Almaty, the former capital and the largest city of Kazakhstan, lies at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains: in a single day you can go from the parks and bazaars of the centre to high-altitude slopes and lakes. This guide covers what to do in Almaty, the mountain excursions, what the US and UK governments say about entry and safety, and what weather to expect according to the official normals.
Almaty often fits into a wider trip: see our Kazakhstan travel guide, our page on the capital Astana and the time difference with Kazakhstan.
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Almaty at a glance
- Safety GOV.UK reports violent thefts in Almaty, mainly at night around bars and nightclubs, and pickpocketing in crowded places; the area is in an active seismic zone (GOV.UK; U.S. State Department)
- Climate continental, 30.5 °C (87 °F) average maximum in July, −8.1 °C (18 °F) minimum in January (1991-2020 normals)
- Time zone UTC+5 (local time used in our calculations): 5 h ahead of London in winter (4 h in summer) and 10 h ahead of New York in winter (9 h in summer)
- Entry US and UK citizens: visa-free stays of up to 30 days per visit and 90 days in total (U.S. State Department, August 13, 2026; UK FCDO, 30 October 2026); UK travellers should also apply for the free online ETA
- Languages Kazakh (state language) and Russian (official use)
What to do in Almaty: the city highlights
Panfilov Park and the Ascension Cathedral
Panfilov Park, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, pays tribute to Second World War soldiers. It is home to the Ascension Cathedral, a brightly coloured wooden Orthodox church. When visiting a place of worship, dress modestly, with a headscarf for women in Orthodox churches.
The Green Bazaar
This big covered market is the ideal place to discover dried fruit, dairy products and local specialities. Keep your documents and money split between several pockets: GOV.UK warns that pickpocketing is very common in markets and crowded places.
Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe hill, with its TV tower and leisure area, overlooks the city. You can go up by cable car, among other ways. The view over the city and the mountains is particularly pleasant at the end of the day in clear weather.
Museums and avenues of the centre
The centre of Almaty can be explored on foot or by metro, between big tree-lined avenues, museums and parks. Allow a day for the centre and half a day for Kok Tobe.
Mountain excursions: what to know
The main mountain outings from Almaty are the Medeu skating rink and the Chimbulak (Shymbulak) ski resort, the Big Almaty Lake, the Kolsai lakes and the Charyn Canyon.
- Medeu and Chimbulak: the skating rink and the ski resort are the closest mountain outings to the city.
- Big Almaty Lake: a high-altitude lake in the mountains south of the city.
- Kolsai and Charyn: further east, they need a full day or more; stay on the usual access roads.
- Permits and closed areas: GOV.UK lists a few areas closed to visitors without prior permission, including a village in the Almaty region, and the U.S. State Department says permission is needed for certain areas bordering China. We have not found an official source describing permit rules for the individual tourist sites above, so check current rules with your embassy or the Kazakh authorities before you go.
When hiking, set out well equipped and check the weather: in the mountains temperatures are much lower than in the city. GOV.UK advises against trekking alone and recommends a reputable trekking agency.
Organised excursion, driver or rental car?
For Kolsai and Charyn, compare a day excursion, a private driver and a rental car. Check what is included, that the route follows the usual access roads, the guide’s language and the cancellation terms. GOV.UK says driving standards can be erratic and many roads are poorly maintained, and the U.S. State Department advises avoiding mountain roads at night or in poor weather: an experienced driver is often simpler. UK visitors need a 1968 international driving permit plus their UK licence to drive in Kazakhstan (GOV.UK).
When to go to Almaty: month-by-month climate
Almaty has a continental climate: cold, dry winters, a wet spring and hot, sunny summers. The table combines the official normals with our astronomical calculations.
