Things to Do in Astana

About Astana

Rising from the vast Kazakh steppe like a vision of the future, Astana defies every expectation of what a capital city should be. This is where centuries-old nomadic traditions meet audacious 21st-century architecture, creating a cityscape so surreal it seems pulled from science fiction. In less than three decades, Kazakhstan transformed a Soviet-era town into a bold declaration of national identity—a place where East and West collide in the most unexpected ways.

Travel Tips

• Taxi**: Download Yandex.Taxi or InDrive apps before arriving—regular taxis will quote tourists 2000-3000 tenge for rides that should cost 600-1000 tenge, and these apps show the exact price upfront with no haggling needed.

When to Visit

# When to Visit Astana

Astana (now officially Nur-Sultan, though commonly still called Astana) experiences extreme continental weather with dramatic seasonal variations that significantly impact the visitor experience. Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F), occasionally reaching 35°C (95°F) in July, when the city hosts Capital Day on July 6th with elaborate celebrations including fireworks, concerts, and military parades; however, this peak season brings higher hotel prices (increasing 30-50%) and larger crowds at attractions like Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) represent ideal shoulder seasons with pleasant temperatures of 12-22°C (54-72°F) and 10-20°C (50-68°F) respectively, offering comfortable sightseeing conditions, lower accommodation costs, and the chance to witness Nauryz (Persian New Year) celebrations in late March with traditional festivities throughout the city, though be prepared for occasional rain showers averaging 8-10 days per month. Winter (November-March) is brutally cold with temperatures plummeting to -15°C to -30°C (5°F to -22°F), regularly dropping below -35°C (-31°F) in January and February, making this the least expensive time to visit with hotel rates 40-60% lower than summer, and while attractions remain open and the futuristic architecture looks striking against snow, outdoor exploration becomes challenging despite the city being well-prepared for winter conditions; this period does offer unique experiences like witnessing the frozen Ishim River and visiting indoor attractions such as Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center. Early winter (late October-early November) sees rapid temperature drops from 5°C to -10°C (41°F to 14°F) with frequent snowfall beginning, while late spring (April-early May) experiences unpredictable weather with temperatures fluctuating between -5°C and 15°C (23-59°F), muddy conditions from melting snow, and strong winds that can reach 50-70 km/h, making these transitional months generally less recommended despite being the quietest and cheapest times to visit outside of deep winter.