Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in Almaty, Kazakhstan brings a crisp and wintry atmosphere, characterized by a maximum temperature of 8°C (46°F) and a biting average low of -7°C (20°F), occasionally plunging to a chilly minimum of -18°C (-1°F). With approximately 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread over about 6 days, residents can expect a mix of snow and rain, contributing to the city's enchanting winter landscape. The humidity hovers around 80%, adding a frosty touch to the air and enhancing the festive spirit as Almaty gears up for the holiday season.
As December descends upon Almaty, Kazakhstan, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with temperatures showcasing a distinct chill. The month begins with a minimum temperature of -18°C (0°F) and an average hovering around -7°C (20°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Although December's maximum reaches only 8°C (46°F), this gradual cold snap follows November's bite, which also featured sub-zero temperatures. As the year winds down, it becomes evident that Almaty's winters are not merely frosty; they embody a sharp contrast to the milder springtime averages of March and April, where temperatures begin to rise dramatically. This cold spell not only highlights the city's stark seasonal variations but also sets the stage for breathtaking winter scenery, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the magic of the season.
December in Almaty, Kazakhstan, brings a slight reprieve in precipitation, with the city receiving about 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain across 6 days. This marks a drop from earlier months, reflecting the transition into winter as temperatures cool and snowfall begins to dominate the landscape. Notably, December's precipitation is lower than the autumn months, with November at 50 mm (2.0 in) and October at 63 mm (2.5 in), indicating a seasonal shift where moisture reduces before the harsher winter conditions set in. The trend suggests a gradual decline in precipitation as the year closes, hinting at the onset of Almaty's crisp, cold winter.
As the year comes to a close in Almaty, Kazakhstan, December welcomes a humidity level of 80%, a rate that mirrors the slightly elevated moisture of November. This time of year reflects a notable trend: the humidity levels remain relatively high during the winter months, peaking in January at 82% and gradually tapering into the drier summer months. From June to August, the city experiences its most arid conditions, where humidity dips as low as 53%. However, as autumn transitions to winter, the moisture returns, ensuring that December is not only chilly but also enveloped in a persistent layer of humidity that sets the stage for the snowy landscape ahead.
As December settles in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the UV Index returns to a low level of 2, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities with minimal risk of sunburn, which can occur after approximately 45 minutes of exposure. This drop in UV intensity marks a shift from the extremes of summer, where values peaked at 11 in May and June, demanding caution with only 10 minutes of sun exposure advised. As autumn turned to winter, the UV Index has gradually declined from June's peak; with January and November also reflecting low to moderate exposure levels. For a comprehensive look at the UV trends throughout the year in Almaty, check out the detailed information available on Almaty UV Index.
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In Almaty, Kazakhstan, December brings a gentle sigh of retreat from the vibrant daylight of the preceding months, with 231 hours of sunshine gracing the city. Following the peak of summer, where July dazzles with 412 hours, there's a gradual decline in sun-drenched days, reflecting the onset of winter. The shift from November's 245 hours to December’s figures reveals the city's adaptation to shorter days and cooler temperatures. Despite the dwindling sunlight, December's character is enriched by the crisp air and festive atmosphere, making it a unique time of year that invites both reflection and celebration amidst the fading light.
In December, Almaty experiences a 47% chance of sunshine, which, while moderate, reflects a slight dip compared to the preceding months. Notably, November enjoys a higher 61% sunny probability, setting a bright tone before the winter months set in. As the year winds down, the likelihood of clear days drops from the late summer peak of 78% in September. This trend suggests that while December is less likely to be sunlit than some earlier months, it still offers a fair chance for those looking to bask in winter sun amidst the snow-covered landscapes.
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, the daylight hours take on a distinct rhythm throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons. As we transition into December, daylight levels dip to a modest 9 hours, a continuation of the trend seen in November. This month sits at the lower end of the spectrum, mirroring January's brief daylight duration. The year begins with short days, gradually increasing to a peak of 15 hours in June before gracefully descending again. Notably, the daylight duration fluctuates between 9 hours in winter and 15 hours in summer, illustrating the region's pronounced seasonal contrasts. This pattern not only highlights the beauty of Almaty's diverse climate but also sets the stage for the approach of longer days as winter wanes.
As December arrives in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the wind begins to pick up, with an average speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph)—the highest for the year. This subtle increase signals a shift from the calmer months of late fall, where October recorded a low of 1.5 m/s (3 mph). Interestingly, the trend in wind speeds shows a gentle fluctuation; after November's 2.1 m/s (5 mph) breeze, December's slightly brisker winds create a refreshing chill in the air. This seasonal shift not only enhances the winter atmosphere but also invites residents to embrace the beauty of Almaty's snowy landscape against the backdrop of the invigorating winds.
Weather in Almaty varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Almaty, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather experiences a range with minimum temperatures dropping to -18°C (1°F) and an average of -7°C (20°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 30 mm (1.2 in) over about 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, January sees even colder conditions, with minimum temperatures plunging to -28°C (-19°F) and an average of -8°C (17°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 20 mm (0.8 in) across 5 days, while humidity remains comparable at 82%. For a detailed look at January's weather, visit Almaty weather in January.
