Things to Do in Almaty in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Almaty
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Snow-dusted mountain views without the deep winter freeze - the Tian Shan peaks get their first proper coating while the city stays walkable, creating those postcard-worthy contrasts between urban parks and alpine backdrop. Shymbulak ski resort typically opens mid-to-late November, giving you first tracks before the holiday crowds arrive.
- Rock-bottom accommodation prices and empty attractions - November sits in that sweet spot after autumn tourism drops off but before the winter sports crowd shows up. Hotels run 30-40% cheaper than December rates, and you'll have Kok-Tobe, Central State Museum, and Zenkov Cathedral practically to yourself on weekdays.
- Apple season wraps up with market stalls overflowing with Aport apples, the massive crimson variety that's basically Almaty's signature fruit. Green Bazaar becomes this sensory overload of dried fruits, fresh walnuts, and honey vendors offering tastings. It's also when restaurants lean hard into beshbarmak and other warming dishes that actually make sense in the weather.
- Clear, crisp air for mountain visibility - the summer haze burns off and you get these ridiculously sharp views of the peaks from anywhere in the southern part of the city. Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,511 m (8,238 ft) elevation and the drive up gives you that turquoise water against snow-capped mountains shot that's worth the cold.
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings from sunny 10°C (50°F) afternoons to sudden snowfall within the same day - you'll genuinely need both sunglasses and winter boots in your bag. The city isn't quite committed to winter yet, so streets can turn into slushy messes when that first snow melts, particularly in older neighborhoods where drainage is questionable.
- Short daylight hours mean sunset around 5:30 PM by late November, which cuts into your sightseeing time more than you'd think. That golden hour for photography happens around 4 PM, and suddenly you're racing against darkness if you're up in the mountains.
- Many outdoor cafes and summer terraces shut down for the season, and some hiking trails at higher elevations become inaccessible or genuinely dangerous without proper winter gear. The city shifts indoors, which is fine, but if you're coming specifically for mountain trekking, you'll find your options limited compared to September or October.
Best Activities in November
Shymbulak Ski Resort Early Season Skiing
November catches the resort in soft-opening mode, usually around mid-to-late month depending on snowfall. You're looking at fewer runs open but also nearly empty slopes and discounted day passes compared to peak winter rates. The gondola ride up from Medeu at 1,691 m (5,548 ft) to Shymbulak at 2,260 m (7,415 ft) offers those dramatic views of the city sprawling below with the first serious snow coverage on the peaks. Locals who know skiing hit it now before the December holiday rush.
Big Almaty Lake Day Trips
The lake sits at 2,511 m (8,238 ft) and November gives you that stunning contrast of turquoise water against snow-covered peaks without the summer tour bus crowds. The road up can be sketchy if there's fresh snow, but on clear days it's absolutely worth it. Temperature up there drops to around -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), so you're bundling up, but the photography opportunities are spectacular. The dam and surrounding peaks create this almost surreal alpine scene that's distinctly Central Asian.
Green Bazaar and Central Market Food Tours
November is when the market shifts to its winter personality - dried fruits, nuts, honey, and those massive Aport apples dominate the stalls. The covered sections stay warm and busy, and vendors are generally more relaxed and chatty than during summer tourist season. You'll find smoked horse meat, fresh kurt (dried yogurt balls), and vendors selling by-the-kilo honey that locals swear by for winter immunity. The spice section alone is worth an hour of wandering.
Medeu Ice Skating Rink Sessions
The world's highest outdoor speed skating rink at 1,691 m (5,548 ft) usually opens in late October or early November, and locals flood here on weekends. It's this massive Soviet-era complex with the rink surrounded by mountains, and the ice quality is legitimately excellent. November means you're skating in proper cold but not the brutal -20°C (-4°F) deep winter temperatures. The 842-step staircase up from the parking area is a workout, but there's also a road if you're not feeling ambitious.
Kok-Tobe Hill Cable Car and Park Visits
The cable car from Dostyk Avenue up to Kok-Tobe at 1,100 m (3,609 ft) gives you sweeping city views, and November's clear air means you can actually see the mountain ranges properly. The hilltop park has that slightly dated amusement park vibe with cafes, souvenir stalls, and the famous Beatles monument. It's touristy, sure, but the sunset views around 5 PM are genuinely beautiful, and the ride itself is worth the price. Locals bring kids up here on weekends for the mini zoo and playground areas.
Charyn Canyon Day Expeditions
The canyon sits 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty, and November is actually ideal for visiting - summer heat is gone, no dust storms, and the red rock formations against occasional snow patches create wild color contrasts. The Valley of Castles section is the main draw, with formations that look vaguely like Kazakhstani Bryce Canyon. Temperature down in the canyon runs 5-10°C (41-50°F) warmer than Almaty, so it's comfortable hiking weather. The 3-hour drive each way means this is a full-day commitment.
November Events & Festivals
Kazakhstan Independence Day Preparations
While the actual Independence Day falls on December 16th, late November sees the city start decorating Panfilov Park, Republic Square, and major streets with lights and installations. It's not an event per se, but the atmosphere shifts as the city gears up for the biggest national celebration of the year. You'll notice increased activity around the Central State Museum and government buildings.