, and peaking at 54mm (2.13") in April. Meanwhile, sunshine hours increase substantially, from 7.1 hours in February to 8.6 hours in April.
Summer weather in Osh
Summer in
Osh is characterized by hot and dry weather, with maximum average temperature reaching up to 31.2°C (88.2°F) in
July. The humidity remains relatively low, from 48% in
May to 32% in July and
August. Rainfall is minimal during this period, with a mere 11mm (0.43") in July. Sunshine duration is at its peak, with up to 15 hours of sunshine in
June and 14.7 hours in July.
Autumn weather in Osh
Autumn witnesses a gradual decline in temperature and a slight increase in rainfall. The average temperature drops from 25.7°C (78.3°F) in
September to 10.2°C (50.4°F) in
November. Rainfall increases from 6mm (0.24") in September to 30mm (1.18") in November. Meanwhile, sunshine hours decrease steadily from 9.8 hours in September to 6.5 hours in November.
Winter weather in Osh
In winter,
Osh becomes considerably cold with the average lowest temperatures of the year, falling to -3.8°C (25.2°F) and -2.6°C (27.3°F) in
December and
January. Snowfall becomes predominant, with 51mm (2.01") in
November, increasing to 162mm (6.38") in December, and 103mm (4.06") in January. Sunshine hours are at their shortest, with 6.5 hours in November, 5.9 hours in December, and reverting back to 7.1 hours in January.
Weather in January
Beginning the year,
January in
Osh,
Kyrgyzstan presents a cold and snowy environment. This month experiences the most extreme winter conditions, with temperatures falling to as low as -3.8°C (25.2°F) and highs hovering around 2.8°C (37°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February follows suit with
January, maintaining a chilly presence in
Osh. The lowest temperatures, though slightly higher than January, still hit a chilly -2.6°C (27.3°F). Though a similar winter environment, the snowfall significantly decreases from the previous month, reducing by almost half to around 190mm (7.48").
Weather in February » Weather in March
March denotes the beginning of a transformation in the weather landscape of
Osh, with a considerable rise in temperatures from the previous month. The climb in temperatures means a significant reduction in snowfall, which averages about 60mm (2.36").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees
Osh transition to a more pleasant and warm climate from the chills of the earlier months. The month experiences an increase in temperatures from
March, inducing the onset of spring. With snowfall almost negligent, the city bids its final farewell to winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Spring takes a full hold in
May, bringing warmer days to the city. The increase in temperatures from the preceding month sets the stage for summer, with the mercury levels often rising towards the highs of 23.3°C (73.9°F). The outdoor atmosphere vibrates with life as the city embraces the pleasant conditions.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the beginning of summer in
Osh, bringing along the heat and lowering the relative humidity to an average of 40%. Temperatures spike upwards from the previous months, signaling citizens to prepare for the heat. The presence of daylight for almost 15 hours allows a myriad of outdoor activities to take place.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the hottest month in
Osh, setting record-breaking highs of up to 31.2°C (88.2°F). From the gradual rise in temperatures since
January, this month demonstrates peak summer conditions. Activities during the day require precautions due to the high UV index and the prolonged sunlight hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August retains the high temperatures of
July, signaling the continuation of the summer season in
Osh. The weather conditions remain constant from July, although there is a slight decrease in the highest temperature. Despite the persistent heat, the city remains lively with residents and tourists engaging in various activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the advent of autumn season in
Osh, with an evident decrease in maximum temperatures from the peak summer months. This period provides a relief from the intense summer conditions and introduces a spectrum of hues to the city’s landscape.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries forward the fall season from
September with further drops in temperature. The decrease from the summer months is significant, pulling the city towards the colder spectrum of the climate. As winter approaches, the city prepares with changes in lifestyles and routines.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Osh enters the initial phase of the winter season. With a further decrease in temperatures from
October, the environment starts to become icy. The drop in temperatures, coupled with approximately 10 daylight hours, slowly steers the city into its winter routine.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December sees a further deepening of winter in
Osh. A significant drop in temperatures marks noticeable changes in the city's atmosphere compared to
November. Despite the chilly weather, the city gears up to celebrate the end of the year festivities.
Weather in December »