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Almaty - Things to Do in Almaty in August

Things to Do in Almaty in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Almaty

29°C (85°F) High Temp
17°C (63°F) Low Temp
33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect mountain weather - daytime temps around 29°C (85°F) make hiking the Tian Shan foothills actually enjoyable, unlike the scorching July heat. Trails like Kok-Zhailau at 1,700 m (5,577 ft) are accessible without snow, and you'll catch wildflowers still blooming at higher elevations.
  • Apple harvest season begins - late August means fresh apples flooding Green Bazaar and roadside stands throughout the city. The Aport apple, Kazakhstan's famous variety grown in the foothills, is at peak season. You'll pay 300-500 tenge per kg (roughly 0.65-1.10 USD per 2.2 lbs) for fruit picked that morning.
  • Minimal crowds at major attractions - August sits between Russian vacation season in July and the autumn tour groups. Big Almaty Lake typically has 60-70% fewer visitors than peak summer, meaning you can actually photograph the turquoise water without dozens of people in your shot.
  • Extended daylight for exploration - sunrise around 6:15 AM and sunset near 8:00 PM gives you roughly 14 hours of daylight. Locals take advantage by hiking early morning when it's cooler, spending midday indoors, then heading back out for evening strolls along Dostyk Avenue when temperatures drop to a comfortable 22°C (72°F).

Considerations

  • Afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story. You'll get sudden downpours that roll off the mountains with maybe 20 minutes warning, typically between 3-6 PM. The rain itself only lasts 30-45 minutes usually, but it disrupts outdoor plans and can make mountain roads temporarily sketchy.
  • Air quality can deteriorate - August occasionally brings smoke from wildfires in the surrounding regions, and the bowl-shaped valley traps it. When this happens, the AQI can spike above 100 for several days. Check air quality apps before planning strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities.
  • Some mountain roads close without warning - late August sometimes brings early autumn weather to higher elevations above 2,500 m (8,202 ft). The road to Shymbulak can be affected by rockslides after heavy rain, and certain backcountry routes become impassable. Always check conditions the morning of your trip, even if it looks clear in the city.

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Best Activities in August

Big Almaty Lake and Tian Shan Mountain Hiking

August offers the sweet spot for mountain access - trails are fully snow-free but not yet crowded with autumn leaf-peepers. Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 m (8,238 ft) sits at its most photogenic turquoise color due to glacial melt, and the 12 km (7.5 mile) road from the city is in good condition. The temperature up there runs about 10°C (18°F) cooler than the city, making midday hikes bearable. Kok-Zhailau plateau is particularly stunning with late-summer wildflowers, and you might spot ibex on early morning treks. The variable weather actually works in your favor - those afternoon clouds create dramatic mountain photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Most visitors hire a taxi for 8,000-12,000 tenge (roughly 17-26 USD) for a half-day trip to Big Almaty Lake, or join small group tours typically running 15,000-20,000 tenge per person with transport and guide included. Book 3-5 days ahead through guesthouses or local tour platforms. For serious hiking, consider hiring a guide for 20,000-30,000 tenge per day - worth it for navigating unmarked trails and avoiding restricted border zones near the lake. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Charyn Canyon Day Trips

August is actually ideal for Charyn Canyon, located 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty. While the city gets humid, the canyon stays dry with temps around 32-35°C (90-95°F) - hot but manageable if you start early. The dramatic red rock formations of the Valley of Castles are at their most vivid in the low-humidity air, and the Charyn River running through the bottom provides a cooling break. Most importantly, August has minimal risk of flash floods that can close the canyon in spring. The drive takes about 3.5 hours each way through changing landscapes from mountains to steppe.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost 18,000-25,000 tenge per person including transport, guide, and lunch. Private car hire runs 35,000-50,000 tenge for groups of 3-4. Book at least one week ahead during August as this is a popular escape from city humidity. Tours leaving Almaty by 7 AM get you to the canyon by 10:30 AM, avoiding the hottest midday hours. Look for operators including the Singing Dune or Kolsai Lakes as add-ons if you want a longer trip. See current options in the booking section below.

Medeu and Shymbulak Mountain Resort Exploration

The famous Medeu ice rink at 1,691 m (5,548 ft) and Shymbulak ski resort at 2,260 m (7,415 ft) transform in August into hiking and scenic cable car destinations. The 15 km (9.3 mile) drive from central Almaty takes you through dramatic elevation changes, and the temperature drops noticeably - expect 18-22°C (64-72°F) at Shymbulak even when the city is warm. The cable car system runs year-round, taking you up to 3,200 m (10,499 ft) for panoramic views of the Tian Shan range. Locals come here to escape city heat, have lunch at mountain cafes, and hike the well-marked trails. The 842 steps up to Medeu from the parking area are a mini-workout with a view.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets at Shymbulak cost around 5,000-7,000 tenge for a round-trip to the mid-station, 8,000-10,000 tenge to the top. No advance booking needed - just show up, though weekends see more visitors. Marshrutka minibuses run from the city center to Medeu for 400 tenge, or taxis charge 3,000-4,000 tenge one way. If you want a guided mountain hike from Shymbulak, arrange through local guides for 15,000-25,000 tenge depending on route difficulty. Check the booking section below for combined tours.

