Astana, Kazakhstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Astana, Kazakhstan? If you're planning to go to Astana, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Astana, Kazakhstan

Based on the climate and weather in Astana, Kazakhstan, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Astana, Kazakhstan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Astana, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Astana, Kazakhstan by month

January

Traveling to Astana in January, you will notice that it is unbearably cold and extremely snowy. Expect it to snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Astana in February, you will notice that it is unbearably cold and extremely snowy. Expect it to snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March for Astana can be bitter cold and very snowy. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Astana in April, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Astana is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Astana in June, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

In July, Astana is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Astana, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Astana during August, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Astana is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Astana, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Astana in October, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Astana can be extremely cold and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. It also snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Astana can be dangerously cold and extremely snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Kazakhstan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Astana. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to visit the must-see Khazret Sultan Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Astana tourism authority.

If you visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Astana, Kazakhstan

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Central Asia. This city, which was once a small provincial town, has transformed into a bustling megalopolis with towering skyscrapers, ambitious architectural designs, and a thriving cultural and entertainment scene. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Astana that you should not miss when you visit.

Bayterek Tower

One of the most iconic landmarks in Astana is the Bayterek Tower. Located in the heart of the city, this 97-meter-tall tower represents a tree of life that holds the aspirations and dreams of the Kazakh people. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Another impressive architectural feat in Astana is the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. This building, designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster, boasts a unique pyramid-shaped structure and houses a concert hall and an exhibition center. The highlight of the palace is the stained-glass apex, which depicts doves of peace.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

For those looking for indoor entertainment, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is a must-visit. This futuristic-looking structure, resembling a giant tent, is the largest indoor entertainment complex in the world. It features a variety of attractions such as an indoor beach, shopping center, and an ice-skating rink.

Astana Opera

Art lovers will appreciate a visit to the Astana Opera, which is one of the top cultural attractions in the city. The Astana Opera is a world-class theater that regularly hosts performances by local and international artists, such as ballet, opera, and symphony concerts.

Old City

For a taste of the city's history and culture, the Old City or the "Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex" is a great place to explore. This outdoor museum showcases the various ethnic groups that make up Kazakhstan, with exhibits showcasing their traditions, customs, and way of life.

National Museum of Kazakhstan

Finally, the National Museum of Kazakhstan is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about Kazakhstan's history and culture. This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and galleries depicting the country's rich heritage, including displays on its nomadic traditions, ancient artifacts, and modern-day culture.

Conclusion

Astana is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions mix with modernity. With its futuristic architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, there is always something new and exciting to see and do in this dynamic metropolis. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to pack your bags and explore the top tourist attractions in Astana, Kazakhstan.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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