Things to Do in Almaty in January

January Weather in Almaty

0°C (32°F) High Temp

-8°C (17°F) Low Temp

36mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect powder snow conditions at Kok-Zhailau and Chimbulak ski resorts - January is peak skiing season with 150-200cm (59-79 inches) base depth and temperatures ideal for snow preservation
Crystal clear mountain views - winter air pollution drops 40% compared to summer, offering spectacular views of Ile-Alatau peaks rising 4,000m (13,123 ft) above the city
Peak ice skating season - outdoor rinks at Kok-Tobe and Central Park operate daily with perfect ice conditions, plus authentic Soviet-era skating culture
Winter festival season - Nauryz preparation markets, Russian Orthodox celebrations, and ice sculpture competitions create unique cultural experiences unavailable other months

Considerations

Extreme cold requires serious winter gear - without proper clothing rated to -15°C (5°F), outdoor activities become dangerous rather than enjoyable
Limited daylight for sightseeing - sunrise at 8:30am, sunset at 6:00pm gives only 9.5 hours of daylight for outdoor exploration
Icy sidewalks and roads create mobility challenges - even locals struggle with walking conditions, and many hiking trails become inaccessible without special equipment

Best Activities in January

Chimbulak Ski Resort Winter Sports

January offers world-class skiing just 25km (15.5 miles) from downtown with guaranteed powder snow and minimal lift lines. Base elevation of 2,200m (7,218 ft) provides consistent conditions. The resort operates 6 lifts serving 20km (12.4 miles) of groomed runs perfect for intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers access off-piste terrain in the Ile-Alatau mountains. Equipment rental available on-site.

Booking Tip: Book lift tickets online 2-3 days ahead for 15% discounts. Full-day passes typically cost 8,000-12,000 KZT ($18-27). Equipment rental runs 4,000-6,000 KZT ($9-14) per day. Consider multi-day packages for better rates. Check current tour options in the booking section below for transport included packages.

Big Almaty Lake Winter Photography Tours

The frozen lake at 2,511m (8,238 ft) altitude becomes a mirror surrounded by snow-capped peaks reaching 4,000m+ (13,123+ ft). January offers the most dramatic ice formations and clearest mountain reflections. The 28km (17.4 miles) drive takes 1.5 hours each way through increasingly spectacular mountain scenery. Professional photography guides know optimal lighting times and safe vantage points.

Booking Tip: Book guided 4WD tours 5-7 days ahead as road conditions require specialized vehicles and local knowledge. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 KZT ($35-58) including transport and guide. Self-driving not recommended due to ice and altitude. Tours depart 9am for best lighting conditions.

Traditional Banya Steam Bath Experiences

Soviet-era public bathhouses become essential winter refuges where locals have gathered for decades. The contrast between -8°C (17°F) outdoor temperatures and 90°C (194°F) steam rooms creates an authentic cultural ritual. Traditional banyas include birch branch beatings, ice plunges, and communal relaxation areas. January is peak season as residents use banyas for both warmth and winter socialization.

Booking Tip: Visit established banyas like Arasan or municipal bathhouses for authentic experiences. Entry typically costs 2,000-4,000 KZT ($4.50-9) for 2-3 hours. Bring flip-flops, towel, and swimwear. Peak hours are 6-9pm when locals finish work. Some offer platza (birch beating) services for additional 1,500-3,000 KZT ($3.50-7).

Kok-Tobe Winter Cable Car and Ice Activities

The 1,100m (3,609 ft) elevation provides panoramic city views enhanced by winter's clear air. January transforms Kok-Tobe into a winter playground with ice slides, snow sculptures, and heated viewing platforms. The Soviet-era cable car operates in winter conditions, offering dramatic views during the 6-minute ascent. Evening visits showcase the city's lights against snow-covered mountains.

Booking Tip: Cable car operates 10am-11pm with tickets costing 2,000 KZT ($4.50) round-trip. Evening visits after 6pm offer stunning city lights but bring extra layers as temperatures drop rapidly. Purchase tickets at base station - no advance booking needed. Allow 2-3 hours total including activities at the top.

