Last updated: January 18, 2025
East Kazakhstan features a Dfb and Dfa Köppen-Geiger climate, characterized by distinct seasonal variations. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with winter lows dipping to a bone-chilling -43°C (-45°F) in January and summer highs reaching a scorching 41°C (106°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around a cool 4°C (40°F), highlighting the stark contrasts that define East Kazakhstan's climate. This variability presents unique challenges and opportunities for both natural ecosystems and human activities in the region.
East Kazakhstan exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, transitioning from the harsh cold of winter to the warmth of summer. In January and February, the region endures extreme lows, with minimum temperatures plummeting to around -43°C (-45°F) and -40°C (-40°F), respectively. As spring approaches in March, temperatures gradually rise, with averages reaching -5°C (24°F) and daytime highs soaring to 21°C (70°F). April heralds more significant warming, marked by a leap to a comfortable 7°C (45°F) average, while May sees further escalation, with maximums touching 38°C (100°F). The height of summer in July brings the peak warmth, with daytime averages around 21°C (70°F) and highs soaring to 41°C (106°F). As autumn unfolds, temperatures begin to dip again, beginning in September and culminating in November’s chilling -34°C (-28°F) lows. By December, winter re-establishes its grip, with average temperatures returning to a frigid -12°C (10°F), showcasing the dramatic climatic shifts typical of this region.
Ayaguz experiences extreme temperature variations, with a minimum of -38°C (-36°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in July, as detailed in monthly temperatures in Ayaguz. Similarly, Samarskoye records a minimum of -37°C (-35°F) in January and a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in July, highlighted in monthly temperatures in Samarskoye. Semey is noted for its harsher winters, with minimum temperatures dropping to -43°C (-45°F) in January, while it reaches a maximum of 37°C (100°F) in August, as shown in monthly temperatures in Semey.
Precipitation patterns in East Kazakhstan reveal a distinctive seasonal distribution, with the winter months of January and February experiencing the least rainfall, totaling 28 mm (1.1 in) and 32 mm (1.3 in), respectively. As spring unfolds in March and April, precipitation begins to increase, reaching 41 mm (1.6 in) for both months, which supports the budding vegetation. During May, the trend continues with similar rainfall amounts, emphasizing the typically wetter conditions that mark the transition into summer.
The summer months, particularly June and July, see the highest precipitation levels, with 51 mm (2.0 in) and 52 mm (2.1 in) falling, respectively, occurring over approximately 8 to 9 days. This increase in rainfall coincides with the warmer weather, providing much-needed moisture during the growing season for crops and natural vegetation. September and October also receive considerable rainfall, at 49 mm (1.9 in) and 60 mm (2.4 in), marking a gradual decline into autumn. Notably, October tends to be the wettest month, setting the stage for the drier conditions that characterize the winter months ahead.
In East Kazakhstan, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, beginning with relatively low hours in the winter months. January records only 157 hours of sunshine, which increases to 229 hours in February as daylight begins to lengthen. March marks a noticeable jump to 307 hours, signaling the arrival of spring, while April continues this upward trajectory, reaching 350 hours. This increase sets the stage for the warmest months, with May delivering 402 hours of radiant sunshine and June peaking at 410 hours.
The summer months are particularly sun-kissed, with July enjoying the most extensive sunlight of the year at 421 hours. Following July, sunshine begins to taper off in August, though the region still sees a robust 399 hours. As autumn sets in, sunlight hours gradually decline, with September experiencing 332 hours before descending into the lower counts of October (269 hours) and November (204 hours). December closes the year with 199 hours, reflecting the shorter days of winter. This seasonal variation highlights how East Kazakhstan transitions from the long, sunlit days of summer to the stark, dimmer winters, profoundly impacting both the landscape and local lifestyles.
The UV Index in East Kazakhstan reveals a dynamic annual cycle, with significant fluctuations that correspond to seasonal changes. In the winter months, January and December feature low UV Index values of 2, suggesting negligible risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As February arrives, the UV Index rises to 4, indicating a moderate exposure category, revealing a growing need for sun protection as the days start to lengthen.
Spring and summer months bring more intense UV radiation, peaking during April through July with a very high UV Index of 8 and 9, respectively. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases to just 15 minutes, underlining the critical importance of protective measures during outdoor activities. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index gradually declines, reaching 7 in September before returning to moderate levels in October and November. By the end of the year, the UV Index reverts to a low value in December, highlighting how significant seasonal shifts influence solar exposure and the necessary precautions for safe sun exposure throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In East Kazakhstan, daylight duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal rhythm, beginning the year with shorter days. January offers just 8 hours of daylight, providing a stark contrast to the cold winter nights. This gradually increases through February to 10 hours and continues to extend in March, reaching 11 hours as spring approaches. By April, the region enjoys a significant boost in sunlight, with 13 hours, and this trend accelerates into May, where daylight stretches to 15 hours, signaling the vibrant energy of late spring.
