Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Traveling to Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan? If you're planning to go to Issyk Kul, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Based on the climate and weather in Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan by month

January

January for Issyk Kul is unbearably cold. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day of the month. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like 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. Be careful to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

February

February here is unbearably cold. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day of the month. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

March

March for Issyk Kul is frosty. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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

  • Super portable foldable travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

April

April for Issyk Kul is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

May

If you are traveling to Issyk Kul in May, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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

    Our fave is this one

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

June

June here is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost once in a while. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 Issyk Kul. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Super portable foldable travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you are traveling to Issyk Kul in July, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

August

If you go to Issyk Kul in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

September

Traveling to Issyk Kul in September, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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

  • Ultraportable travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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 pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect 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.

October

October here is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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 neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Super portable foldable travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

November

Traveling to Issyk Kul in November, you will notice that it is freezing. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • 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 Issyk Kul. 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

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in this region is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day of the month. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul. 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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 neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Indiantown, Florida, United States of America, Serbia, Serbia, Ko Hae, Thailand, Taganga, Colombia, Bophut, Thailand, Achill Island, Ireland, South Ossetia, South Ossetia, Eksjö, Sweden, Zarqa, Jordan, Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico, and La Guajira, Colombia.