Astana in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Astana

-3°C (27°F) High Temp

-11°C (12°F) Low Temp

28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

74% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Winter wonderland experience - Astana transforms into a snow-covered architectural marvel with the Bayterek Tower and Palace of Peace creating impressive winter silhouettes against crisp blue skies
Indoor cultural season peaks - opera houses, theaters, and museums host their best programming while locals embrace indoor entertainment, making November perfect for cultural immersion
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with luxury properties like the St. Regis offering winter packages at ₸25,000-35,000 ($55-77) per night
Authentic local experience - tourists are rare in November, allowing genuine interactions with locals who appreciate visitors braving their winter, plus traditional beshbarmak and horse meat dishes taste best in cold weather

Considerations

Extreme cold limits outdoor exploration - temperatures below -10°C (14°F) make walking tours uncomfortable beyond 30-45 minutes, requiring constant indoor warming breaks
Limited daylight hours - sun rises at 8:30am and sets by 5:30pm, giving only 9 hours of daylight for sightseeing and photography
Weather unpredictability - November storms can ground flights for 1-2 days, and sudden temperature drops to -25°C (-13°F) happen 2-3 times per month

Best Activities in November

Nur-Sultan Architecture Walking Tours

November's snow creates the most photogenic conditions for Astana's futuristic skyline. The contrast between modern glass buildings and traditional yurts covered in snow is spectacular. Cold weather means crystal-clear air for photography, and the golden hour light at 4pm creates perfect conditions for capturing the Bayterek Tower and Khan Shatyr. Indoor warming stops every 30-40 minutes at shopping centers.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead for ₸8,000-12,000 ($18-27) per person. Look for tours that include indoor cultural stops and transportation between sites. Many operators offer hot tea breaks at traditional teahouses. See current architectural tour options in the booking section below.

Kazakhstan National Museum Winter Exhibitions

November marks the start of winter exhibition season when the Banjul unveils special collections focusing on Kazakh winter traditions and nomadic heritage. The museum's climate-controlled environment provides perfect respite from outdoor cold, and November crowds are minimal, allowing intimate viewing of artifacts. Special evening programs run until 9pm on Thursdays.

Booking Tip: Entry typically costs ₸1,500-2,500 ($3-6) for adults. Book special exhibition tickets online 1-2 weeks ahead as winter programs have limited capacity. Look for combination tickets that include the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Current museum tours available in the booking section below.

Traditional Banya and Spa Experiences

November's harsh weather makes traditional Russian banyas and Kazakh spa treatments essential local experiences. After outdoor sightseeing in -10°C (14°F) temperatures, the contrast of 80°C (176°F) steam rooms feels incredible. Many facilities offer traditional platza (birch branch) treatments and horse milk therapies unique to the region.

Booking Tip: Premium spa experiences cost ₸15,000-25,000 ($33-55) for 2-3 hour sessions. Book traditional banyas for ₸5,000-8,000 ($11-18). Reserve weekend slots 1 week ahead as locals heavily use these facilities in winter. Look for packages including traditional tea service.

Indoor Food Market and Cooking Class Tours

November signals the start of comfort food season when traditional dishes like beshbarmak, kazy (horse sausage), and baursak are at their peak. Almaty and covered markets provide warm environments to explore Central Asian cuisine. Cooking classes focus on winter warming dishes that locals actually prepare at home during cold months.

Booking Tip: Market tours typically cost ₸6,000-10,000 ($13-22) including tastings. Cooking classes range ₸12,000-18,000 ($27-40) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 1 week ahead as winter classes have smaller groups. Look for classes that include traditional bread making and fermented mare's milk preparation.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation Winter Events

November hosts the palace's winter cultural program featuring traditional Kazakh throat singing, classical concerts, and interfaith dialogue sessions. The pyramid's unique acoustics are showcased in intimate winter performances with audiences of 50-100 people. The building's heating system creates a tropical microclimate inside while snow covers the exterior glass.

Booking Tip: Event tickets range ₸3,000-8,000 ($7-18) depending on performance type. Book cultural events 2 weeks ahead through the official website as winter programming sells out quickly among locals seeking indoor entertainment. Check for combination tickets with guided architecture tours.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Complex Full-Day Experience

This massive tent creates an artificial tropical climate year-round, making it perfect for November's brutal weather. The complex includes an indoor beach resort with 35°C (95°F) temperatures, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The temperature contrast from -10°C (14°F) outside to tropical conditions inside is surreal and uniquely Astana.

Booking Tip: Beach resort day passes cost ₸4,000-6,000 ($9-13) for adults. Full complex access with activities ranges ₸8,000-12,000 ($18-27). No advance booking needed, but weekend afternoons get crowded with local families. Budget extra for food and shopping inside the complex.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Astana Opera Winter Season Opening

The capital's premier opera house launches its winter season with gala performances featuring Kazakh national opera alongside Russian classics. November programming typically includes Abai opera (Kazakhstan's national composer) and special guest performances from Bolshoi artists. The theater's heating creates a luxurious refuge from outdoor cold.

Throughout November

Republican Day of Kazakhstan Preparation Events

Throughout November, cultural centers host preparatory events for the October 25th Republican Day celebration, including traditional craft workshops, historical exhibitions, and community gatherings. These offer authentic cultural experiences as locals prepare for the national holiday.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -25°C (-13°F) - sidewalks are icy and you'll walk on snow for 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) daily between heated buildings

Layering system with merino wool base layer - indoor buildings are heated to 22-24°C (72-75°F) so you need to add/remove layers constantly

Wind-proof outer shell jacket - Astana's steppe location creates brutal wind chill that drops feels-like temperature by 10°C (18°F)

Insulated gloves plus liner gloves - you'll remove outer gloves frequently for photos and phone use in -10°C (14°F) conditions

Warm hat covering ears - frostbite risk is real when temperatures drop to -20°C (-4°F) with wind

Moisturizing cream and lip balm - 74% humidity drops significantly indoors with heating, causing severe skin drying

Sunglasses - snow reflection creates intense glare even with UV index of 2, especially during 9-hour daylight window

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster, and you'll need GPS navigation between heated stops

Cash in small denominations - many traditional establishments don't accept cards, and tipping culture expects ₸500-1,000 notes

Indoor walking shoes - you'll spend 60-70% of time in heated buildings, so comfortable indoor footwear is essential

Insider Knowledge

Local buses and taxis crank heating to 25-27°C (77-81°F) in November - dress in removable layers or you'll overheat during 20-30 minute rides between attractions

Thursday evenings are locals' preferred time for cultural activities since Friday is a shorter work day - museums and galleries host special programming with wine and traditional snacks

Many restaurants switch to winter menus in November featuring traditional horse meat dishes and fermented mare's milk - try kurt (dried cheese balls) which locals eat constantly during cold weather

The covered pedestrian walkways connecting major buildings downtown are lifesavers - locals rarely walk outside for more than 5 minutes at a time in November temperatures

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cold - tourists pack for -5°C (23°F) but November regularly hits -15°C (5°F) with wind chill reaching -25°C (-13°F), making outdoor activities dangerous without proper gear

Planning too much outdoor sightseeing - limit walking tours to 45 minutes maximum before indoor warming breaks, or risk frostbite and hypothermia

Not checking flight weather policies - November storms ground planes for 24-48 hours, so book flexible tickets and arrive 1-2 days before important events or onward flights