Kazakhstan
Peak Season (hot weather): June – September. These months can offer great weather but you can still get very hot days in the summer.
Shoulder: May & October. These two months are likely to give you good weather. Not too hot and not as cold as the winter months. The north of the country may start experiencing snow in October, while the south will have pleasant weather.
Off-Peak: November – March. Very cold weather in the north. Very cold weather in the south but not a extreme as the north of the country.
Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities like Astana and Almaty; however, cash is king in smaller towns and cities. Also, small shops and bazaars often only accepts cash. Having cash is highly recommended.
Network Reality: Astana and Almaty have great cellular signal, but the signal vanishes the moment you leave the city limits. For long-haul trips across the country, a local SIM card is essential for consistent mapping. Make sure to download the essentials.
Power & Plugs: Kazakhstan uses Type C and F (Standard European) plugs. The voltage is 220V.
I visited Astana during one of its coldest months, and “cold” is an understatement. The wind didn’t just blow; it cut right through me, a level of intensity I simply didn’t expect. But the cold didn’t stop me. There is something magnificent about this city—the way the futuristic architecture rises out of the steppe, contrasted by the elegant, traditional lines of the mosques. Standing there, feeling the bite of one of the world’s coldest capitals, was a special experience. It makes you realize that for the people of Astana, “cold” is a relative term. When they travel anywhere else, they probably hardly ever feel a chill, which is an awesome testament to the resilience built into the culture here.