Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a city of contemporary architecture built in the middle of the steppe, on both sides of the Yesil (Ishim) river. What to see in Astana, which season to choose when the winter is so harsh, and what the US and UK governments say about entry and safety: this guide brings together the essentials, based on official sources.
SafetyGOV.UK reports violent thefts in Astana, mainly at night around bars and nightclubs, and very common pickpocketing in crowded places; pre-arrange taxis (GOV.UK, updated 30 October 2026)
Climatevery pronounced continental: −18.6 °C (−1 °F) average minimum in January, 26.6 °C (80 °F) maximum in July (1991-2020 normals)
SeeBayterek, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the « Nursultan » mosque, Akorda, the Mangilik El arch
Time zoneUTC+5: 5 h ahead of London in winter (4 h in summer) and 10 h ahead of New York in winter (9 h in summer)
EntryUS 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
LanguagesKazakh (state language) and Russian (official use)
What to see in Astana: the highlights
The list below follows the selection of the city’s tourist office (checked 12 November 2026 on visitastana.kz).
The banks of the Ishim in the evening. Photo: Aibek Skakov / Pexels
The Bayterek monument
A symbol of the capital, Bayterek has a name that the tourist office translates as « Tree of Life ». It stands at the heart of the monumental axis on the left bank, from where you take in the big official buildings. It is the logical starting point for a first visit.
The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
This pyramid-shaped building was completed in 2006, according to the tourist office; the idea was presented at a congress of world and traditional religions held in Astana on 23-24 September 2003. It is one of the best-known images of the city.
The « Nursultan » mosque
Built in 2022, it is presented by the tourist office as the largest mosque in the country, with minarets 130 m (427 ft) high and a dome 62 m (203 ft) in diameter. For the visit, dress modestly, with a headscarf for women.
Akorda, the Independence Palace and the Mangilik El arch
Akorda, the president’s residence, is on the left bank of the Yesil. The Independence Palace hosts congresses, concerts and official ceremonies. The white-marble Mangilik El triumphal arch, over 20 m (66 ft) high, was built in 2011 for the 20th anniversary of independence.
Astana in 2 days
Day 1: Bayterek, the monumental axis, Akorda (seen from outside), the Independence Palace and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Day 2: the « Nursultan » mosque, the Mangilik El arch, a walk along the Yesil; in winter, alternate indoor visits with short trips outside.
When to go to Astana: month-by-month climate
Astana has an extreme continental climate: long, very cold winters, a short, mild summer and little precipitation all year. 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
−10.3 (13)
−18.6 (-1)
18 (0.7)
6
8.3 (14.9)
08:12 / 16:35
8 h 23 min
February
−8.8 (16)
−17.9 (0)
17 (0.7)
5
9.1 (16.4)
07:28 / 17:29
10 h 01 min
March
−1.4 (29)
−10.3 (13)
20 (0.8)
5
8.9 (16.0)
06:29 / 18:18
11 h 49 min
April
12.3 (54)
1.2 (34)
22 (0.9)
5
11.1 (20.0)
05:20 / 19:09
13 h 49 min
May
21.0 (70)
8.3 (47)
33 (1.3)
7
12.7 (22.9)
04:24 / 19:57
15 h 33 min
June
25.9 (79)
13.5 (56)
40 (1.6)
7
12.4 (22.3)
03:58 / 20:31
16 h 33 min
July
26.6 (80)
15.0 (59)
56 (2.2)
8
11.6 (20.9)
04:15 / 20:24
16 h 08 min
August
25.5 (78)
13.1 (56)
31 (1.2)
5
12.4 (22.3)
05:00 / 19:36
14 h 37 min
September
19.0 (66)
6.9 (44)
21 (0.8)
4
12.1 (21.8)
05:48 / 18:29
12 h 41 min
October
10.5 (51)
0.6 (33)
26 (1.0)
6
9.9 (17.8)
06:37 / 17:22
10 h 46 min
November
−1.3 (30)
−8.6 (17)
29 (1.1)
7
7.3 (13.1)
07:30 / 16:26
8 h 57 min
December
−8.0 (18)
−15.9 (3)
25 (1.0)
7
7.9 (14.2)
08:11 / 16:07
7 h 56 min
Temperatures, rainfall and precipitation days (≥ 1 mm): 1991-2020 normals for the Astana station (35188, 347 m / 1,138 ft), Kazhydromet, published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA/NCEI archive). Day/night range, sunrise, sunset and day length: Destination de Voyage calculation (NOAA solar algorithm, 15th of each month, local time UTC+5).