The summer months bring the longest days, peaking in June with 16 hours of daylight, which provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities and agriculture. As summer wanes, daylight hours begin to recede, slightly dropping to 15 hours in July and 14 hours in August. The transition into autumn sees a further decline, with 12 hours in September and a quick descent to 10 hours in October. By late autumn and early winter, daylight once again diminishes to 9 hours in November, returning to 8 hours in December, thus completing the annual cycle of fluctuating daylight that profoundly influences both the climate and daily life in the region.
The climate in Altayskiy, Kazakhstan is characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -40°C (-40°F), while in July, they typically peak around 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with the highest levels in October at 73 mm (2.9 in). Sunny days are particularly abundant from May to July, with the highest sunshine recorded in July at 417 hours. For more detailed information, visit Altayskiy climate.
Aqtoghay, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January minimums dropping to -34°C (-29°F) and averaging -12°C (11°F), while summers can reach maximums of 41°C (106°F) in July. Precipitation remains comparatively low, with July and August receiving around 12-14 mm (0.5 in) each, while the sunniest months are typically from May to July, boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. For more details on the region's weather patterns, visit Aqtoghay climate.
The climate in Asubulak, Kazakhstan, is characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January and February see extreme cold temperatures, with averages around -12°C (10°F) and significant precipitation, peaking in March with about 46 mm (1.8 in). As the year progresses, temperatures gradually rise, reaching maxima of 32°C (90°F) in July. Monthly sunshine hours peak in the summer months, particularly July with 420 hours, indicating a bright and warm season. For more detailed information, visit Asubulak climate.
Auezov, Kazakhstan, experiences a continental climate characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures dropping as low as -39°C (-39°F) and averaging -14°C (7°F), while summers can soar to 38°C (101°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking in October with 47 mm (1.9 in) and averaging around 32 mm (1.3 in) from May to September. Sunlight hours increase steadily from 155 in January to a maximum of 423 in July, providing ample sunshine during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit Auezov climate.
Ayaguz, Kazakhstan experiences extreme variations in climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures plummet as low as -38°C (-36°F), with an average of -14°C (7°F), while July reaches highs of 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, peaking in June with 38 mm (1.5 in) and notably decreasing during the winter months. Sunshine hours are abundant in the summer, with July enjoying 427 hours, contributing to the region's warm conditions. For more detailed information, visit Ayaguz climate.
Belogorskiy, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -37°C (-34°F), while July averages around 18°C (66°F), peaking at 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is most prevalent from April to July, with June and July receiving an average of 81 mm (3.2 in) and 82 mm (3.2 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, reaching up to 418 hours in July. For more details, visit Belogorskiy climate.
Belousovka, Kazakhstan experiences a stark climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, can plunge to lows of -41°C (-41°F), while summer months like July peak near 36°C (98°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent, with October being the wettest month at 86 mm (3.4 in), and June, July, and August receiving moderate rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July at 417 hours, contributing to the warm summer temperatures. For more detailed climate information, visit Belousovka climate.
Boko, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate marked by harsh winters and warm summers. January is the coldest month with temperatures dropping to -41°C, while July sees peak temperatures around 37°C. Precipitation is relatively low in winter but increases during the summer months, with June receiving the highest average of 45 mm. Sunshine hours are plentiful from late spring to summer, reaching up to 425 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Boko climate.
Borodulikha, Kazakhstan experiences a stark continental climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are particularly harsh, with January and February seeing minimum temperatures dropping to -42°C (-43°F) and -37°C (-34°F) respectively, while summers bring warmth, peaking in July with average highs around 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is moderate and tends to be concentrated in the summer months, peaking at 49 mm (1.9 in) in July, while sunshine hours are highest in May and June, averaging over 400 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Borodulikha climate.
Glubokoye, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -40°C (-40°F), gradually warming to a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with October being the wettest month, receiving 73 mm (2.9 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July averaging 417 hours. For further details, visit Glubokoye climate.
Kalbatau, Kazakhstan experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with January and February being particularly cold, featuring minimum temperatures dropping to -40°C (-40°F). The transition to warmer weather begins in March, peaking in July with average highs around 22°C (71°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent, with June being the wettest month at 40 mm (1.6 in). Sunshine hours peak during the summer, particularly in July with 425 hours. For more details, visit Kalbatau climate.
