Almaty isn’t just about stunning mountains and vibrant city life—it’s one of the few places where you can experience all four seasons in their full glory. Picture this: skiing in the mountains in the morning and heading to a desert canyon or a crystal-clear lake by afternoon. Whether you’re up for horseback riding (available year-round!), winter skiing, summer SUP-boarding, or hiking through golden autumn landscapes, Almaty has it all. Unlike destinations stuck in one climate, this region lets you enjoy snow, sun, mountains, deserts, rivers, and lakes—all in one trip. Ready for a year-round adventure? Here’s your guide to the best events and activities each month!

January – February: Winter Wonderland (-10°C to 0°C)

• New Year's Celebrations – Almaty transforms into a festive fairy tale with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and ice-skating rinks. Expect grand New Year’s parties in restaurants and hotels.
• Winter Sports Competitions – Love skiing or snowboarding? Shymbulak, Central Asia’s top ski resort, hosts pro and amateur competitions.
• Activities: Skiing & snowboarding at Shymbulak, tubing at Ak-Bulak, winter horseback riding.

March: Spring Awakens (0°C to 10°C)

• Nauryz (March 21-23) – The biggest celebration in Kazakhstan! The city comes alive with cultural performances, folk music, and massive open-air feasts featuring national dishes like beshbarmak and nauryz kozhe.
• Spring Awakening Festival – A mix of concerts, art exhibitions, and open-air markets celebrating the beauty of spring.
• Activities: Early spring hikes in the foothills, warm-up horseback riding, eagle hunting shows.

April: Running & Blossoms (10°C to 20°C)

• Apricot Blossom Season – The foothills of the Alatau Mountains turn pink and white as apricot trees bloom—a dream for photographers and nature lovers.
• Almaty Marathon – The largest marathon in Central Asia, with routes for all levels, including fun runs and relay races.
• Activities: Scenic cycling tours, blooming orchard walks, rock climbing in Tamgaly Tas.

May: Nature in Full Bloom (15°C to 25°C)

• Tulips and Poppy Fields Blooming – A breathtaking sight where fields around Almaty turn into a sea of red. A paradise for photographers and hikers.
• Victory Day (May 9) – Military parades, exhibitions, concerts, and fireworks to commemorate World War II victory.
• Red Bull 400 – A brutally intense sprint race up a ski jump slope. Think you can make it?
• Activities: Hiking in Ile-Alatau National Park, camping at Kolsai Lakes, rafting on the Charyn River.

June – August: Summer Thrills (25°C to 35°C)

• Kok-Tobe Fest – A lively music festival on Kok-Tobe Hill, featuring Kazakhstani and international artists performing across multiple genres.
• Gastronomic Festivals – Foodies rejoice! These festivals celebrate Kazakh cuisine, where you can try kazy, kumys, and plov.
• Almaty Nomad Fest – Dive into Kazakhstan’s nomadic culture with horse-riding competitions, eagle hunting demos, and a traditional yurt exhibition.
• Medeu Night Run – A thrilling nighttime race at the legendary Medeu ice rink with stunning mountain views.
• Activities: SUP-boarding on Kapchagay, paragliding over the mountains, yurt stays in the steppe.

September – October: Autumn Adventures (10°C to 20°C)

• Almaty Trail Race – A must for mountain running lovers, featuring scenic trails in the Tien Shan foothills.
• Apple Festival "Almafest" – Almaty means "apple city" for a reason! Celebrate the famous Aport apple with tastings, cooking contests, and live entertainment.
• Street Art Festival – A showcase of Almaty's urban art scene with graffiti, installations, and live performances.
• Autumn Jazz Festival – Enjoy world-class jazz performances from international and local musicians.
• Activities: Horseback riding through golden forests, hot air ballooning, off-road jeep tours in the steppe.

November – December: Festive Feels & Fashion (-5°C to 5°C)

• Eurasia Film Festival – One of the most prestigious film festivals in the region, bringing together international and regional filmmakers.
• Almaty Fashion Week – A must for fashion lovers! Showcasing both emerging and established designers from Kazakhstan and beyond.
• Christmas & New Year Markets – A magical holiday season kicks off with beautifully decorated markets selling handmade crafts, traditional sweets, mulled wine, and festive gifts.
• Activities: Ice fishing, snowmobile tours, soaking in hot springs after a snowy day.

Almaty’s event calendar is packed with experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a culture buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, there’s something amazing waiting for you. Plan your trip right, and don’t miss out on the city’s most exciting moments!