Astana in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Astana

-1°C (29°F) High Temp

-11°C (13°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

impressive winter architecture photography - Bayterek Tower and government buildings covered in snow create dramatic contrasts against clear blue skies that occur 18-20 days in March
Significantly lower accommodation costs - hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer months, with luxury properties like Rixos President offering winter packages at ₸25,000-35,000 ($55-77) per night
Authentic local winter culture experience - witness how Kazakhs embrace harsh winters with traditional foods like beshbarmak and kumys served hot in cozy restaurants, plus ice fishing on frozen Ishim River
Perfect indoor museum weather - spend comfortable hours in Banjul of Kazakhstan and Palace of Independence without competing with summer tourist crowds, with guided tours available in smaller groups of 6-8 people instead of 20-25

Considerations

Extreme cold limits outdoor activities - temperatures feel like -18°C to -22°C (-0°F to -8°F) with wind chill, making walking tours uncomfortable beyond 15-20 minute intervals
Limited daylight for sightseeing - sun rises at 7:30am and sets by 6:15pm, giving only 10.5 hours of daylight for outdoor exploration
Unpredictable weather changes - March brings rapid temperature swings from -15°C to +5°C (5°F to 41°F) within 24 hours, making daily planning challenging

Best Activities in March

Indoor Cultural Complex Tours

March's harsh weather makes this the ideal time to explore Astana's world-class indoor attractions. The Banjul of Kazakhstan maintains perfect climate control while outside temperatures hover around -6°C (21°F). Smaller winter tour groups mean more personalized experiences with guides who can spend extra time explaining Kazakhstan's nomadic history without rushing through exhibits.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through hotel concierges or local cultural tour operators. Tours typically cost ₸8,000-12,000 ($18-27) and last 3-4 hours with indoor heating throughout. Look for operators offering warm transport between venues - essential in March weather.

Traditional Kazakh Winter Dining Experiences

March is peak season for authentic winter foods that locals rely on during harsh months. Restaurant terraces are closed, but interior dining rooms feature traditional heating and serve hot dishes like shorpa (lamb soup) and tea ceremonies that are less appealing in summer heat. Evening dining from 6-9pm avoids the coldest outdoor temperatures.

Booking Tip: Reserve tables at traditional restaurants 24-48 hours ahead. Multi-course winter tasting menus range ₸15,000-25,000 ($33-55) per person. Seek restaurants with covered parking or valet service to minimize outdoor exposure in sub-zero temperatures.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Complex Activities

This massive indoor entertainment center becomes a winter refuge for locals and tourists alike. March temperatures make the indoor tropical climate feel like great destination, with beach volleyball courts, shopping, and restaurants maintaining 22-24°C (72-75°F) while outside sits at -8°C (18°F). The indoor monorail and artificial beach are particularly surreal contrasts to the frozen cityscape visible through the transparent roof.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for general entry, but reserve specific activities like mini-golf or cinema 2-3 hours ahead. Day passes for activities typically cost ₸5,000-8,000 ($11-18). Plan 4-6 hours to fully experience the complex and warm up between outdoor sightseeing stops.

Spa and Wellness Center Treatments

March's brutal cold makes traditional Kazakh spa treatments especially appealing to locals and visitors. Many hotels offer banya (Russian-style sauna) experiences and thermal treatments that feel incredible after walking in -10°C (14°F) weather. The contrast between outdoor temperatures and heated pools creates a uniquely satisfying experience impossible in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Book spa treatments 2-3 days ahead, especially weekend slots. Full spa days with multiple treatments range ₸20,000-35,000 ($44-77). Choose facilities with heated indoor pools and ask about traditional Kazakh massage techniques using warming oils designed for winter months.

Shopping Mall and Market Tours

March drives locals indoors to massive shopping complexes like Mega Silk Way and local markets housed in heated buildings. This provides authentic glimpses of daily Kazakh life during winter months, plus opportunities to buy traditional warm clothing and winter foods. Indoor markets sell felt boots, fur hats, and dried horse meat snacks that locals consume during harsh weather.

Booking Tip: No booking required, but guided shopping tours focusing on Kazakh winter goods cost ₸6,000-10,000 ($13-22) for 2-3 hours. Visit between 11am-4pm when indoor areas are most active with locals avoiding peak cold hours. Bring extra cash for unique winter items unavailable in summer.

Winter Photography Workshops

March offers dramatic winter cityscape photography opportunities impossible in other seasons. Snow-covered Bayterek Tower against bright blue skies, frozen Ishim River reflections, and contrast between modern architecture and winter landscape create impressive shots. Professional photographers run specialized winter workshops teaching techniques for extreme cold conditions.

Booking Tip: Book photography tours 1-2 weeks ahead through local photography groups or cultural centers. Half-day workshops cost ₸12,000-18,000 ($26-40) including equipment protection for cold weather. Sessions last 2-3 hours with frequent indoor warming breaks at cafes between shooting locations.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March, culminating March 21st

Nauryz Meiramy Preparation Period

While Nauryz (Kazakh New Year) occurs March 21st, the entire month features preparation activities including traditional craft workshops, early celebrations at cultural centers, and special winter-to-spring transition ceremonies. Hotels and restaurants begin offering Nauryz-themed menus and cultural performances.

Early to Mid March

Winter Sports Championships

March typically hosts final winter sporting events before spring thaw, including ice hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions at local arenas. These provide authentic local entertainment during harsh weather periods when outdoor activities are limited.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated for -20°C (-4°F) with non-slip soles - sidewalks remain icy through March and regular shoes become dangerous

Thermal underwear (merino wool base layers) - essential for any outdoor walking as cotton becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and sub-zero temps

Down-filled parka or winter coat rated for -25°C (-13°F) - March wind chill makes temperatures feel 8-10 degrees colder than actual air temperature

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - exposed skin can get frostbite in under 10 minutes during coldest March days

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - indoor heating and cold dry air cause severe skin cracking that tourists often underestimate

Portable phone charger and keep devices warm - batteries drain 40-60% faster in sub-zero temperatures common throughout March

Sunglasses for snow glare - bright sunny days with snow reflection create intense glare, especially during midday hours 11am-2pm

Hand and foot warmers (disposable) - invaluable for outdoor photography or extended walking between indoor venues

Waterproof outer layer - March brings 10 days of precipitation, often as wet snow that penetrates regular winter coats

Cash in small bills - many indoor vendors, taxi drivers, and small restaurants prefer cash during winter months when card readers may freeze

Insider Knowledge

Locals plan indoor activities between 10am-4pm to maximize limited daylight, then retreat to heated venues during coldest evening hours - follow this pattern for comfort and cultural authenticity

Hotel lobbies and major shopping centers become informal social gathering spaces during March cold snaps - these are excellent places to observe local winter culture and warm up between outdoor activities

March 2025 brings new heated walkway connections between major downtown buildings - ask hotel concierges for updated underground route maps to minimize outdoor exposure

Most tour guides charge 20-30% less in March compared to summer months and offer more flexible scheduling since demand is lower - negotiate longer indoor tours with multiple warming breaks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly cold weather becomes dangerous - tourists often plan 2-3 hour outdoor walks that become miserable after 20-30 minutes in -8°C (18°F) temperatures

Packing only one warm layer instead of multiple lighter layers - indoor venues maintain 20-22°C (68-72°F), making heavy single coats uncomfortable when moving between heated and unheated spaces

Not checking daily weather updates - March brings rapid temperature swings that can change outdoor activity feasibility within hours, requiring flexible daily planning