Things to Do in Almaty in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Almaty
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak foliage season in the mountains - the Tian Shan slopes around Big Almaty Lake turn spectacular shades of gold and copper, and you'll actually have clear visibility (unlike summer when haze is common). The contrast between autumn colors and snow-capped peaks creates photography conditions you simply cannot get any other month.
- Apple harvest season throughout the region - Almaty literally means 'father of apples' and October is when the famous Aport apples hit the markets. You'll see locals buying them by the crate at Green Bazaar, and the whole city smells faintly of fresh apples. Prices drop to about 400-600 tenge per kilogram (0.50-0.75 USD per 2.2 lbs).
- Comfortable hiking temperatures without summer crowds - daytime temps around 12-15°C (54-59°F) at higher elevations mean you can tackle trails like Kok-Zhailau without overheating, and the popular spots that are packed in July-August are maybe 30% as busy. Trail conditions are still good before the first serious snows arrive in November.
- Lower accommodation prices than summer peak - hotel rates typically drop 25-35% compared to July-August, and you'll have better negotiating power for longer stays. The city hasn't hit ski season pricing yet (that starts late November), so you're in a sweet spot for value.
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather shifts - you might start your morning at 3°C (37°F) and end the afternoon at 18°C (64°F), which makes packing tricky. Those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month, and rain can turn to sleet above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) elevation without much warning.
- Shorter daylight hours cutting into your schedule - sunset happens around 6:30pm by late October, which means mountain excursions need earlier starts. If you're planning Big Almaty Lake or Shymbulak, you'll want to leave the city by 8am to maximize daylight, and evening outdoor activities basically end by 7pm.
- Some higher altitude trails become inaccessible - passes above 3,000 m (9,843 ft) can get early snow that makes them dangerous or completely closed. Kok-Zhailau plateau is usually fine, but routes toward Talgar Pass or Furmanov Peak might be sketchy depending on when the first big snow hits.
Best Activities in October
Big Almaty Lake and surrounding mountain photography
October gives you the absolute best conditions for this iconic turquoise alpine lake at 2,511 m (8,238 ft). The autumn larch forests create golden frames around the water, and you'll typically get crystal-clear visibility that's rare in summer. The road is still open (it closes with heavy snow, usually early November), and weekday visits mean you might have stretches of the shoreline to yourself. The stark contrast between fall colors, the bright blue lake, and snow on the peaks above creates conditions that landscape photographers specifically plan trips around.
Green Bazaar and food market exploration
October is actually the best month for Green Bazaar because it's peak harvest season. You'll find those famous Aport apples piled high, plus fresh walnuts, pomegranates from the south, and honey from mountain beekeepers. The indoor sections are comfortable in the cooler weather (summer can be stuffy), and vendors are in good moods because produce quality is high. The dried fruit and nut section is particularly impressive this time of year - locals are stocking up for winter, so turnover is high and everything is fresh. You'll also see preparations for winter preserves, with women selling jars of pickled vegetables and fruit compotes.
Charyn Canyon day trips
October weather is ideal for Charyn Canyon because summer heat (which can hit 35°C or 95°F) is gone, but you're ahead of winter cold. Daytime temps in the canyon run around 15-18°C (59-64°F), perfect for the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walk down into the Valley of Castles. The Charyn River is lower than spring runoff, so you can actually walk along sections of the riverbank. The autumn light, especially in late afternoon, turns the red rock formations incredible shades of orange and amber. It's about 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty, so a full day commitment, but October conditions make it much more pleasant than summer.
Medeu ice skating and Shymbulak cable car
The Medeu skating rink at 1,691 m (5,548 ft) typically opens for the season in late October, weather permitting, and you'll catch it right as they're flooding the ice for winter. Even if skating isn't open yet, the cable car to Shymbulak at 2,260 m (7,415 ft) runs year-round and October offers stunning views of autumn valleys below and early snow on peaks above. The air is crisp and clear, visibility can reach 50-60 km (31-37 miles) on good days, and you avoid both summer hiking crowds and winter ski crowds. The upper cable car station has cafes where you can sit with tea and just absorb the mountain views.
Kok-Tobe Hill and evening city views
October evenings get properly dark by 7pm, which makes Kok-Tobe's city overlook particularly atmospheric. The cable car ride up from Dostyk Avenue gives you panoramic views as the city lights start twinkling below, and the cooler temperatures (usually 8-12°C or 46-54°F in the evening) are actually pleasant rather than the cold bite of winter. The hilltop has cafes, a small amusement area, and walking paths through pine forest. On clear October nights, you can see the illuminated mountains to the south and the entire grid of Almaty spread below. The air quality tends to be better in October than winter months when inversion traps smog.
Altyn-Emel National Park multi-day trips
October is actually one of the better months for Altyn-Emel because summer heat (which can be brutal in this desert landscape) has broken, but roads are still passable before winter weather. The Singing Dune, Aktau Mountains (those otherworldly white and red striped formations), and wildlife viewing are all more comfortable in 15-20°C (59-68°F) temperatures rather than 35°C plus (95°F plus). You might spot Goitered gazelles and wild donkeys more easily because they're more active in cooler weather. The park is about 250 km (155 miles) northeast of Almaty, so this requires at least two days to do properly.
October Events & Festivals
Apple Festival at Green Bazaar
This informal celebration of apple harvest happens throughout October, though it's not a single-day event with official programming. You'll see special displays of different apple varieties, vendors offering tastings, and locals buying apples by the crate for winter storage. The Aport apple, which originated in this region and can grow as large as 500-900 grams (1.1-2 lbs) per apple, is the star. It's more of a cultural moment than a formal festival, but worth experiencing if you're interested in Central Asian food culture and agriculture.
Republic Day
October 25th is Republic Day, a national holiday celebrating Kazakhstan's sovereignty. You'll see flags throughout the city, and there are usually concerts and events in Panfilov Park and Republic Square. Many businesses close, and locals treat it as a day off. If you're in Almaty on this date, expect some restaurants and shops to have reduced hours, but the festive atmosphere in central areas can be interesting to observe.