Things to Do in Almaty in February

February Weather in Almaty

2°C (36°F) High Temp

-7°C (20°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Medeu ice rink operates at perfect conditions - natural ice at 1,691m (5,548ft) elevation with crisp -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) morning temperatures ideal for skating
Shymbulak ski resort hits peak powder season with 180-220cm (71-87 inches) base depth and 15-20 fresh snow days, plus 40% fewer crowds than December-January
Clear mountain visibility on 18-22 days per month - February has the year's best views of Tian Shan peaks for photography and cable car rides to 3,200m (10,499ft)
Nauryz preparation season brings authentic cultural experiences - watch traditional kumys and kurt-making, plus indoor craft workshops unavailable other months

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings from -15°C to +5°C (5°F to 41°F) within single days create unpredictable conditions requiring multiple clothing layers
Limited daylight from 7:45am to 6:30pm restricts outdoor exploration time, especially for mountain activities that require early returns
Public transport delays and cancellations occur on 6-8 days per month due to snowstorms and icy roads affecting bus routes to attractions

Best Activities in February

Medeu Ice Skating and Shymbulak Skiing

February offers optimal conditions at Medeu's high-altitude rink with natural ice quality impossible to replicate at lower elevations. Morning temperatures of -8°C to -5°C (18°F to 23°F) provide perfect skating surface hardness. Shymbulak receives 40-60cm (16-24 inches) of fresh powder monthly with sunny days ideal for intermediate skiing. Combined lift tickets cost 8,000-12,000 tenge ($18-27).

Booking Tip: Purchase multi-day ski passes online 5-7 days ahead for 20% savings. Rent equipment at base stations rather than in city center. Book weekend slots by Wednesday as locals heavily use facilities during February school holidays.

Kok-Tobe Winter Cable Car and Observatory Tours

February's clear atmospheric conditions provide visibility up to 80km (50 miles) on good days, making cable car rides spectacular for city and mountain panoramas. The 1,100m (3,609ft) ascent operates smoothly in cold weather, and indoor observatory offers warm viewing of snow-covered Almaty spread below. Evening rides at 5pm showcase city lights against white landscape.

Booking Tip: Visit between 10am-2pm for optimal mountain visibility. Avoid windy days when cable cars may suspend service. Standard tickets cost 2,500-3,500 tenge ($6-8) and include observatory access. Check weather forecasts 24 hours ahead.

Big Almaty Lake Winter Photography Expeditions

The lake partially freezes creating dramatic ice formations against turquoise unfrozen sections, surrounded by snow-covered peaks reaching 4,000m+ (13,123ft+). February offers the most photogenic conditions with pristine snow and stable weather windows. Road access requires 4WD vehicles and chains for the 28km (17.4 miles) mountain route.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD transport with experienced mountain drivers through guesthouses or tour operators. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 tenge ($35-55) for groups of 4-6. Depart early (8am) for optimal lighting and weather conditions. Confirm road conditions day before departure.

Green Bazaar and Traditional Winter Food Tours

February showcases Kazakhstan's winter food culture with seasonal specialties like fresh horse sausage (shuzhuk), aged kumys, and warming soups unavailable in summer. Indoor bazaar sections stay comfortably heated while offering authentic local interactions. Traditional cooking workshops teach winter preservation techniques passed down for generations.

Booking Tip: Visit morning sessions (9am-11am) when selection is freshest and vendors most engaging. Guided food tours cost 8,000-15,000 tenge ($18-35) and include translations. Bring cash in small denominations (500-1000 tenge notes) for easier transactions with individual vendors.

Charyn Canyon Winter Landscape Tours

Snow-dusted red rock formations create extraordinary contrast photography opportunities unavailable other seasons. February's stable weather patterns mean fewer road closures for the 200km (124 miles) journey. Cold temperatures preserve footprints in snow, allowing tracking of local wildlife including snow leopard traces on rare occasions.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours through operators with winter-equipped vehicles and heated rest stops. Tours cost 20,000-35,000 tenge ($45-80) including meals and warm facilities. Depart very early (6am) to maximize daylight for exploration and safe return before temperature drops.

Almaty Museum District and Indoor Cultural Experiences

February drives locals and savvy tourists to exceptional indoor cultural venues. The Central State Museum offers heated comfort while showcasing Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage with special winter exhibitions. Traditional felt-making and carpet-weaving workshops operate extensively during cold months, providing hands-on cultural immersion impossible during outdoor season.

Booking Tip: Purchase museum combination tickets for 3,000-5,000 tenge ($7-12) covering 4-5 venues. Book traditional craft workshops 3-4 days ahead through cultural centers. Many museums offer English-language tours at 2pm daily. Budget 2-3 hours per major museum for proper exploration.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Maslenitsa (Butter Week) Festival

Russian Orthodox celebration marking end of winter with traditional pancake feasts, folk performances, and burning of winter effigy. Almaty's Russian community hosts public celebrations in Park of 28 Panfilov Guards with traditional music, dance, and authentic foods like blini with caviar and sour cream.

Early to Mid February

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Almaty's significant Chinese and Korean populations host vibrant celebrations in Kok-Bazaar area and cultural centers. Features dragon dances, traditional music performances, authentic Chinese cuisine festivals, and fireworks displays visible throughout central city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with good tread - sidewalks stay icy for weeks and mountain excursions require serious traction

Layering system: thermal base layer, insulating fleece, windproof shell jacket - temperature swings of 20°C (36°F) daily require adaptable clothing

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - wind chill at elevation drops feels-like temperature by additional 10-15°C (18-27°F)

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection at altitude dramatically increases UV exposure despite low winter sun angle

Portable phone charger and backup battery - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster than normal conditions

Cash in small tenge denominations - many mountain area vendors and transport don't accept cards, especially during weather disruptions

Microspikes or ice cleats for boots - even city sidewalks become treacherous, and mountain paths require additional traction devices

Moisture-wicking undergarments - indoor heating often overcompensates, creating uncomfortable temperature transitions

Hand and foot warmers for extended outdoor activities - useful for photography, skiing, and long cable car rides

Waterproof daypack cover - sudden snow squalls can soak belongings during outdoor excursions

Insider Knowledge

Locals shop for winter sports equipment at Sportmaster and Decathlon in February for 30-50% discounts as stores clear inventory before spring arrivals

Use marshrutka (shared taxi) route #12 from Dostyk Plaza to Medeu for 200 tenge instead of private taxis charging 2,000-3,000 tenge for same journey

February hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to autumn peak season, but book heating-reliable accommodations - some budget places have inconsistent heating systems

Restaurant lunch specials (biznes lanch) from 12pm-3pm offer full meals for 1,500-2,500 tenge ($3-6) - dinner prices double for identical dishes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects at Medeu and Shymbulak - even fit travelers experience shortness of breath, dehydration occurs faster in cold dry air

Wearing cotton clothing layers instead of synthetic materials - cotton retains moisture and loses insulation when wet from snow or perspiration

Planning too many outdoor activities per day - February daylight limitations and weather delays mean realistic maximum of 2 major outdoor activities daily