In December, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of -7°C (20°F), while the maximum rarely exceeds 8°C (46°F). The month sees about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over 6 days, with humidity levels around 80%. In contrast, February experiences slightly milder conditions, with the minimum remaining at -18°C (0°F) and an average temperature of -5°C (23°F). February also brings a higher maximum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and increased precipitation totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over 9 days, alongside a similar humidity percentage of 81%. For more detailed information about February weather, you can visit Almaty weather in February.
December and March present distinct contrasts in Almaty's weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -18°C (0°F), with an average of -7°C (20°F) and a maximum of 8°C (46°F). The month is relatively dry with only 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over six days and an average humidity of 80%. In contrast, March experiences a more moderate temperature range, starting at a minimum of -13°C (8°F) and climbing to an average of 1°C (34°F), reaching highs of 17°C (63°F). Additionally, March is wetter, receiving 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation across 14 days, while humidity remains slightly elevated at 81%. For more detailed insights, you can check Almaty weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -18°C (1°F), with an average temperature of -7°C (20°F) and a maximum of only 8°C (46°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 30 mm (1.2 in) over about six days, coupled with a high humidity level of 80%. In stark contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures reaching -9°C (16°F) and average temperatures soaring to 8°C (46°F), peaking at a pleasant 25°C (76°F). Rainfall increases substantially to 141 mm (5.6 in) across 15 days, although humidity decreases to 72%. This makes April a much wetter and warmer month compared to the cold and dry December. For more insights into April's weather, you can check out Almaty weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures plummet to an average of -7°C (20°F), with lows reaching as low as -18°C (1°F) and occasional highs of 8°C (46°F). The month sees about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over six days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, May experiences a more temperate climate, with average temperatures around 12°C (55°F) and highs soaring to 27°C (81°F). This month also witnesses significantly higher precipitation, totaling 131 mm (5.2 in) across 14 days, but with a lower humidity of 67%. For more detailed information, check out Almaty weather in May.
December and June present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -18°C (1°F), with an average around -7°C (20°F) and highs reaching only 8°C (46°F). This month also experiences higher humidity levels at 80%, with light precipitation occurring on about 6 days and totaling 30 mm (1.2 in). In contrast, June brings a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F), average temperatures of 16°C (61°F), and maximums soaring up to 29°C (84°F). The month sees more rainfall, accumulating 76 mm (3.0 in) over approximately 13 days, but with lower humidity at 60%. For more details, check out Almaty weather in June.
December weather in Almaty is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of -7°C (20°F), making it a typical winter month. Humidity levels are high at 80%, and although precipitation is relatively low at 30 mm (1.2 in), it typically occurs over 6 days. In contrast, July brings a significant warm-up, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F). This summer month sees slightly more precipitation at 38 mm (1.5 in) over the same number of days, but humidity is lower, at 58%. For more details, check out Almaty weather in July.
December and August present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, the temperatures plunge, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of -7°C (20°F), peaking at just 8°C (46°F). The month experiences higher humidity levels at 80% and sees around 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over about 6 days. In contrast, August brings much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (40°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum that reaches up to 30°C (86°F). Although August has slightly more precipitation at 72 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, its humidity is significantly lower at 53%. For more detailed information, you can check Almaty weather in August.
When comparing December and September weather, there is a significant contrast in temperature and conditions. December is much colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F), while September enjoys milder temperatures that range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Additionally, December experiences higher humidity at 80%, whereas September's humidity is considerably lower at 53%. Precipitation is also more frequent in September, occurring on 9 days with a total of 50 mm (2.0 in), compared to just 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days in December. For more details on September's weather, you can visit Almaty weather in September.
December weather in Almaty is marked by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of -7°C (20°F), contrasting sharply with October's milder conditions where temperatures range from a minimum of -13°C (8°F) to a comfortable maximum of 21°C (69°F). Precipitation also differs, as December sees about 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days, while October experiences higher total precipitation of 63 mm (2.5 in) across 10 days. Additionally, the humidity in December is around 80%, slightly higher than October's 75%, contributing to the chill. For a deeper dive into October's climate, you can explore Almaty weather in October.
In December, temperatures become slightly milder than in November, with an average of -7°C (20°F) compared to November's average of -3°C (27°F). Despite this, December's minimum temperature can drop to -18°C (0°F), while November sees slightly colder nights at -19°C (-3°F). Precipitation decreases from 50 mm (2.0 in) in November to 30 mm (1.2 in) in December, and the days with precipitation also decline from 8 in November to 6 in December. Humidity remains constant at 80% for both months. For more detailed information on November's weather, you can check Almaty weather in November.
In December, Almaty's weather transforms sharply, marking a distinct departure from the milder conditions of earlier months. As temperatures plummet, the city experiences significantly colder days, where the crisp air carries an average chill that can drop to -7°C. This month also sees an increase in humidity levels, contributing to a biting cold that makes winter gear essential. While precipitation remains relatively low, December brings with it the expectation of snow, with a notable number of damp days interspersed throughout. For those planning to experience Almaty during this season, understanding the winter climate can enhance your visit; learn more about it here: Almaty Climate.