Kazakhstan will experience a mix of snow, rain, fog and gusty winds across its three largest cities during the first three days of January 2026, according to a forecast published by Kazgidromet. Residents and travellers should expect icy roads, periods of poor visibility and temperature swings between daytime and night.
Kazakhstan weather 1-3 January 2026 forecast for Astana, Almaty and Shymkent
Astana, the capital, is set to face the most severe conditions. On 1 January the city will see broken cloud with snow overnight and a low-level blizzard affecting visibility. Roads are likely to become icy. A west wind will shift to the south-east at 9–14 m/s with gusts up to 15–20 m/s overnight. Night temperatures are forecast at minus 13 to minus 15 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs of minus 5 to minus 7.
On 2 January Astana should see variable cloud and dry weather, with a south-easterly wind at 5–10 m/s. Night temperatures are expected to fall to minus 14 to minus 16 degrees, with daytime readings of minus 4 to minus 6. By 3 January cloud cover will remain variable but a mix of rain and snow is likely during the day, together with drifting snow and ice on the roads. Winds will again come from the south-east at 9–14 m/s, gusting to 15–20 m/s. Forecast temperatures range from minus 11 to minus 13 at night and minus 3 to minus 5 by day.
Almaty will see milder, wetter conditions. On 1 January the city will have variable cloud, with precipitation overnight and light rain and snow during the day. Patchy fog is possible with icing on roads. Winds will shift from north-west to north-east at 3–8 m/s. Temperatures will stay close to freezing, between 0 and +2 degrees both night and day.
On 2 January Almaty is expected to remain dry with variable cloud, although fog may persist at night and in the morning, creating hazardous driving conditions. Northeasterly winds of 3–8 m/s are forecast. Temperatures should range from minus 2 to 0 overnight and rise to +3 to +5 by day. By 3 January the outlook is for variable cloud and no significant precipitation, with morning fog and daytime highs of +5 to +7.
Shymkent will follow a similar pattern to Almaty but generally warmer. On 1 January residents can expect variable cloud with rain and snow at night and occasional fog. North-easterly winds at 8–13 m/s are likely, with night temperatures of minus 2 to 0 and daytime highs around +5 to +7.
On 2 January Shymkent should be mostly dry with fog overnight and into the morning. South-east winds at 8–13 m/s will prevail and temperatures will be between minus 2 and 0 by night and +7 to +9 by day. On 3 January variable cloud is expected, with daytime rain possible and morning fog. Winds may gust at 15–20 m/s during the day. Night temperatures are forecast at +3 to +5 and daytime highs of +8 to +10.
Authorities advise motorists to expect black ice and reduced visibility in affected areas, especially overnight and in the morning. Those planning travel should allow extra time, check local weather updates and follow any road safety notices. The mix of sub-zero nights and relatively warmer days in southern cities means surface melting and refreezing could create hazardous patches.
Kazgidromet’s forecast covers short-term conditions and may be revised. For real-time warnings and travel guidance consult regional emergency services and the national meteorological service before setting out.
Key Takeaways:
- Kazakhstan weather 1-3 January 2026: variable conditions expected across Astana, Almaty and Shymkent.
- Astana faces snow, wind and icy roads on 1 January with deep cold at night; some relief but persistent cold on 2–3 January.
- Almaty and Shymkent will see rain, snow and fog at times; road icing and reduced visibility likely in places.
- Travelers should prepare for gusty winds, black ice and localised fog; check local advisories before travel.
