Almaty in March and May are practically two different cities: early spring can still bring +5°C days and snowfall, while by May you're looking at +25 or even 30°C, lush greenery, and open mountain trails.
In this article, we break down what's available each month — city life, mountains, and day trips. Plus weather info and tips on picking the best time for your visit.
Which month is best — a side-by-side comparison
March weather is especially unpredictable: one year it's +18°C in early March, the next — snow. It really varies from year to year. Weather data source: WeatherSpark. Temperatures in the table show the range of average daytime values from the beginning to the end of the month.
| March | April | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average daytime temperature | +3...+13°C | +13...+19°C | +19...+24°C |
| Weather predictability | Low: you can get snow and +23°C in the same week | Moderate: occasional rain, but generally warm | Moderate: consistently warm to hot, occasional rain |
| Precipitation | ~6 days with precipitation | ~7 rainy days, 44 mm | ~8 rainy days, 50 mm |
| Greenery | City looks gray, trees are bare | First green by mid-month, city in bloom by end | Fully green, wildflowers in the mountains |
| Events | Nauryz (Central Asian New Year, celebrated March 21-23), 5 days off, concerts, fairs | No major events | May 1 — Unity Day, May 7 — Defender's Day, May 9 — Victory Day (day off moved to May 11) |
| Mountain trails | Unsafe: avalanche risk, snow | Unsafe: avalanche risk | Trails start drying out from mid-May |
| Charyn | Cool in March, but very few tourists | Getting warm | Warm, hot by end of month |
| Kolsai | Average daytime temperature around 5°C in March | Rises to 10–15°C in April | Can reach 20°C in May |
| Altyn-Emel | Cool, steppe still yellow | Comfortable, +15...+25°C | Warm, hot by end of month |
| Kaindy | May be closed, road often impassable | May be closed, road often impassable | Daytime already +15…+20°C in May, lake thaws out |
| Issyk | Road closed until April 15* | Road closed until April 15*, check availability after that | Usually open, may close due to weather |
| Assy | Road closed until April 15* | Road closed until April 15*, check availability after that | Usually open, may close due to weather |
*According to an official order, the roads to Issyk and Assy are closed from November 8, 2025 through April 15, 2026.
The city in spring
In this article, we cover how the city changes from month to month in spring. If you want to know where to go in Almaty, check out our guide: Where to go in Almaty.
Almaty in March
The city still looks gray — bare trees, post-winter lawns. Daytime temps range from +3 to +13°C, and mornings can dip near zero. On chilly days, it's a great time to explore Almaty's museums — there are quite a few.
By the end of the month, it warms up and strolling around the center becomes genuinely pleasant. The moment the sun peeks out or the temperature rises even a couple of degrees, outdoor terraces pop up everywhere. Locals love grabbing a seat on a patio as soon as it gets warm — even if they're still bundled up in coats. It's part of the city's culture.
The main way to experience the mountains in March is to head up to the health staircase and observation deck at Medeu, and ride the cable car up to Shymbulak.
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In March, the ski season is usually still going — you can hit the slopes at Shymbulak for skiing or snowboarding.
March 21–25 is Nauryz (Central Asian New Year, celebrated March 21-23), the biggest spring holiday in Kazakhstan. It's the Kazakh New Year: everyone gets extended days off, city squares fill up with yurt fairs, concerts, and traditional food. The city is packed and there are events everywhere.
Almaty in April
This is when the city truly transforms. By mid-month, the first green appears; by the end, the whole city is in bloom. Weather is unpredictable — you might get +20°C and sunshine, or +10°C and rain — but between the showers, it's warm and lovely.
The first seasonal fruits and berries start showing up. It's comfortable to spend long hours outdoors — picnics, park walks, cafe terraces.
Almaty in May
The city is fully green, warm, and alive. All terraces and parks are open. It's comfortable all day long — from morning walks to late-evening hangouts.
Mountain hikes
Photos taken by members of our hiking chat, Sergey and Natalia.
March and April: trails are unsafe. Avalanche danger, snow, mud. The weather in the city might look summery — in the mountains, it's a different story. The only way to experience the mountains is the Shymbulak cable car.
May, from mid-month: trails start to dry out.
Before heading into the mountains, check the avalanche bulletin in this Telegram channel — they post a PDF with a risk map by zone. In March–April, danger is usually high; by mid-May, it drops.