Green Bazaar and Central Almaty Food Exploration

August brings peak produce season to Green Bazaar, and the food scene shifts to celebrate late summer harvests. You'll find mountains of fresh apricots, peaches, tomatoes, and the first Aport apples. The covered market operates daily from around 8 AM to 6 PM, but go between 9-11 AM when vendors are actively restocking and most willing to offer samples. Beyond the bazaar, Almaty's cafe culture thrives in August - outdoor seating along Zhibek Zholy pedestrian street and Panfilov Park fills with locals escaping the heat over kumys (fermented mare's milk) and shoro (fermented wheat drink). The humidity actually makes these traditional cold drinks more appealing.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically run 12,000-18,000 tenge per person for 3-4 hours covering Green Bazaar, traditional Kazakh restaurants, and Soviet-era cafes. These tours usually include 6-8 tastings and provide cultural context you'd miss exploring solo. Book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes are small, usually 4-8 people. Alternatively, hire a local guide for a custom market tour at 10,000-15,000 tenge for a half-day. Budget about 5,000-8,000 tenge if exploring independently for samples, snacks, and a sit-down meal. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Multi-Day Adventures

For visitors with extra time, the Kolsai Lakes system 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty offers August's best alpine lake trekking. The three lakes sit at elevations from 1,818 m to 2,850 m (5,965 ft to 9,350 ft), connected by trails through Tian Shan spruce forests. Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest of dead trees standing in turquoise water, is particularly photogenic in August when water levels stabilize. The weather up here is cooler and less humid than Almaty - expect 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day, dropping to 5-10°C (41-50°F) at night. This is proper backcountry with limited facilities, making it feel genuinely remote.

Booking Tip: Two-day tours including transport, guide, meals, and guesthouse accommodation typically cost 45,000-65,000 tenge per person. Three-day trips adding horseback riding or additional hiking run 70,000-95,000 tenge. Book at least two weeks ahead in August as guesthouse capacity is limited. Tours usually depart Almaty around 6-7 AM for the 5-hour drive. Look for small group tours with 4-8 people maximum for better experience. Private tours for 2-4 people cost 180,000-250,000 tenge total. Check current multi-day options in the booking section below.

Soviet Architecture and Modern Almaty Walking Routes

August's variable weather makes urban exploration appealing - you can duck into museums, cafes, and Soviet-era buildings when afternoon storms roll through. The area around Republic Square, Panfilov Park, and the Zenkov Cathedral offers concentrated architectural interest within 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles). The wooden Zenkov Cathedral, built entirely without nails in 1907, is particularly striking against August's dramatic cloud formations. The newer Esentai Tower district shows Almaty's rapid modernization, creating stark contrasts worth photographing. Early morning walks around 7-9 AM or evening strolls after 6 PM avoid the warmest hours and catch the best light.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours covering Soviet history and modern development typically cost 8,000-15,000 tenge for 3-4 hours. These provide context about the 1911 earthquake, Soviet city planning, and post-independence changes that you'd miss exploring alone. Book 3-5 days ahead for English-language tours. Alternatively, the city is very walkable independently - download offline maps and budget 10,000-15,000 tenge for museum entries, cafe breaks, and metro rides. The metro itself, opened in 2011, is worth riding for the station architecture alone at just 80 tenge per trip. See current city tour options in the booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Apple Festival

Late August typically sees informal apple celebrations as the Aport harvest begins in the foothills around Almaty. While not a single organized event, you'll find special displays at Green Bazaar, apple-themed dishes appearing on restaurant menus, and families heading to orchards in the Talgar and Issyk regions for pick-your-own experiences. The Aport apple is a source of local pride - huge, sweet-tart apples that historically were exported across the Soviet Union. Some years there's an organized festival in Panfilov Park with tastings and local vendors, but it's not consistently scheduled.

