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Almaty - Things to Do in Almaty in September

Things to Do in Almaty in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Almaty

24°C (76°F) High Temp
12°C (53°F) Low Temp
28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

  • Early autumn weather is genuinely perfect for hiking - temperatures hover between 12-24°C (53-76°F), which means you can tackle the higher altitude trails around Shymbulak and Big Almaty Lake without overheating or freezing. The air is crisp but not biting, and you'll actually want to be outside all day.
  • September marks apple harvest season in the surrounding valleys, and you'll find locals selling fresh apples, honey, and preserves at every market. The Green Bazaar becomes especially vibrant with seasonal produce, and prices drop significantly compared to summer tourist months - expect to pay 30-40% less for accommodations than August.
  • This is shoulder season, so major sites like Kok Tobe and Medeu are noticeably less crowded than summer. You can actually get decent photos at popular viewpoints without waiting for crowds to clear, and restaurant reservations are much easier to secure, even on weekends.
  • The mountains start showing early autumn colors by late September, particularly at higher elevations around 2,000-2,500 m (6,562-8,202 ft). The contrast between golden aspens and evergreen forests against snow-capped peaks creates genuinely spectacular photography conditions, especially in morning light.

Considerations

  • Weather is genuinely unpredictable in September - you might get a warm 24°C (76°F) day followed by a chilly 8°C (46°F) morning the next day. Those 10 rainy days can appear without much warning, and afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains can roll in quickly, which complicates hiking plans if you're not flexible.
  • Daylight hours are shrinking noticeably - by late September, sunset hits around 7pm, giving you less time for outdoor activities compared to summer. If you're planning mountain excursions, you'll need to start earlier to make the most of daylight, particularly for longer hikes.
  • Some higher altitude destinations like Turgen Waterfalls or Kolsai Lakes might experience early cold snaps, and occasional overnight temperatures near freezing at elevations above 2,500 m (8,202 ft) can make camping uncomfortable without proper gear. A few mountain guesthouses start reducing services or closing for the season by late September.

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Best Activities in September

Big Almaty Lake Mountain Hiking

September weather makes this the ideal month for the 12 km (7.5 mile) round-trip hike to Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 m (8,238 ft). The temperature at this altitude sits comfortably around 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day, perfect for sustained uphill hiking without the summer heat exhaustion risk. The lake's turquoise color is most vibrant in early autumn, and you'll likely see locals doing the same hike - it's when Almaty residents actually go themselves. Morning starts are best to avoid afternoon cloud buildup that can obscure mountain views.

Booking Tip: Most visitors do this independently via taxi to the lower parking area, but guided hiking tours typically cost 8,000-15,000 KZT per person and include transportation from the city. Book 3-5 days ahead during September weekends when local hiking groups are most active. Check the booking widget below for current guided options that include permits, as the lake sits in a border security zone requiring documentation.

Shymbulak Ski Resort Mountain Activities

While skiing hasn't started yet, September is actually perfect for taking the gondola up to 3,200 m (10,499 ft) for hiking and mountain biking trails that are too hot in summer and snow-covered in winter. The temperature differential between city and summit is dramatic - you'll experience a 10-12°C (18-22°F) drop, so layering is essential. The resort restaurants are quieter, and gondola lines are minimal compared to ski season. This is when serious hikers tackle the trail to Talgar Pass.

Booking Tip: Gondola tickets run 3,000-5,000 KZT and can be purchased on-site - no advance booking needed in September. Mountain bike rentals at the base cost 2,500-4,000 KZT per hour. For guided mountain biking or hiking tours in this area, expect to pay 12,000-20,000 KZT per person. See current tour options in the booking section below for packages that include equipment and guides.