Central Asian Winter Market Food Tours

January brings seasonal specialties like beshbarmak (winter horse meat dishes), fresh winter sausages, and hot kumys (fermented mare's milk). Green Bazaar and Kok-Bazaar offer heated indoor sections where vendors serve steaming bowls of lagman and plov perfect for sub-zero temperatures. Winter preserves, dried fruits, and traditional felt products reach peak quality and variety.

Booking Tip: Indoor sections of major bazaars operate 8am-6pm with peak activity 10am-2pm. Budget 2,000-4,000 KZT ($4.50-9) for full meal sampling. Bring small bills as vendors prefer exact change. Hot tea costs 200-500 KZT ($0.50-1) and helps warm between tastings. Markets become crowded 11am-1pm on weekends.

Medeu Ice Skating Complex Sessions

The world's highest outdoor ice rink at 1,691m (5,548 ft) operates at peak conditions in January with natural ice reinforcement. Olympic-standard facility hosts both recreational skating and speed skating events. The 10,500 square meter (113,021 square feet) rink maintains perfect ice through January's consistent sub-zero temperatures. Surrounding mountain amphitheater creates spectacular scenery unavailable at lower altitude rinks.

Booking Tip: Public sessions run daily 10am-10pm with tickets 1,500-2,500 KZT ($3.50-6) depending on session length. Skate rental available for 1,000 KZT ($2.30). Weekend afternoon sessions (2-5pm) are busiest. Early morning and evening sessions offer better ice conditions and fewer crowds. Book current skating tour packages in the section below.

January Events & Festivals

January 7

Russian Orthodox Christmas Celebrations

January 7th Orthodox Christmas brings unique religious processions, traditional carol singing, and special church services at Ascension Cathedral. The Russian Orthodox community maintains Soviet-era traditions mixed with religious observances, creating cultural experiences unavailable in other former Soviet cities.

Mid to Late January

Winter Sports Festival

Annual celebration featuring ice sculpture competitions, traditional winter games, and ski competitions across Chimbulak and Kok-Zhailau resorts. Local artisans create elaborate ice sculptures in Republic Square while traditional Kazakh winter sports demonstrate nomadic heritage adapted to mountain conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with aggressive tread - sidewalks stay icy all month and regular sneakers become dangerous

Layered clothing system including merino wool base layers - cotton kills in these temperatures, synthetic or wool maintains warmth when damp

Wind-resistant outer shell jacket - mountain winds at elevation create wind chills reaching -15°C (5°F) below actual temperature

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - extremities freeze first at altitude and locals recognize under-dressed tourists immediately

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection and 2,000m (6,562 ft) altitude create surprising sun exposure despite cold

Portable phone battery pack - cold drains battery 50% faster and you'll need GPS navigation on icy streets

Cash in small denominations - card readers freeze and many vendors prefer cash in winter conditions

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - 70% humidity drops to 30% indoors creating severe skin drying

Microspikes or ice cleats - attachable traction devices for regular shoes, available locally for 3,000-5,000 KZT ($7-12)

Thermos or insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in dry cold prevents altitude sickness and keeps energy up

Insider Knowledge

Locals start winter activities at 10am once temperatures rise above -5°C (23°F) - following this schedule makes outdoor exploration much more comfortable

Metro system becomes essential winter transport as buses struggle with icy roads - purchase monthly metro passes at stations for significant savings over daily tickets

Chaikhanas (tea houses) serve as informal warming stations throughout the city - ordering tea for 300-500 KZT ($0.70-1.20) provides 30+ minutes of warmth and cultural immersion

Weekend ski equipment rental prices double at mountain resorts - rent gear in the city Thursday-Friday for 40% savings and wider selection

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating clothing requirements - tourists in regular winter coats suffer while locals wear arctic-rated gear rated to -20°C (-4°F) or below

Attempting mountain hiking without proper equipment - trails require snowshoes or microspikes, and weather changes rapidly at 2,000m+ (6,562+ ft) elevation

Booking ground floor accommodations - heat rises and many Soviet-era buildings have poor heating on lower floors, making upper floors significantly warmer