Reading the table (Destination de Voyage calculation): for 5 months (January, February, March, November, December) even the average maximum stays below 0 °C (32 °F). From May to September the average maximum lies between 18 and 28 °C (64 to 82 °F). July is both the hottest month (26.6 °C, 80 °F) and the wettest (56 mm, 2.2 in). Day length goes from 7 h 56 min in mid-December to 16 h 33 min in mid-June: in winter, plan outdoor visits for the middle of the day.
If you travel in winter, pack clothing suited to extreme cold. GOV.UK notes that roads can be hazardous in winter because of snow or ice.
Where to stay in Astana
The city is divided between the older right bank of the Yesil and the left bank, where Bayterek and the big official buildings are concentrated. Staying near the monumental axis limits walking, which is welcome in winter. Hotels register your arrival with the authorities; if you stay with a private host, they must do it within three working days (GOV.UK).
Getting there and getting around
Astana has an international airport and a railway station. For flights, check current routes with the airlines: we do not claim any nonstop flight without having seen it on the airport’s page. To reach Almaty, the plane is the simplest option; the train is possible but long. In the city, prefer official taxis: 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
Compare a pre-booked transfer, an official taxi and public transport. In severe cold, a pre-booked transfer avoids waiting outside. 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.
Winter: GOV.UK says roads can be hazardous in winter because of snow or ice and low visibility, and the U.S. State Department notes that roads outside urban areas are often closed in winter because of high winds and drifting snow.
Consulate: the U.S. Embassy in Astana can be reached on +7 7172-70-21-00 (travel.state.gov).
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.
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 to walk outside comfortably
Aim for May, June or September (1991-2020 normals)
Go in winter
Pack gear for extreme cold: −18.6 °C (−1 °F) average minimum in January
Are combining it with Almaty
Fly between the two cities and leave some slack in your schedule
Stay with a private host
Check that your host registers your arrival within three working days (GOV.UK)
Have only one day
Bayterek, the monumental axis, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Frequently asked questions
What should I see in Astana in one day?
Bayterek, the monumental axis on the left bank, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the « Nursultan » mosque, following the selection of Astana’s tourist office.
What is the best time to visit Astana?
From May to September the average maximum is between 18 and 28 °C (64 to 82 °F) (WMO 1991-2020 normals). June (25.9 °C, 79 °F) and September (19.0 °C, 66 °F) avoid the July rain peak.
Is Astana very cold in winter?
Yes: the average minimum is −18.6 °C (−1 °F) in January, and the average maximum stays below 0 °C (32 °F) from November to March.
Is Astana safe?
GOV.UK reports violent thefts in Astana, mainly at night in and around bars and nightclubs, and very common pickpocketing in crowded places; it advises pre-arranging transport. The U.S. State Department reports isolated incidents of foreigners being drugged and robbed at bars and nightclubs.
Do I need a visa for Astana?
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 Astana the capital of Kazakhstan?
Yes. Almaty, the former capital, remains the largest city in the country.
Our sources
Astana tourist office, « What to see » page (visitastana.kz), checked 12 November 2026
World Meteorological Organization, 1991-2020 climate normals, Astana station (35188), Kazhydromet (NOAA/NCEI archive)
Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm, applied by Destination de Voyage to the coordinates of Astana (15th of each month)
FlightsKiwi.comCompare flights and airline combinations to Astana.Compare flights