| Month | Max °C (°F) | Min °C (°F) | Precipitation mm (in) | Precipitation days | Day/night range °C (°F) | Sunrise / sunset on the 15th | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.5 (33) | −8.1 (17) | 35 (1.4) | 6 | 8.6 (15.5) | 07:21 / 16:41 | 9 h 20 min |
| February | 2.8 (37) | −6.2 (21) | 43 (1.7) | 7 | 9.0 (16.2) | 06:50 / 17:22 | 10 h 31 min |
| March | 10.1 (50) | 0.0 (32) | 72 (2.8) | 9 | 10.1 (18.2) | 06:05 / 17:57 | 11 h 52 min |
| April | 17.9 (64) | 6.8 (44) | 112 (4.4) | 10 | 11.1 (20.0) | 05:11 / 18:34 | 13 h 23 min |
| May | 22.9 (73) | 11.5 (53) | 99 (3.9) | 9 | 11.4 (20.5) | 04:29 / 19:08 | 14 h 40 min |
| June | 27.9 (82) | 16.4 (62) | 59 (2.3) | 7 | 11.5 (20.7) | 04:11 / 19:33 | 15 h 22 min |
| July | 30.5 (87) | 18.6 (65) | 43 (1.7) | 7 | 11.9 (21.4) | 04:25 / 19:30 | 15 h 05 min |
| August | 29.7 (85) | 17.4 (63) | 34 (1.3) | 4 | 12.3 (22.1) | 04:57 / 18:55 | 13 h 59 min |
| September | 24.5 (76) | 12.0 (54) | 28 (1.1) | 3 | 12.5 (22.5) | 05:31 / 18:03 | 12 h 32 min |
| October | 16.9 (62) | 5.4 (42) | 50 (2.0) | 6 | 11.5 (20.7) | 06:05 / 17:10 | 11 h 05 min |
| November | 8.2 (47) | −0.9 (30) | 55 (2.2) | 7 | 9.1 (16.4) | 06:44 / 16:28 | 9 h 44 min |
| December | 2.1 (36) | −6.0 (21) | 44 (1.7) | 7 | 8.1 (14.6) | 07:16 / 16:17 | 9 h 00 min |
| Month | Sunshine hours (normal) | Share of daylight with sun |
|---|---|---|
| January | 112 | 39% |
| February | 119 | 40% |
| March | 163 | 44% |
| April | 188 | 47% |
| May | 235 | 52% |
| June | 260 | 56% |
| July | 280 | 60% |
| August | 278 | 64% |
| September | 244 | 65% |
| October | 189 | 55% |
| November | 117 | 40% |
| December | 94 | 34% |
Reading the tables: April is the wettest month (112 mm, 4.4 in, over 10 days on average) and September the driest (28 mm, 1.1 in). By our calculation the sun shines for the largest share of the day in September (65%) and the smallest in December (34%). September combines a 24.5 °C (76 °F) average maximum, little rain and plenty of sunshine: it is the best-balanced month for the city and excursions. June (27.9 °C, 82 °F) is also pleasant, but watch out for ticks in spring.
Where to stay in Almaty
The centre, around Panfilov Park and the big avenues, lets you do everything on foot or by metro. The districts higher up, to the south, bring you closer to the mountains and Medeu. In winter the ski season increases demand around Chimbulak. Hotels register your arrival with the authorities; if you stay with a private host, they must do it within 3 working days (GOV.UK).
Getting there and getting around
Almaty has an international airport; for flights, check current routes with the airlines: we do not claim any nonstop flight without having seen it on the airport’s page. In the city, use official taxis or recognised apps: GOV.UK advises using licensed pre-ordered taxi services and avoiding flagging down taxis, and the U.S. State Department says not to use unmarked taxis.
Airport transfer
For arrival, compare a pre-booked transfer, an official taxi and public transport. A transfer booked in advance is handy if you arrive at night. At the airport, the U.S. State Department advises not leaving with anyone who does not show pre-arranged identification.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens
- According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated August 13, 2026), US travellers may enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days on each visit and may not stay more than a cumulative 90 days within a six-month period. Violating the authorised period of stay can lead to fines, imprisonment and delays on exit. The State Department says you must receive permission from the Kazakh government before travelling to certain areas bordering China and cities close to military installations, and points to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Kazakh embassy in Washington for the list of closed areas.
UK citizens
- According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 30 October 2026), you can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days for business or tourism, with as many visits as you like but no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): GOV.UK says that from 1 November, visa-free travellers should apply for an ETA through the QazETA portal (free of charge, valid for 180 days, apply at least 72 hours before travel). Between 1 November and 30 June you will not be refused entry without one but will be told of the requirement; from 1 July 2027 it becomes mandatory. The ETA does not extend your permitted stay.
- Registration: your hotel or host must register your arrival with the Kazakh authorities within 3 working days (GOV.UK).
Health and safety
- Crime: GOV.UK reports violent thefts in expatriate communities in Astana and Almaty, mainly at night in and around nightclubs and bars; avoid walking alone at night, pre-arrange your transport and do not use unofficial taxis. Pickpocketing is very common in crowded places such as markets and on public transport. The U.S. State Department reports isolated incidents of foreigners being drugged, robbed and assaulted at bars, nightclubs and in unmarked taxis.