Charyn Canyon Day Excursions

September is arguably the best month for Charyn Canyon, located 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty. Summer temperatures here regularly exceed 35°C (95°F), making the canyon floor walk brutal, but September brings it down to a manageable 20-25°C (68-77°F). The 2-3 hour hike through the Valley of Castles is actually enjoyable rather than an endurance test. The Charyn River is still flowing well from summer melt, and autumn light creates better photography conditions in the red rock formations.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 KZT per person including transportation, guide, and sometimes lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead as this is a popular weekend trip for locals in September. Tours usually depart around 7-8am and return by 6-7pm. Private car hire with driver runs 35,000-50,000 KZT for the day if you want more flexibility. Check the booking widget for current tour operators offering this route.

Green Bazaar and Food Market Tours

September is harvest season, which transforms the Green Bazaar into something genuinely special rather than just a tourist stop. You'll find seasonal produce that doesn't appear other months - fresh walnuts, honey straight from beekeepers, various apple varieties from nearby orchards, and homemade preserves. The weather is comfortable enough to spend 2-3 hours wandering without wilting, and locals are shopping for winter preserving supplies, so you'll see authentic market activity rather than just tourist transactions.

Booking Tip: Food and market walking tours typically run 8,000-12,000 KZT per person for 2-3 hours and include tastings. Book 3-4 days ahead for weekend tours. These tours usually cover Green Bazaar plus 2-3 other food stops around the city center. Independent visits are free obviously, but guided tours help navigate vendors and explain seasonal specialties you'd otherwise miss. See current food tour options in the booking section.

Medeu Ice Skating Complex and Mountain Valley

The outdoor ice rink at Medeu, sitting at 1,691 m (5,548 ft), typically opens for the season in late September or early October depending on weather. Even before skating season starts, the valley itself is worth visiting in September for the mountain scenery and the walk up the 842 steps to the dam - a popular local fitness activity. The temperature here runs 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than downtown Almaty, making it refreshing for outdoor activity. The surrounding trails offer excellent short hikes with mountain views.

Booking Tip: Entrance to the complex costs 500-1,000 KZT, and skating (once open) adds another 2,000-3,000 KZT including skate rental. Half-day tours from the city typically cost 8,000-12,000 KZT and often combine Medeu with Shymbulak since they're in the same valley. Taxi from central Almaty runs about 3,000-4,000 KZT one way. Check current tour options below that combine multiple mountain valley stops.

Kok Tobe Hill Cable Car and City Views

September weather makes the cable car ride and hilltop visit more pleasant than summer heat or winter cold. At 1,100 m (3,609 ft), Kok Tobe offers panoramic city and mountain views that are especially clear in early autumn before winter inversions set in. The temperature up top is typically 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than downtown, comfortable for the 30-40 minute walk around the observation areas and small amusement park. Late afternoon visits around 5-6pm offer the best light for mountain photography before sunset.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2,000-3,000 KZT round trip and can be purchased on-site - lines are minimal in September compared to summer. Some city tours include Kok Tobe as part of a half-day or full-day itinerary for 10,000-15,000 KZT per person. The hilltop has restaurants and cafes if you want to time your visit around sunset, which happens around 7pm in early September and 6:30pm by late September. See booking options below for city tours that include this stop.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Apple Festival in Almaty Region

Kazakhstan is actually the ancestral home of apples - the wild Malus sieversii that all modern apples descend from grows in these mountains. Various communities in the Almaty region hold informal apple festivals and harvest celebrations in September, particularly in villages like Talgar and Issyk. These aren't heavily organized tourist events but rather local celebrations with apple tastings, traditional foods, and sometimes folk performances. Worth asking your hotel or guide about specific dates as they vary by community and harvest timing.

