Things to Do in Almaty in November

November Weather in Almaty

8°C (46°F) High Temp

-1°C (30°F) Low Temp

56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Snow season begins - Medeu ice rink operates at full capacity and Shymbulak ski resort opens mid-November with reliable powder snow at 2,260 m (7,415 ft) elevation
Clear mountain visibility - November's crisp air offers spectacular views of the Tian Shan peaks, with visibility reaching 50+ km (31 miles) on clear days
Low tourist season means 40-60% cheaper accommodation rates compared to summer, and no crowds at major attractions like Kok-Tobe or Big Almaty Lake
Traditional hunting season festivals - Experience authentic berkutchi (golden eagle hunting) demonstrations in nearby Kazakh villages, a practice dating back 1,000 years

Considerations

Harsh weather conditions - Temperatures drop to -15°C (5°F) with wind chill, and sudden snowstorms can close mountain roads for 24-48 hours
Limited daylight hours - Sun sets by 5:30 PM and rises at 7:30 AM, giving you only 10 hours of daylight for outdoor activities
Many outdoor attractions close or operate reduced hours - Big Almaty Lake road often closes due to snow, and several hiking trails become inaccessible

Best Activities in November

Medeu Ice Skating Complex Sessions

November marks the opening of the world's highest ice skating rink at 1,691 m (5,548 ft). The facility operates with natural ice formation and perfect conditions. Sessions run 10 AM-10 PM with equipment rental available. The mountain backdrop with fresh snow creates Instagram-worthy scenes impossible in other seasons.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost 1,500-2,500 KZT ($3-5 USD). Skate rental adds 1,000 KZT ($2 USD). Purchase tickets at entrance - no advance booking needed. Weekday mornings (10 AM-12 PM) offer the smoothest ice and smallest crowds.

Shymbulak Ski Resort Early Season

November offers the first powder snow of the season with 30-50 cm (12-20 inch) base depths. Three slopes open progressively through the month. Lift tickets are 30% cheaper than peak season. The cable car journey provides stunning snow-covered mountain panoramas at altitudes reaching 3,200 m (10,499 ft).

Booking Tip: Day passes range 8,000-12,000 KZT ($16-24 USD) in November versus 18,000 KZT in January. Equipment rental available on-site for 5,000-7,000 KZT ($10-14 USD). Book accommodation in nearby Medeu district for easy access.

Traditional Banya Steam Bath Experiences

November's freezing temperatures make authentic Russian banya sessions essential local culture. Traditional banyas heat to 80-90°C (176-194°F) followed by cold plunges or snow rolls. Many facilities offer birch branch treatments and traditional tea service. This ritual helps locals survive harsh winters and is peak season for banya culture.

Booking Tip: Public banyas cost 2,000-4,000 KZT ($4-8 USD) for 2-3 hours. Private rooms for groups range 15,000-25,000 KZT ($30-50 USD). Book evening sessions (6-10 PM) when locals attend after work. Reserve 2-3 days ahead for weekend slots.

Golden Eagle Hunting Demonstrations

November is peak hunting season when Kazakh berkutchi (eagle hunters) demonstrate their ancient craft. Eagles are at prime condition after molting, and small game is active before deep winter. Tours to Altyn-Emel National Park or closer Ili River valley showcase this UNESCO-recognized tradition with authentic hunters, not performers.

Booking Tip: Full-day experiences range 25,000-40,000 KZT ($50-80 USD) including transportation and lunch. Multi-day tours to traditional hunter camps cost 60,000-100,000 KZT ($120-200 USD). Book through licensed cultural tour operators 2-3 weeks ahead as hunter availability is limited.

Soviet Architecture Walking Tours

November's clear, dry air and low sun angles create dramatic lighting for photography of Almaty's unique Soviet-era buildings. The cold preserves building details and reduces heat shimmer. Zenkov Cathedral's wooden architecture and Panfilov Park are particularly photogenic with snow dusting. Indoor museum stops provide warmth breaks every 45 minutes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) over 3-4 hours. Professional photography tours cost 8,000-15,000 KZT ($16-30 USD) with indoor venue access. Start at 11 AM for optimal lighting and finish by 4 PM before sunset.

Thermal Spring Day Trips

November's freezing temperatures make natural hot springs like Altyn Arashan and Kapchagai thermal pools incredibly appealing. The contrast between 38-42°C (100-108°F) mineral waters and subzero air creates a uniquely rejuvenating experience. Most facilities offer traditional Kazakh spa treatments unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Day trips including transport and entry range 12,000-20,000 KZT ($24-40 USD). Overnight packages at thermal resorts cost 25,000-45,000 KZT ($50-90 USD). Book midweek for better rates and smaller crowds. Confirm road conditions before departure as mountain routes can close suddenly.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Republic Day Celebrations

October 25th Republic Day celebrations extend into early November with cultural performances at Kok-Tobe and traditional Kazakh horse games in suburban venues. Street performances feature traditional dombra music and folk dancing despite cold weather.

Throughout November

Almaty Marathon Winter Training Season

Local running clubs begin winter marathon training programs in November, with group runs every Saturday starting from Panfilov Park. International visitors can join these free sessions to experience the city like locals while staying warm through activity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - City sidewalks become icy and mountain excursions require serious traction

Layered thermal system - Base layer (merino wool), insulating layer (down or fleece), waterproof shell for temperatures ranging 20°C (36°F) throughout the day

Heavy-duty gloves and hat - Wind chill at Shymbulak reaches -25°C (-13°F) and exposed skin freezes within minutes

Portable phone charger - Batteries drain 50% faster in subzero temperatures, and you'll need GPS for navigation in snow

Sunglasses with UV protection - Snow glare at altitude is intense even with low UV index, and mountain reflection doubles exposure

Wool socks (multiple pairs) - Cotton socks cause frostbite in wet conditions, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on icy surfaces

Thermal underwear - Indoor heating is inconsistent in older buildings, and outdoor activities require base layer protection

Waterproof daypack cover - Snow turns to slush quickly and electronics need protection during 10+ rainy/snowy days

Hand and foot warmers - Chemical heat packs are essential for ski lifts and outdoor photography sessions lasting 2+ hours

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating causes severe skin cracking within days

Insider Knowledge

November hotel rates drop 60% after October 15th - book accommodations only 1-2 weeks ahead for maximum savings, as business travel doesn't pick up until December

Carry cash in small bills - ATMs freeze frequently in November and many small businesses only accept KZT during winter months when card machines malfunction

Download offline maps before arriving - Cell service is spotty in mountains during snow storms, and Google Maps doesn't include many Almaty hiking trail markers

Local bazaars (Zeleny Bazaar) have the warmest indoor spaces and cheapest hot food - vendors serve traditional winter dishes like lagman and manti that aren't available in summer tourist restaurants

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in cold weather - Almaty sits at 830 m (2,723 ft) and popular attractions reach 3,200 m (10,499 ft), causing altitude sickness symptoms to worsen in cold temperatures

Booking outdoor mountain tours without checking road conditions - Big Almaty Lake road closes without warning, and tour operators often don't refund for weather cancellations

Wearing cotton clothing layers - Cotton kills in wet snow conditions common in November, and synthetic or wool layers are essential for temperature swings of 15-20°C (27-36°F) daily