Things to Do in Almaty in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Almaty
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak hiking season with wildflowers covering mountain meadows at 2,000-3,000 m (6,560-9,840 ft) elevations - trails are snow-free but not yet dusty like July-August
- Apricot harvest season throughout June means you'll find fresh fruit at every bazaar for 400-600 tenge per kg, plus locals making traditional preserves you can watch and taste
- Long daylight hours with sunset around 9:30pm give you genuinely useful extra time for activities - you can start a mountain hike at 7am and still have 14+ hours of daylight
- City parks and outdoor cafes are at their absolute best before summer heat peaks - locals are out every evening, creating the most social atmosphere of the year along Panfilov Street and Dostyk Avenue
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms roll down from the mountains typically between 3-6pm on about 10 days throughout the month - they're dramatic and can dump 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches) in 30 minutes, though they usually clear quickly
- Temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between day and night mean you're constantly adjusting layers - what feels perfect at 2pm will have you shivering by 8pm in outdoor restaurants
- Early June coincides with university graduations and wedding season, so popular mountain photo spots like Shymbulak and Big Almaty Lake get crowded on weekends with wedding parties blocking viewpoints from roughly 10am-4pm
Best Activities in June
Big Almaty Lake and Surrounding Trails
June is legitimately the single best month for this iconic turquoise lake at 2,511 m (8,238 ft). The access road fully opens in late May after winter closure, the lake reaches its deepest brilliant blue from snowmelt, and wildflowers blanket the surrounding slopes. The 12 km (7.5 mile) drive from the city takes about 45 minutes. Morning visits before 11am give you the best light and fewer tour groups. The trail around the lake perimeter is about 3 km (1.9 miles) and takes 1-2 hours depending on photo stops. Water temperature is still frigid at around 5°C (41°F) so nobody's swimming, which keeps it peaceful.
Kok Zhailau Alpine Meadow Hiking
This is what June is actually made for in Almaty. The trail starts right from the city edge and climbs to 2,200-2,400 m (7,220-7,874 ft) alpine meadows that explode with wildflowers in June - yellow poppies, purple irises, red tulips covering entire hillsides. The standard route is about 8 km (5 miles) one way with 800 m (2,625 ft) elevation gain, taking 3-4 hours up. You'll pass through three distinct vegetation zones as you climb. Locals bring picnics and spend entire Sundays up here. The meadows are genuinely spectacular and you won't see them this green again until next June - by July they start browning out.
Green Bazaar and Central Market Food Exploration
June brings the first wave of summer produce and this is when the Green Bazaar actually lives up to its name. You'll find fresh apricots, cherries, strawberries, and early melons that aren't available other months. The covered sections stay comfortable even during afternoon heat. Spend 2-3 hours wandering the produce halls, trying kumys (fermented mare's milk - an acquired taste), sampling different honey varieties, and watching babushkas negotiate over herb bundles. The prepared food section has lagman noodles, samsa pastries, and plov that locals actually eat, not tourist versions. Go mid-morning around 10am when stock is fresh but crowds haven't peaked.
Charyn Canyon Day Trips
Located 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty, June offers ideal conditions before the canyon becomes an oven in July-August. The dramatic red rock formations of the Valley of Castles section are stunning in morning and late afternoon light. Temperature at canyon floor can hit 35°C (95°F) by midday but stays manageable in early morning. The main walking route through the valley is about 2 km (1.2 miles) and takes 1-1.5 hours. June also means the Charyn River is running high from mountain snowmelt, adding impressive rapids to the scenery. Full day trip takes 10-12 hours including 3-4 hours driving each way.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort Cable Car and Hiking
While this is a winter ski resort, June transforms it into a hiking and scenic cable car destination at 2,200-3,200 m (7,218-10,499 ft). Three stages of gondolas take you progressively higher with expanding views of the Ile Alatau range. At the top station, snow patches still linger but hiking trails are accessible. The temperature is typically 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than the city, making it a genuine escape from valley heat. Multiple trail options from easy 1-hour walks to challenging 4-hour ridge hikes. The middle station has decent cafes with mountain views. Entire experience takes 4-6 hours including cable car time.
Kolsai Lakes Mountain Trekking
This three-lake system at 1,800-2,850 m (5,906-9,350 ft) in the northern Tian Shan is about 300 km (186 miles) from Almaty and worth the journey in June when lakes are full and surrounded by green forest. First lake is easily accessible with 1 km (0.6 mile) flat trail. Second lake requires 6 km (3.7 mile) hike with 600 m (1,969 ft) elevation gain through pine and spruce forest - spectacular and not overly difficult for reasonably fit hikers. Third lake is serious full-day trek. Water is crystal clear and swimmable if you can handle cold temperatures around 12-15°C (54-59°F). This is genuinely one of Kazakhstan's most beautiful spots and June offers perfect hiking temperatures.
June Events & Festivals
Capital Day
Celebrated on the first Sunday of June with concerts, performances, and festivities around Republic Square and Panfilov Park. This marks the anniversary of Nur-Sultan as capital, but Almaty still celebrates with cultural programs, food vendors, and evening concerts. Free public events run throughout the day with traditional music, dance performances, and craft demonstrations. Evening typically features larger concerts with popular Kazakh artists around 7-9pm when temperatures cool down.