Last updated: January 18, 2025
Baikonur, Kazakhstan, is characterized by a BWk climate classification, indicative of its arid conditions. The region experiences a dramatic temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a frigid -29°C (-19°F) in February, while summer peaks soar to a scorching 44°C (112°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 11°C (52°F), illustrating the stark seasonal contrasts typical of this continental climate. This unique weather pattern plays a significant role in shaping the local ecosystem and influences various socio-economic activities in and around Baikonur.
Temperature patterns in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, exhibit pronounced seasonal variations, underpinning the region's stark continental climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by extreme cold, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -29°C (-19°F), while average temperatures barely exceed -6°C (22°F), gradually warming into early spring. As March arrives, temperatures begin to rise markedly, transitioning from the icy grip of winter to milder conditions; averages climb to 3°C (38°F). By April and May, the region experiences a significant warming trend, with averages soaring to 14°C (57°F) and 21°C (71°F), respectively, and maximums peaking at 41°C (106°F) by late spring. The summer months of June and July are particularly hot, with July reaching a scorching 44°C (112°F). As autumn sets in from August to October, temperatures once again begin to decline, with averages dropping to around 9°C (49°F) by October, hinting at the impending return of winter. By November and December, temperatures plunge back into the negative, characterizing a full cycle of temperature extremes that defines Baikonur’s climate.
Baikonur experiences extreme temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) in February and a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Baikonur. Similarly, Tyuratam shows comparable temperature ranges, with the same February minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and a slightly lower maximum of 43°C (110°F) in July, as noted in the monthly temperatures in Tyuratam.
Precipitation in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the late winter and early spring months. January and February receive low amounts of precipitation, measured at 11 mm (0.4 in) and 12 mm (0.5 in), respectively, typically falling over a few days per month. March marks a gradual increase in rainfall to 24 mm (0.9 in), maintaining a moderate total in April with 21 mm (0.8 in), which reflects the melting of snow and the beginning of the growing season. May sees a slight decline in precipitation to 13 mm (0.5 in), while June experiences a notable drop to just 3 mm (0.1 in), often resulting in dry conditions.
During the summer months, Baikonur experiences minimal rainfall, totaling only 4 mm (0.2 in) in both July and August, highlighting a significant dry spell. September and October see a slight uptick in rainfall, with totals of 5 mm (0.2 in) and 9 mm (0.3 in), respectively, as autumn progresses. The second half of the year continues to bring modest precipitation, as November registers 10 mm (0.4 in), and December receives 17 mm (0.7 in), often from light snowfall. This cyclical pattern underlines Baikonur's dry climate, with annual precipitation concentrated primarily in the cooler months and limited moisture during peak summer.
In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal trend, with considerable increases in sunlight hours as the year progresses. The winter months of January and February are granted a modest 152 and 233 hours of sunshine, respectively, providing only limited daylight to combat the cold. As spring unfolds, March experiences a substantial boost to 309 hours, and April further elevates this figure to 347 hours, signaling a notable transition as the days grow longer and the warmth begins to penetrate the lingering chill.
The peak sunshine months are undeniably the summer, with June and July boasting impressive totals of 425 and 434 hours of sunshine, respectively. This period provides nearly 14 hours of sunlight each day, granting ample daylight for growth and outdoor activities. As summer wanes into August, the sunshine begins to taper off to 400 hours, yet remains robust compared to the earlier months of the year. The decline continues into autumn, with September recording 345 hours and October dropping to 305 hours. By November and December, sunshine hours diminish significantly, with totals of 246 and 204 hours, respectively, plunging the region back into a cycle of shorter, grayer days. This cyclical variation in sunlight serves to impact not only the local climate but also influences the agricultural patterns and daily lives of Baikonur’s residents.
The UV Index in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, showcases significant seasonal fluctuations reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. In the winter months of January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes before skin damage occurs. February experiences a slight increase to 3, falling under the moderate exposure category, requiring care but still offering manageable sun exposure with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the Index surges dramatically, peaking in March at 6 and hitting 8 in April, where the burn time shrinks to just 15 minutes, necessitating careful sun protection as outdoor activities become more common.
During the summer months, Baikonur sees the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 10 in July, which emphasizes the importance of sun safety, as skin can burn in just 15 minutes. The high levels persist into August with an Index of 8, indicating the continued need for protective measures against harmful UV rays. As summer transitions to autumn, the Index begins to decline, settling at 7 in September and dropping to 4 in October, where moderate measures are again sufficient. By November, it returns to 3, before dipping back to 2 in December, closing the year on a relatively low UV exposure note. This yearly cycle highlights the critical importance of monitoring UV levels, especially during the summer months, to ensure safe sun exposure and prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, illustrates a distinct seasonal rhythm, reflecting the region's geographical positioning and climate dynamics. In January, residents experience a brief 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March, heralding the arrival of spring. As the days lengthen into April, daylight stretches to 13 hours, and further expands in May to an ample 14 hours. This trend continues into the summer months of June and July, where daylight peaks at 15 hours, offering abundant time for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits.
As summer transitions to autumn, the daylight duration begins to taper off. August witnesses a slight decline to 14 hours, followed by a further reduction to 12 hours in September, reflecting the gradual shortening of daylight as the season shifts. October sees the continuation of this trend with 10 hours of daylight, before descending to 9 hours in November and concluding the year with a mere 8 hours in December. This cyclical ebb and flow of daylight underscores the pronounced seasonal changes in Baikonur, impacting daily life, natural rhythms, and the overall climate experience throughout the year.
The climate in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, is characterized by extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months from January to February see frigid temperatures, with January averaging -7°C (20°F) and February slightly milder at -5°C (23°F). Summer experiences hot weather, peaking in July with an average temperature of 30°C (87°F) and maximums reaching up to 44°C (112°F). Precipitation is relatively low, particularly in summer, while sunshine hours are abundant, exceeding 400 hours from May through July. For more details, visit Baikonur climate.
Tyuratam, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and hot summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -28°C (-18°F), while July sees highs of up to 43°C (110°F). Precipitation is relatively low, with the wettest month being March at 24 mm (1.0 in). The region enjoys significant sunshine, peaking at 434 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Tyuratam climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Baikonur, Kazakhstan, is marked by pronounced seasonal variations that significantly influence both environmental conditions and human activities. The region's temperature patterns reveal stark contrasts between the frigid winters and scorching summers, while the analysis of precipitation indicates a primarily dry climate with concentrated rainfall during the cooler months. Accompanying these factors are the notable fluctuations in sunshine duration and UV Index, which peak during the summer and necessitate awareness for sun safety. Together, these climatic dimensions create a unique ecological framework that shapes the lifestyle and agricultural practices of Baikonur’s residents, highlighting the importance of adapting to the changing conditions throughout the year.