Things to Do in Almaty in December

December Weather in Almaty

1°C (34°F) High Temp

-8°C (18°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prime skiing season at Shymbulak - fresh powder snow and temperatures between -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) create perfect conditions with 2.5 m (8.2 ft) base depths
Stunning winter scenery in Ile-Alatau National Park with snow-covered peaks reaching 4,973 m (16,316 ft) and crystal-clear mountain air visibility up to 50 km (31 miles)
Authentic Russian banya season - outdoor temperatures of -8°C (18°F) make the traditional sauna experience with birch branches most invigorating
Lower accommodation prices drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with quality hotels averaging 15,000-25,000 tenge ($33-55) per night instead of summer's 35,000+ tenge

Considerations

Extreme cold requires serious winter gear - wind chill can drop feels-like temperatures to -20°C (-4°F), making casual sightseeing uncomfortable without proper clothing
Limited daylight with sunrise at 8:30 AM and sunset at 5:45 PM gives only 9 hours for outdoor activities
Air pollution worsens significantly in winter when residents burn more fuel for heating, creating smog that can obscure mountain views for 3-5 days per week

Best Activities in December

Shymbulak Ski Resort Winter Sports

December delivers Kazakhstan's best skiing conditions with 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft) of base snow and temperatures perfect for powder skiing. The resort sits at 2,200 m (7,218 ft) elevation with runs up to 3,200 m (10,499 ft). December has fewer crowds than January-February peak season while maintaining excellent snow quality.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets cost 8,000-12,000 tenge ($18-27) per day. Equipment rental adds 4,000-6,000 tenge ($9-13). Book accommodation in nearby Medeu area 2-3 weeks ahead for best prices. Look for packages including gondola transfers from the city.

Medeu Ice Skating Complex Sessions

The world's highest outdoor speed skating rink at 1,691 m (5,548 ft) altitude operates at peak conditions in December with natural ice temperatures of -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). December offers the most reliable ice quality before January's extreme cold makes skating less comfortable.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 1,500-2,500 tenge ($3-6) with skate rental for 1,000 tenge ($2). Sessions run 10 AM-10 PM daily. Buy tickets on-site or through official apps. Combine with Shymbulak gondola rides for mountain views.

Ile-Alatau National Park Winter Hiking

December transforms hiking trails into snow-covered winter wonderlands with temperatures ideal for snowshoeing and winter trekking. Big Almaty Lake partially freezes creating mirror-like reflections of snow-peaked mountains. Trails like Kok-Zhailau offer 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) routes through pristine winter landscapes.

Booking Tip: Guided winter hikes cost 15,000-25,000 tenge ($33-55) for groups of 4-6 people. Rent snowshoes and winter gear in the city for 3,000-5,000 tenge ($7-11) per day. Book guides who provide winter safety equipment and know avalanche-safe routes.

Traditional Banya and Spa Experiences

December's sub-zero temperatures make authentic Russian banya sessions most invigorating. The contrast between 90°C (194°F) steam rooms and -8°C (18°F) outdoor plunge pools creates the traditional health benefits locals swear by. Many bathhouses offer birch branch treatments and traditional honey scrubs.

Booking Tip: Quality banya houses charge 8,000-15,000 tenge ($18-33) for 3-4 hour sessions. Book weekend slots 1-2 weeks ahead. Look for facilities with outdoor cold pools and traditional wood-fired steam rooms. Group packages offer better value.

Almaty City Winter Photography Tours

December snow transforms Soviet-era architecture and mountain backdrops into dramatic winter scenes. Early morning light between 9-11 AM creates golden hour photography with snow-covered Tian Shan mountains. Republic Square and Panfilov Park offer classic winter cityscapes with 1.5 m (5 ft) snow drifts.

Booking Tip: Photography guides charge 20,000-35,000 tenge ($44-77) for full-day tours covering 15-20 locations. Half-day morning tours cost 12,000-18,000 tenge ($27-40). Book guides with 4WD vehicles for mountain access and local knowledge of best winter vantage points.

Kok-Tobe Hill Winter Gondola Rides

December offers crystal-clear visibility up to 100 km (62 miles) across the snow-covered Almaty valley and Tian Shan range. The 1,100 m (3,609 ft) elevation provides panoramic views of the city blanketed in snow. Evening rides showcase the city lights against mountain silhouettes.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2,500-3,500 tenge ($6-8) round trip. Operating hours 10 AM-11 PM daily. Dress warmly as temperatures at the top drop an additional 5-7°C (9-13°F). Combine with hilltop restaurants for traditional Kazakh winter cuisine.

December Events & Festivals

December 31st

New Year Celebration at Republic Square

Almaty's main New Year festivities feature ice sculptures, traditional Kazakh performances, and fireworks against the Tian Shan backdrop. The celebration includes outdoor concerts despite -10°C (14°F) temperatures, with warming stations and traditional hot beverages.

Early to Mid December

Orthodox Christmas Markets

Traditional winter markets appear throughout December selling handmade felt goods, Kazakh winter delicacies, and imported Russian holiday foods. Markets operate in Panfilov Park and Green Bazaar areas with traditional yurts providing shelter from cold.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with good tread - sidewalks become icy and mountain trails require serious traction for 15+ km (9+ mile) hikes

Thermal base layers (merino wool preferred) - cotton kills in -8°C (18°F) temperatures with 78% humidity creating dangerous wind chill

Down jacket rated for -15°C (5°F) minimum - local temperatures combined with mountain winds at 2,200 m (7,218 ft) elevation feel much colder

Waterproof outer shell - December brings 10 snow days and sleet that can soak through regular winter coats

Insulated gloves plus liner gloves - you'll need dexterity for cameras and phones while protecting against frostbite in sub-zero conditions

Wool or fleece hat covering ears - 40% of body heat lost through head becomes critical at -8°C (18°F) with wind

Moisture-wicking socks (avoid cotton) - feet sweat in winter boots then freeze, causing dangerous circulation problems on long mountain hikes

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection at 2,200+ m (7,218+ ft) altitude creates intense glare and UV exposure even in winter

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 60-70% faster, critical for GPS navigation on mountain trails

Cash in small denominations - many mountain facilities and traditional banyas prefer cash, and ATMs can freeze in extreme cold

Insider Knowledge

December 20-January 10 sees 25-30% higher accommodation prices despite low season due to Russian New Year holidays - book before December 15 for regular winter rates

Take marshrutka minibus #12 to Medeu/Shymbulak for 150 tenge ($0.33) instead of tourist taxis charging 3,000+ tenge - locals use this route daily and buses have winter tires

Visit Green Bazaar between 2-4 PM when vendors discount winter produce and traditional preserved foods rather than fighting morning crowds in -10°C (14°F) weather

Download 2GIS offline maps before mountain trips - cell coverage drops above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) and GPS becomes essential for winter safety on snow-covered trails

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - Almaty sits at 750 m (2,461 ft) and ski areas reach 3,200 m (10,499 ft), causing shortness of breath and faster dehydration in cold, dry air

Wearing cotton clothing - cotton retains moisture and loses insulation when wet from snow or sweat, creating hypothermia risk in -8°C (18°F) temperatures

Not checking air quality daily - winter pollution can reach hazardous levels forcing indoor-only days, ruining outdoor mountain plans without backup activities prepared