Kokpekti, Kazakhstan experiences a severe continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -40°C (-39°F), with an average of -17°C (2°F), while summer peaks, particularly in July, reach averages around 21°C (69°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with June typically receiving the highest at 45 mm (1.8 in). Despite harsh winters, sunshine hours peak in July, reaching 424 hours, providing ample daylight during the warmer months. For more details, visit Kokpekti climate.
Kurchatov, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. January is particularly harsh with average lows of -15°C (5°F) and highs reaching only 3°C (37°F), while summer months, especially July, see warmer averages around 22°C (72°F) and highs of up to 38°C (102°F). Precipitation peaks in July at 53 mm (2.1 in), with January being the driest month at 13 mm (0.5 in). The region enjoys the most sunshine in July, totaling 422 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Kurchatov climate.
Kurchum, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -37°C (-35°F), while July sees highs around 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is relatively low, peaking in July with 31 mm (1.2 in) and December seeing just 16 mm (0.6 in). The region enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in summer, with July basking in 423 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Kurchum climate.
Maleyevsk, Kazakhstan, experiences a harsh continental climate characterized by very cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -41°C (-41°F), while July sees averages around 19°C (67°F), with maximums reaching 34°C (94°F). Precipitation peaks in October at 104 mm (4.1 in), and summer months are relatively wetter, particularly July with 81 mm (3.2 in) of rainfall. Sunshine varies throughout the year, with July receiving the most hours at 419, contributing to the summer warmth. For more detailed information, visit Maleyevsk climate.
The climate in Molodyozhnyy, Kazakhstan is characterized by severe winters and warm summers. January and February see extreme low temperatures, reaching minima of -39°C (-38°F) and -37°C (-34°F), while July is the warmest month with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F). Precipitation peaks in October at 63 mm (2.5 in), with a relatively balanced distribution throughout the year. Sunshine hours are abundant in the summer months, with July receiving approximately 422 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Molodyozhnyy climate.
Novaya Bukhtarma, Kazakhstan, experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by frigid temperatures, averaging around -16°C (4°F) and -13°C (9°F) respectively, while July enjoys milder conditions with averages near 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in October at 96 mm (3.8 in) and remaining substantial in November with 81 mm (3.2 in). Sunshine hours also vary, with summer months receiving the most sunlight, averaging over 400 hours, while November offers only 201 hours. For more detailed information, visit Novaya Bukhtarma climate.
The climate in Ognyovka, Kazakhstan, is characterized by extreme temperature variations, with January lows reaching -40°C (-39°F) and July highs peaking at 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, peaking in October at 77 mm (3.0 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months, with July experiencing the most sunlight at 420 hours. This combination of cold winters and warm summers makes Ognyovka a unique climatic region. For more detailed information, visit Ognyovka climate.
Pervorossiyskoye, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate, with harsh winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures plunging to -40°C (-40°F) and averaging around -14°C (7°F). In contrast, July and August enjoy warmer weather, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and 18°C (64°F), respectively. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in September and October, while sunshine hours reach their maximum in the summer months. For more detailed information, visit Pervorossiyskoye climate.
The climate in Qarauyl, Kazakhstan, is characterized by extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January averages around -14°C (7°F) and lows plummeting to -36°C (-33°F), while summers see highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively low, peaking in the summer months, particularly in July and August, with nearly 42 mm (1.6 in) of rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant in the summer, with July averaging 424 hours, compared to only 159 hours in January. For more information, visit Qarauyl climate.
Ridder, Kazakhstan experiences a harsh continental climate with extreme temperatures, particularly in winter, where January sees lows plummeting to -42°C (-44°F) and February averages -14°C (8°F). Summer temperatures are milder, with July reaching averages of 15°C (60°F) and highs of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is substantial throughout the year, peaking in July with 133 mm (5.2 in) and remains relatively high until October. Sunshine hours vary significantly, with the longest days in summer, peaking at 411 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Ridder climate.
The climate in Samarskoye, Kazakhstan, is characterized by extreme temperatures, with winter months seeing lows reaching -37°C (-35°F) in January and rarely exceeding 3°C (37°F) in December. Summers are much warmer, with average highs of 22°C (71°F) in July, the hottest month. Precipitation peaks in late autumn, notably in November at 52 mm (2.0 in), while June and July experience relatively high rainfall as well. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer, with over 400 hours recorded in June and July. For more detailed information, visit Samarskoye climate.
Semey, Kazakhstan experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging -15°C (5°F) and July reaching an average of 22°C (72°F). Winter temperatures can drop significantly, with January lows of -43°C (-45°F), while summers are generally warm to hot, often surpassing 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is moderate, with June and July seeing the highest levels at around 34 mm (1.3 in). The city enjoys plentiful sunshine, particularly in summer months, with July averaging 428 hours. For more detailed information, visit Semey climate.
