Climate Overview
The climate in Shymkent is temperate. The average annual temperature is 13°C and approximately 594mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 108mm of rainfall. Shymkent is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are December, January, February, when temperatures can drop to -4°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 93cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Shymkent has a wide annual temperature range, spanning 38°C from the coldest to warmest months. The warmest month is July, when average highs reach 34°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. The coldest month is December, when overnight lows fall to -4°C and the daily average is 0°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 12°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 8°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Shymkent is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 594mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 49mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 108mm of rainfall. March and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 7mm. That's 102mm less than April, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 93cm accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 26cm.
Wind
Shymkent is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 3km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in January, with average winds dropping to 2km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 1km/h between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
4 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Shymkent, which began on March 20, 2026. Shymkent is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in July at around 34°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near -4°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 4 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 4 to 26°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 261mm for the season, averaging 87mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 17 to 34°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 41mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -1 to 27°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 84mm over the season and a monthly average of 28mm. Expect around 13cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -4 to 8°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 208mm for the season, averaging 69mm per month. Expect around 71cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Warm winter clothing and waterproof boots are a must, and travel may be affected by snow.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shymkent is during May, June and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 22°C with modest rainfall averaging 35mm per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 34°C, while December is the coldest period with lows dropping to -4°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Shymkent based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.