The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months of July and August. Although it’s very hot, with temperatures around 86°F, this is when the country’s bazaars are at their most lively.
It’s also the ideal season to explore the country’s mountainous areas and hiking trails, which are out of bounds at other times of the year. The high-altitude winters linger for a long time, barring travel through high mountain passes.
Kyrgyzstan’s position in the heart of Central Asia means it has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers where temperatures can reach 90°F, and bitterly cold winters where they can plummet to 23°F.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Kyrgyzstan
Visiting Kyrgyzstan in January - March
Winter descends on Kyrgyzstan and temperatures plummet as snow blocks some high mountain passes, making several areas unreachable. We advise against travel in these months.
Visiting Kyrgyzstan in April - May
At this time of year, the country starts waking up after its long winter lull. Ger camps are still closed, but you’ll start to see people working in the fields in rural areas. There can be heavy spells of rain but, by late April, the spring flowers are in full bloom. Roads to mountain passes begin to open up.
Visiting Kyrgyzstan in June - September
This is Kyrgyzstan’s summertime, so you can expect low rainfall and temperatures to rise steadily, reaching an average of 80.6°F in July. The ger camps of Song-Kul and Tash Rabat open, but the nights are still cold in these mountainous locations. Lake Issyk-Kul, with its mild, temperate climate, is particularly pleasant to visit at this time of year.
Visiting Kyrgyzstan in October - December
The ger camps close as nomads leave the jailoos (summer pastures) and the days grow significantly colder. Travel is still possible in October, if you’re prepared to put up with greater chances of rain and more unpredictable weather. You’re likely to see far fewer foreign visitors at this time of year. Then, in November and December, winter again closes its grip on the country, making travel here during the final months of the year arduous and sometimes impossible.
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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