Last updated: January 18, 2025
Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, experiences a Dfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by its distinct seasonal variations. January sees minimum temperatures plummet to a frigid -38°C (-37°F), starkly contrasting with the summer peak, where July temperatures can soar to a sweltering 39°C (102°F). The average annual temperature hovers around 4°C (39°F), highlighting the region's temperate continental climate that transitions dramatically between winter and summer, creating unique challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, reveal pronounced seasonal variations, reflecting its continental climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by extreme cold, with minimum temperatures plunging to -38°C (-37°F) in January and averaging around -15°C (6°F). As spring approaches in March and April, a gradual warming trend emerges, with March providing a notable shift to average temperatures above 0°C (32°F) and April peaking at a comfortable 6°C (43°F). The transition to summer brings significant heat, as illustrated in July when maximum temperatures reach a scorching 39°C (102°F), with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F). Autumn sees a return to cooler conditions; September remains warm, but by November, temperatures again drop, with minimums plummeting to -31°C (-24°F). This cyclical temperature pattern underscores the city's dramatic shifts, creating a climate that challenges its residents throughout the year.
Nur-Sultan experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with January lows plummeting to a minimum of -38°C (-37°F) and July highs reaching up to a scorching 39°C (102°F). For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Nur-Sultan.
Precipitation patterns in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, exhibit a notable variability throughout the year, with a distinct increase during the warmer months. The winter months, especially January and February, result in lower precipitation levels, with January receiving only 17 mm (0.7 in) over approximately 4 days. As spring unfolds, precipitation gradually rises, peaking in March at 31 mm (1.2 in), before settling back to 29 mm (1.1 in) in April. This pattern confirms a transition towards a wetter climate as temperatures rise, supporting the growth of spring vegetation.
During the summer months, precipitation reaches its peak, with June recording 47 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, followed closely by July at 42 mm (1.7 in). This characteristic summer rainfall is crucial for the region, contributing to the overall moisture needed to sustain agriculture and natural ecosystems. As autumn progresses, precipitation levels remain relatively high, with September and October receiving 36 mm (1.4 in) and 35 mm (1.4 in) respectively, before tapering off in the colder months. The consistent precipitation throughout the year reflects the climate’s significant shifts, influencing the landscape and lifestyle in Nur-Sultan.
In Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a significant increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. January starts the year with relatively low sunshine at 125 hours, which gradually ascends through the following months. February sees a notable jump to 200 hours, while March begins to reveal longer days with 288 hours. As spring unfolds, April and May bring even more sunshine, reaching 348 hours and 416 hours, respectively, marking a transition where the sun shows its strength and contributes to the awakening of the landscape.
The summer months are particularly striking, with July peaking at 424 hours of sunshine, creating fertile conditions for growth and outdoor activities. August follows closely behind with 392 hours, maintaining a high level of sunlight. The trend begins to reverse in the fall, as September showcases a decline to 297 hours, and subsequent months dip further, with November and December recording only 162 hours and 153 hours of sunshine, respectively. This cyclical pattern reflects how the region transitions from sunny, vibrant summers to the more subdued light of winter, influencing both the climate and lifestyle in Nur-Sultan.
In Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, the UV Index showcases a pronounced seasonal variation, reflecting the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. Winter months like January and December register low UV values of 2 and 1, respectively, indicating minimal risk of harm from solar radiation with safe burn times of 45 minutes. As the year progresses into spring, the UV Index begins to rise, with March reaching 5 and April surging to 6, marking the onset of higher sun exposure risks, necessitating more caution with shorter burn times of 30 minutes and 25 minutes.
The summer months witness the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 8 in May, June, and July, categorized as "very high," with the burn time dropping to just 15 minutes. Although August sees a slight decrease to 7, it remains in the "high" exposure category. As autumn approaches, the UV levels decline once again; September returns to a 6, while October falls to 4, indicating a reduction in solar intensity. Eventually, November and December revert to low risk levels, reminding residents to be mindful of changing UV conditions throughout the seasons, particularly during the intense summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, daylight duration experiences a significant fluctuation throughout the year, aligning closely with the changing seasons. In winter, the daylight hours are markedly short, with January offering only 8 hours of light and December decreasing further to just 7 hours. As February emerges, daylight begins to increase slightly to 9 hours, signaling the gradual approach of spring. By March, the daylight extends to 11 hours, and this growing trend continues into April, where residents enjoy 13 hours of light, heralding the transition into longer and warmer days.
The summer months stand out with the longest daylight durations, reaching a peak of 16 hours in both June and July, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities and growth. As summer wanes, August still offers a robust 14 hours of daylight, though the days begin to shorten as autumn approaches. By September, daylight reduces to 12 hours, followed by October's 10 hours. The cycle culminates in November with 8 hours, before dipping back into the short days of winter. This rhythm of daylight emphasizes the region's dramatic seasonal changes, impacting both lifestyle and natural ecosystems in Nur-Sultan.
Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan experiences a stark continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to as low as -38°C (-37°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 39°C (102°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being June and July, accumulating around 42-47 mm (1.7-1.8 in). Sunshine hours peak in the summer, particularly in July with 424 hours, contrasting sharply with the winter months. For more detailed information, visit the Nur-Sultan climate.
In conclusion, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, showcases a dynamic climate characterized by extreme seasonal variations affecting temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. Its frigid winters transition into warm summers, leading to significant shifts in environmental conditions that shape daily life and activities. The patterns of sunlight and UV exposure are particularly striking, emphasizing the necessity for residents to adjust their outdoor habits throughout the year, especially during the intense summer months. Understanding these climatic nuances not only enhances awareness of the region's unique environmental challenges but also informs better planning and adaptation strategies for those who live and work in this vibrant city.