Almaty Weather in March

March: changeable spring

March in Almaty swings between chilly mornings and mild afternoons. Highs reach 14°C, but nights can fall to 1°C. Rain comes on about nine days, and cloudy skies are common, so expect damp pavements and the odd grey stretch. The city's parks and leafy streets are starting to wake up, making short walks around Panfilov Park and the Green Bazaar a good fit.

If you hate crowds, March is quieter than the summer peak and the popular autumn months. Visitor demand is generally lower, too, though prices vary by hotel and event. Don't count on dry weather for long hikes: trails above the city may still be snowy or muddy. At Shymbulak, ski conditions can vary as spring advances.

Nauryz brings the city out

Nauryz, the spring new year, is celebrated around March 21. Almaty holds public festivities, with music, dancing and traditional food; check local listings for the year's programme. It's a lively time to see Kazakh culture, but central celebration areas can be busier than usual.

You may spot nauryz kozhe, a hearty holiday soup made with several ingredients, at the festivities. If you'd rather keep your visit calm, explore the quieter streets around the Botanical Garden while the main events are on.

Make the most of a clear spell

For a practical city outing, take the cable car from near the Palace of the Republic up to Kok Tobe. You'll get wide views over Almaty, and can head back down if the weather turns. Keep high-altitude walks flexible: March's mix of rain and lingering snow can make routes less pleasant than the city centre.

Travelling with kids? Panfilov Park and the nearby Zenkov Cathedral make an easy, central outing, with places to duck inside if rain arrives.