The climate in Shar, Kazakhstan, features extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with winter lows plunging to -40°C in January and mild summer highs reaching up to 38°C in July. Precipitation is relatively low, peaking at 41 mm in July, while the region benefits from significant sunshine, particularly in the summer months with over 400 hours of sunlight. The transition months of spring and autumn experience moderate temperatures and precipitation, making them more temperate periods. For more detailed information, visit Shar climate.
Shemonaikha, Kazakhstan experiences a severe continental climate characterized by extremely cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -43°C (-45°F), while July sees averages around 20°C (68°F) and maximums reaching 35°C (94°F). Precipitation is highest in July, averaging 66 mm (2.6 in), with an overall increase during the summer months. Sunshine hours peak in June and July, providing over 400 hours of sun during these months. For more detailed information, visit Shemonaikha climate.
Suykbulak, Kazakhstan, experiences a severe continental climate characterized by long, harsh winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -40°C (-40°F) while July enjoys highs around 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is relatively low throughout the year, peaking in July with 43 mm (1.7 in), and sunshine hours are abundant during the summer months, reaching up to 423 hours in July. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Suykbulak climate.
Tughyl, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate characterized by severe winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -35°C (-32°F), while July sees highs of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking in September at 35 mm (1.4 in), and overall, the region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July receiving 415 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Tughyl climate.
Ul'ba, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -42°C to a maximum of 1°C, while July sees milder conditions with temperatures peaking at 29°C. Precipitation is highest in the summer months, particularly in June and July, accumulating 126 mm and 133 mm respectively. The region enjoys the most sunshine during the summer, with July averaging 411 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Ul'ba climate.
The climate in Urzhar, Kazakhstan, exhibits extreme seasonal variation, with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to as low as -35°C (-32°F), averaging -12°C (11°F), while July can see highs up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation peaks in late autumn, notably in November with 54 mm (2.1 in), while summer months are relatively dry. Sunlight is abundant in the summer, with July receiving approximately 425 hours of sunshine, compared to just 179 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit Urzhar climate.
Ust'-Talovka, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -15°C (5°F) and -13°C (9°F) respectively, while July sees peak temperatures averaging 21°C (70°F). The region receives moderate precipitation, reaching its highest in July at 51 mm (2.0 in) and showing a gradual decline in autumn. Sunshine hours are greatest in summer, with July boasting 422 hours of sunlight. For more information, visit Ust'-Talovka climate.
Ust-Kamenogorsk experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -40°C (-40°F), while July can reach highs of 38°C (100°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in October at 70 mm (2.7 in) and remaining relatively steady between 30-50 mm (1.2-2.0 in) in other months. Sunshine hours are abundant from March to August, with June enjoying the most at 410 hours. For more detailed information, visit Ust-Kamenogorsk climate.
Zaysan, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate characterized by harsh winters and warm summers. January and February see extreme cold, with average temperatures as low as -15°C (6°F) and -11°C (12°F), respectively. Temperatures begin to rise in March, reaching an average of -3°C (28°F), peaking in July at a warm average of 22°C (71°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with the wettest months being April and May, averaging around 39 mm (1.5 in) each. For more detailed information, visit Zaysan climate.
Zhalghyztobe, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are notably harsh, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -40°C in January, while summers can reach up to 38°C in July. Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking in June with 41 mm, and sunshine hours are abundant during summer months, particularly in July, with about 422 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Zhalghyztobe climate.
Zhezkent, Kazakhstan experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with winter months seeing minimums as low as -42°C (-43°F) in January, while summer averages around 21°C (70°F) in July. The town receives moderate precipitation, peaking in July with 43 mm (1.7 in), and sunshine hours are highest from May to July, hitting 424 hours in July. These conditions contribute to a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. For more detailed climate data, visit Zhezkent climate.
Zyryanovsk, Kazakhstan, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -41°C (-41°F), while July can reach up to 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in October with 104 mm (4.1 in), while the sunniest months are June and July, boasting around 419 hours of sunshine. Despite harsh winter conditions, the city enjoys significant daylight in summer, making it a unique climate for residents. For more details, visit Zyryanovsk climate.
In conclusion, East Kazakhstan's climate is marked by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, all of which shape the region's unique environment and lifestyle. The transition from the extreme cold of winter to the sweltering heat of summer not only influences agricultural practices but also affects daily activities and health considerations due to changing sunlight exposure and UV levels. As the region experiences minimum daylight in the winter and maximum sunlit hours during the summer months, understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for residents and visitors alike in maximizing outdoor experiences while safeguarding against potential health risks. By recognizing these seasonal trends, one can appreciate the intricate relationship between climate, environment, and human activity in East Kazakhstan.