August 30

Kazakhstan Constitution Day

August 30th is a national holiday celebrating the 1995 constitution. Expect government offices, banks, and some businesses to close. Republic Square typically hosts official ceremonies and sometimes concerts, though it's more of a day off for locals than a tourist-focused celebration. Parks fill with families barbecuing, and you might see increased traffic heading to mountain areas. Not a reason to visit specifically, but worth knowing for planning purposes as some services are limited.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering pieces for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - a light fleece or windbreaker is essential since mornings at 17°C (63°F) feel genuinely cool, especially in the mountains where it drops another 10°C (18°F). You'll shed layers by noon when it hits 29°C (85°F), then need them again by evening.
Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - those afternoon thunderstorms come fast. Skip the umbrella for mountain activities since wind makes them useless, but umbrellas work fine for city exploration. The rain typically lasts 30-45 minutes, so waterproof rather than water-resistant matters.
Broken-in hiking boots if doing any mountain trails - trails around Big Almaty Lake and Shymbulak range from smooth paths to rocky scrambles. Ankle support matters at elevation. If you're only doing city walking, comfortable sneakers work fine, but bring shoes you don't mind getting muddy since storms create puddles.
SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - the UV index of 8 is no joke, especially at elevation where it's even stronger. Locals are serious about sun protection. Reapply every 2 hours if hiking. The combination of altitude and clear mountain air means you'll burn faster than you expect.
Polarized sunglasses - essential for mountain activities and photographing the turquoise lakes. The glare off Big Almaty Lake and snow patches at higher elevations is intense. Also helps on those bright days between storms when the sun feels particularly strong.
Light cotton or linen clothing for city exploration - the 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable. Locals favor natural fibers in August. Bring at least one pair of long pants and a long-sleeve shirt for mosque visits and conservative restaurants, plus they're useful for cooler mountain temps.
Reusable water bottle - tap water isn't drinkable, but filtered water stations are common at hotels and guesthouses. You'll go through 2-3 liters daily with the heat and altitude, more if hiking. Bottled water costs 200-400 tenge for 1.5 liters at shops.
Small daypack for mountain excursions - you'll need something to carry water, snacks, layers, and rain gear when heading to Big Almaty Lake or Charyn Canyon. A 20-25 liter pack is perfect. Most organized tours don't provide backpacks.
Power adapter for European outlets - Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs with 220V. Most modern electronics handle the voltage, but you'll need the physical adapter. Hotels often have limited outlets, so a multi-device charger helps.
Basic first aid including altitude sickness medication - if you're sensitive to elevation changes, consider bringing acetazolamide or ibuprofen. The jump from 800 m (2,625 ft) in the city to 2,500 m (8,202 ft) at Big Almaty Lake affects some people. Also pack blister treatment, antihistamines for potential pollen allergies, and any prescription medications with extra days buffer.

Insider Knowledge

The air quality app is your friend in August - download IQAir or similar before arriving. When the AQI spikes above 100 from wildfire smoke, locals shift plans to indoor activities or head higher into the mountains where air is clearer. The city sits in a bowl that traps pollution, so what looks hazy from the center often clears 500 m (1,640 ft) up the mountain.
Book mountain accommodations way ahead if staying overnight - the handful of guesthouses near Kolsai Lakes and other mountain areas fill up with Almaty residents escaping city heat on weekends. Weekday visits see fewer crowds. If doing a weekend mountain trip, book at least 3 weeks ahead, especially for late August when locals take final summer trips before school starts.
The marshrutka minibus system is your budget friend - these fixed-route minibuses cost 150-400 tenge depending on distance, versus 2,000-5,000 tenge for taxis to the same places. Route 12 goes to Medeu, various routes serve Green Bazaar and Panfilov Park. They're crowded and don't run on fixed schedules, but they're how locals actually get around. Have small bills ready and tell the driver your destination.
Green Bazaar vendors expect negotiation but within reason - offering 70-80% of the initial price for produce and dried fruits is normal. For expensive items like honey or nuts, you might negotiate down 20-30%. The key is buying multiple items from the same vendor, which gets you better prices than cherry-picking from different stalls. Vendors are friendlier and more generous with samples mid-morning after the rush but before lunch.
Restaurant prices jump significantly in touristy areas - a lagman noodle soup costs 1,800-2,500 tenge on Dostyk Avenue but 800-1,200 tenge in residential neighborhoods. The quality is often better in local spots too. Ask your hotel or guesthouse staff where they actually eat. The areas around universities and the old terminal market have excellent cheap food that tourists rarely find.
Weather in the mountains can be completely different from the city forecast - checking Almaty weather doesn't tell you what's happening at Big Almaty Lake or Shymbulak. Local tour operators and taxi drivers usually have better real-time information than weather apps. If you're doing a mountain trip, ask your driver or guide about conditions that morning, not the night before.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much the afternoon thunderstorms disrupt plans - tourists see 10 rainy days and think it's fine, but those storms hit right during prime afternoon sightseeing hours from 3-6 PM. Smart planning means doing outdoor activities early morning or after 6 PM, or having indoor backup plans ready. Locals structure their entire day around this pattern in August.
Not bringing enough cash - Almaty is increasingly card-friendly, but marshrutkas, market vendors, mountain taxis, and smaller restaurants are cash-only. ATMs are common in the city but nonexistent in mountain areas. Withdraw more than you think you'll need before heading to places like Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lakes. Credit cards work at hotels and major restaurants, but always have 20,000-30,000 tenge in small bills.
Assuming all mountain roads are always accessible - tourists book trips to Big Almaty Lake or mountain passes without checking current conditions. August weather can close roads temporarily with rockslides or early snow at high elevations. Even when roads are technically open, conditions after rain can make them sketchy for regular cars. Always confirm the morning of your trip, and be flexible about rescheduling if your driver or guide suggests it.

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Travel guide for July

September

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Weather and seasonal patterns for Almaty

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