Astana Weather in March

March feels like winter

Astana's March weather is still wintry, despite spring being on the calendar. Daytime highs average -1°C, while nights fall to -11°C. With cloud covering much of the sky and little sunshine, it can feel cold and grey. Rain falls on 8 days, and some days may bring slush as temperatures shift around freezing.

You can still enjoy indoor sights, including the National Museum of Kazakhstan and the cafés around Khan Shatyr. Short outdoor stops work better than long walks beside the Ishim River, where the open space can feel exposed. Save longer sightseeing days for warmer months.

Nauryz brings local celebrations

Nauryz, the spring holiday celebrated around March 21, is the main event to look out for. Astana marks it with public celebrations, traditional food and performances. You may see people sharing nauryz kozhe, a festive soup made with several ingredients.

If you hate crowds, visit major celebration areas at quieter times, or spend the day in a museum. The holiday brings more local visitors to events, but March is generally quieter for tourists than the summer high season. You're also likely to find better-value stays than in the busiest months, though holiday dates can be livelier.

Plan around the thaw

March is a shoulder month, not a comfortable time for a full outdoor city break. The weather improves sharply in April, while May to September are Astana's best months overall. If you're visiting in March, mix outdoor stops with warm indoor breaks.

Travelling with kids? Khan Shatyr's indoor beach and shops make a useful cold-weather stop. Its huge tent-shaped roof is easy to spot, and you can warm up there between visits to nearby sights. Check local transport to reach it rather than relying on a long walk through icy or slushy streets.