- Mountains: GOV.UK warns of avalanches, landslides and rockfalls, rapidly changing weather, snow at altitude even in summer and a risk of altitude sickness; it advises insurance covering high-altitude activity, a reputable trekking agency and not trekking alone. According to GOV.UK, 24-hour rescue services in Almaty are based in the Shymbulak gorge and by Big Almaty Lake, and the Almaty emergency numbers are 109 or 112; the city has installed 18 mountain refuges with first aid kits and SOS buttons.
- Closed areas: GOV.UK lists areas closed to visitors without prior permission, including Gvardeyskiy village in the Almaty region; the U.S. State Department mentions certain areas bordering China. Check access with your embassy or the Kazakh authorities before heading to remote border areas.
- ID: GOV.UK advises carrying original ID such as your passport.
- Emergencies: according to GOV.UK, the numbers are 101 (fire), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance) and 112 (emergency and rescue service); the operator may not speak English.
- Earthquakes: GOV.UK says Almaty is in an active seismic zone, and the U.S. State Department ranks the earthquake threat level in the Almaty region as Level 4, the highest level it assigns, noting that building practices do not generally meet U.S. seismic standards.
- Terrorism and demonstrations: GOV.UK says terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out and that public demonstrations are only permitted when authorised in advance; avoid demonstrations (the U.S. State Department gives the same advice).
- Health: GOV.UK advises checking vaccine recommendations at least 8 weeks before you travel and lists biting insects and ticks among the health risks; altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the country.
- Local SIM cards: GOV.UK notes that to use a local SIM card you must verify your device’s IMEI on the imei.kz portal, otherwise the SIM is blocked after 30 days; a global eSIM may be simpler for longer stays.
Our travel documents guide summarises the formalities.
Staying connected
Kazakhstan has its own mobile networks, and roaming plans vary. Note GOV.UK’s warning that a local SIM card requires IMEI verification on the imei.kz portal. See our travel eSIM guide.
If you… then…
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Want good weather and little rain | Aim for September (28 mm, 1.1 in; 65% of daylight sunny by our calculation) |
| Go from April to June and hike | Look after yourself against ticks (GOV.UK lists ticks among the health risks) and take mountain safety advice |
| Head for Kolsai or Charyn | Allow a full day or more, hire a licensed driver or reputable operator, and check access rules with your embassy beforehand |
| Want to ski | Chimbulak, in winter; check which slopes are open on the resort’s website |
| Have only one day | Panfilov Park and the cathedral, the Green Bazaar, then Kok Tobe at the end of the day |
Frequently asked questions
What should I do in Almaty in one day?
Panfilov Park and its Ascension Cathedral, the Green Bazaar, then Kok Tobe hill at the end of the day for the view over the city and the mountains.
Do I need a permit to go to Kolsai or Charyn from Almaty?
We found no official US or UK source describing permit rules for these sites. GOV.UK lists a few closed areas that need prior permission (including a village in the Almaty region) and the U.S. State Department says permission is needed for certain areas bordering China: check with your embassy or the Kazakh authorities before you go.
What is the best time to visit Almaty?
September: 24.5 °C (76 °F) average maximum, 28 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation and plenty of sunshine (WMO 1991-2020 normals). June is also pleasant.
Is Almaty safe?
GOV.UK reports violent thefts in Almaty mainly at night in and around bars and nightclubs, and very common pickpocketing in crowded places; it advises pre-arranging transport. Almaty is also in an active seismic zone, and the U.S. State Department ranks the earthquake threat in the Almaty region as Level 4, the highest.
Do I need a visa for Almaty?
According to the U.S. State Department (last updated August 13, 2026), US citizens can stay up to 30 days per visit without a visa (90 days in six months), and according to the UK FCDO (updated 30 October 2026), UK citizens can stay up to 30 days visa-free (90 days in any 180) and should apply for the free ETA.
Is Almaty the capital of Kazakhstan?
No, the capital is Astana. Almaty remains the country’s largest city and the main starting point for the mountains of the south-east.
Is it cold in Almaty in winter?
Yes: in January the average maximum is 0.5 °C (33 °F) and the minimum −8.1 °C (18 °F) (1991-2020 normals).
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization, 1991-2020 climate normals, Almaty station (36870), Kazhydromet (NOAA/NCEI archive)
- Astronomical calculations and share of daylight with sun: NOAA solar algorithm, applied by Destination de Voyage to the coordinates of Almaty (15th of each month)
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked between 30 October and 12 November 2026: U.S. Department of State, Kazakhstan country information (last updated August 13, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Kazakhstan (updated 30 October 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.