Bishkek and the Northwest, Kyrgyzstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Bishkek and the Northwest, Kyrgyzstan? If you're planning to go to Bishkek and the Northwest, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Bishkek and the Northwest
- Important essentials for Bishkek and the Northwest
- Activities for Bishkek and the Northwest
- Bishkek and the Northwest in January: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in February: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in March: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in April: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in May: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in June: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in July: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in August: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in September: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in October: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in November: weather and what to pack
- Bishkek and the Northwest in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Bishkek and the Northwest, Kyrgyzstan
Based on the climate and weather in Bishkek and the Northwest, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Bishkek and the Northwest, Kyrgyzstan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bishkek and the Northwest, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Bishkek and the Northwest. 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.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Bishkek and the Northwest, Kyrgyzstan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Bishkek and the Northwest, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
February
February here can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains occasionally and snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Bishkek and the Northwest, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
March
In March, Bishkek and the Northwest is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Bishkek and the Northwest, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Bishkek and the Northwest, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
April
If you are traveling to Bishkek and the Northwest in April, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
May
In May, Bishkek and the Northwest is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Bishkek and the Northwest, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
June
In June, Bishkek and the Northwest is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very dry. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Bishkek and the Northwest, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 40%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
July
In July, Bishkek and the Northwest is consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very dry. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Bishkek and the Northwest, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 30%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you visit Bishkek and the Northwest during August, you will probably see that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
September
Traveling to Bishkek and the Northwest in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
October
Traveling to Bishkek and the Northwest in October, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in Bishkek and the Northwest is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Bishkek and the Northwest, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
December
December in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Bishkek and the Northwest, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
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