Day trips out of the city
Within 3–6 hours of Almaty, you'll find canyons, mountain lakes, and national parks. All destinations are reachable in spring, but each has its own sweet spot.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | March | April | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charyn Canyon | ~210 km | ~3.5 hrs | Accessible, cool | Ideal, comfortable | Great, warm |
| Kolsai Lakes | ~300 km | ~4.5–5 hrs | Cold, but beautiful | Comfortable by end of month | Kolsai-1 and 2 accessible |
| Altyn-Emel | ~250 km | ~3.5–5 hrs | Too early, steppe still yellow | Tulips blooming, best time | Peak spring |
| Kaindy Lake | ~300 km | ~5 hrs | Closed: ice, road | Too early: ice, dirt road | Season opens |
| Issyk Lake | ~70 km | ~1.5 hrs | Road closed until April 15* | Opens up, check ahead | Usually open |
| Assy Plateau | ~110 km | ~3–4 hrs | Road closed until April 15* | Road unpredictable | Closer to end of May |
*Roads to Issyk and Assy are closed from November 8, 2025 through April 15, 2026.
Charyn Canyon
The Valley of Castles is a red sandstone canyon where you can wander among towering rock pillars and walls. The canyon is open year-round, but spring is the best time to visit — in summer, temperatures can hit +40°C and above, making it tough to enjoy the walk.
In spring, it's cool but you'll have the place almost to yourself. April and May are the most comfortable months.
How to get there, what to bring, and how much time to set aside — all in our Charyn Canyon guide.
Photos taken by a member of our hiking chat, Natalia.
Kolsai Lakes
Three mountain lakes nestled in a gorge, surrounded by Tien Shan spruce trees. Kolsai-1 is the most accessible; getting to Kolsai-2 requires a ~8 km hike with ~500 m of elevation gain.
Kolsai-1 is accessible almost year-round, but in March it can be cold — be prepared. The upper lakes are snow-covered until May. Comfortable conditions start from late April. You can combine it with a trip to Charyn — it's on the way.
More about the route and overnight stays in our Kolsai Lakes guide.
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Kaindy Lake
A mountain lake with a submerged spruce forest — dry tree trunks stick out of the turquoise water. It's located near Kolsai Lakes, so you can easily combine both — but plan at least two days.
In March–April, it's closed: ice on the lake, road impassable. The season starts in May. You'll need a 4x4.
More details in our Kaindy Lake guide.
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Altyn-Emel
Kazakhstan's largest national park. It's a different world out here — steppe, desert, mountains, and nothing like the green gorges around Almaty. Key highlights: the Singing Dune (a massive sand dune that hums in the wind), the colorful chalk mountains of Aktau, and the "frozen lava" rock formations of Katutau.
Best time is April and May: the steppe turns green and wild tulips bloom. March is too early — the steppe is still yellow. In summer, with +40°C and above, tour operators usually don't run trips here.
This destination is pricier and more logistically challenging than Charyn: longer drive, two days minimum. But there are almost no tourists — you can explore the park in near-solitude.
Issyk Lake
A mountain lake 70 km from Almaty, about 1.5 hours away — the closest of the out-of-town destinations. Surrounded by spruce forest, mountains, and pure silence.
The road is closed until April 15, 2026 — this date could be pushed back. Even after the road opens, it can be closed again due to bad weather or mudflows. Check the latest updates before you go so you don't show up to a closed road.
More details in our Issyk Lake guide.
Assy Plateau
A high-altitude plateau 110 km from Almaty, 3–4 hours one way. Wide open spaces, rolling hills, endless sky — a completely different landscape from the mountains around Almaty. You'll need a 4x4.
The road is closed until April 15, 2026 — this date could be pushed back. Even after it opens, the road can close again due to weather. Check the news before heading out.
More details in our Assy Plateau guide.
What to wear
Weather in the city and in the mountains can be wildly different: Almaty might be sunny and +20°C while Shymbulak is +5°C with wind at the same time. If you're heading to higher elevation, pack warm layers regardless of the month — and don't forget sunscreen. You burn faster at altitude than you'd expect.
March. Daytime in the city: +3...+13°C, mornings can be near zero. A coat or warm jacket, with a sweater or fleece underneath. Waterproof shoes are a good idea — snow is melting, puddles everywhere. If you're taking the cable car, bundle up properly: it can be below zero with wind up top.
April. No need for a heavy coat in the city anymore — a light jacket or windbreaker will do. Mornings +2...+7°C, daytime +13...+19°C. An umbrella is a must — rain is frequent but passes quickly.
May. Almost summer: daytime +19...+24°C. Light clothes, a windbreaker for evenings. If you're heading into the mountains — good-grip sneakers, pants you don't mind getting dirty, and a rain jacket.
How to choose your month
If you're deciding when to come — go with May. It's the best time for spring in Almaty: consistently warm, the city is fully green and gorgeous, and most importantly, the majority of natural spots around the city open up.
The only reason to pick a different month is if you want to ski or snowboard. In that case, March is your best bet: the ski season at Shymbulak is usually still in full swing.
But if your trip falls in March or April — don't worry. There's still plenty to see in the city and the region. You can absolutely make it a packed and memorable trip.
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