Weather locations in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world: more than 80 per cent of its territory lies above 1,000 metres, with the Tien Shan chain dominating the north and the Pamir spur reaching the Chinese border. It is landlocked and cut off from the ocean, so the weather is strongly continental and the seasons are sharply separated. High valleys stay cold for most of the year, while the lowest basins, including the Ferghana Valley and the Chuy steppe around Bishkek, are hot by Central Asian standards.

Main climate types

The country falls mainly into the continental and alpine groups of the Köppen classification, with semi-arid steppe over the dry interior basins and a cold desert climate on high plateau. The Tien Shan passes into a montane tundra and ice climate above the permanent snow line, which lies near 4,000 metres on the northern range and a little higher in the south.

Temperatures

Bishkek averages about -4 °C to -5 °C in January and about 21 °C to 22 °C in July, showing the wide seasonal range. Southern cities such as Osh average a little warmer in July and slightly milder in January. Mountain spots are far colder, with January means below freezing over most of the high country and snow on the peaks all year. Summer nights in the valleys are pleasant.

Rainfall

Annual totals are modest, roughly 400 mm to 450 mm at Bishkek and around 500 mm in the Ferghana Valley, rising to between 800 mm and 1,000 mm on the northern slopes of the Tien Shan. Most rain comes in spring and early summer as thunderstorms, while winter brings snow rather than rain in the mountains. Snow depth above 2,000 metres is substantial and stays into the spring.

When to go

June to September is the best time for trekking and for the mountain passes, when the high passes are clear and the valleys are green. Winter suits the high valleys for snow and low-season rates, and most road links in the north operate year-round.