September 6

Constitution Day

September 6th is Constitution Day, a public holiday in Kazakhstan. Government offices and some businesses close, but tourist sites generally remain open. You might see official ceremonies and cultural performances in Republic Square and Panfilov Park. It's not a major tourist draw but worth knowing about for planning purposes - banks and government services will be unavailable, and some restaurants may have modified hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system is non-negotiable - pack a light down jacket or fleece for mountain excursions where temperatures can drop to 5-10°C (41-50°F) even when the city is 20°C (68°F). The 12°C (22°F) temperature swing between day and night catches tourists off guard.
Waterproof hiking boots rated for light trails - you'll be doing elevation changes of 500-800 m (1,640-2,625 ft) on most mountain hikes, and those 10 rainy days mean muddy trails. Sneakers don't cut it for Big Almaty Lake or Shymbulak trails.
Packable rain jacket rather than umbrella - afternoon mountain storms come with wind that makes umbrellas useless. Rain typically lasts 20-30 minutes but can be heavy, and you'll want your hands free for hiking anyway.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and good sunglasses - that UV index of 8 is no joke, especially at altitude where UV exposure increases about 10% per 1,000 m (3,281 ft). Mountain reflection intensifies this further.
Breathable long pants for hiking, not shorts - trails can have overgrown vegetation, and the temperature variability means shorts leave you cold at higher elevations. Quick-dry fabric works better than cotton given the humidity.
Light scarf or buff - useful for dusty conditions at Charyn Canyon, cool morning starts, and as an extra layer. Locals wear these constantly and you'll understand why after one mountain morning.
Reusable water bottle at least 1 liter (34 oz) - mountain hikes require serious hydration, and while some trails have springs, you can't count on water sources. Tap water in Almaty isn't reliably drinkable.
Small daypack 20-30 liters (1,220-1,831 cubic inches) - you'll be carrying layers, water, snacks, and camera gear on day trips. Hotel safes are standard for leaving valuables behind during excursions.
Power adapter for Type C and Type F European-style outlets - Kazakhstan uses 220V. Most modern electronics handle voltage conversion, but you'll need the physical plug adapter.
Cash in small denominations - while Almaty has good ATM coverage and card acceptance, mountain areas, markets, and taxi drivers often prefer cash. Having 1,000 and 500 KZT notes makes transactions smoother.

Insider Knowledge

Start mountain hikes by 8-9am, not just for daylight but because afternoon cloud buildup is common in September. By 2-3pm, mountain views can completely disappear into clouds, and that's also when those afternoon thunderstorms tend to develop. Locals know this and you'll see parking areas full by 9am on weekends.
The city's public transportation actually works well - download the Almaty bus app or use 2GIS for navigation. Buses cost 150 KZT, and the new metro line opened in 2024 connects major areas for 80 KZT. Taxis through Yandex or InDriver typically cost 800-1,500 KZT for cross-city trips, much cheaper than tourist taxis at hotels.
Book mountain accommodations and guesthouses for late September at least 2-3 weeks ahead - many reduce capacity or close by early October for the season, so availability shrinks fast. City hotels are easier but still book 7-10 days ahead for better rates, as September sees both tourists and business travel picking up after summer.
Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices, not hotels - rates at hotels are typically 5-8% worse. ATMs give decent rates but charge 1-2% fees. Credit cards work at major establishments but carry cash for markets, small restaurants, and mountain areas where card readers are unreliable.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - Almaty sits at 700-900 m (2,297-2,953 ft) and popular hiking destinations jump to 2,000-3,200 m (6,562-10,499 ft). Even fit travelers feel the elevation change. Take the first day easy, stay hydrated, and don't plan your most ambitious hike for day one. Altitude headaches are common and preventable with proper acclimatization.
Assuming mountain weather matches city weather - checking Almaty's forecast tells you nothing about conditions at Big Almaty Lake or Shymbulak. Temperature drops roughly 6-7°C per 1,000 m elevation gain (3.5°F per 1,000 ft), and mountains create their own weather patterns. Always pack for 10-15°C (18-27°F) colder than the city forecast when heading to elevation.
Skipping travel insurance that covers mountain activities - standard policies often exclude hiking above certain elevations or adventure activities. September mountain conditions can change quickly, and helicopter evacuations from remote areas cost 500,000-1,000,000 KZT or more. Verify your policy specifically covers hiking at 2,500+ m (8,202+ ft) elevations.

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