Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan? If you're planning to go to Issyk Kul, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Issyk Kul
- Important essentials for Issyk Kul
- Activities for Issyk Kul
- Issyk Kul in January: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in February: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in March: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in April: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in May: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in June: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in July: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in August: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in September: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in October: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul in November: weather and what to pack
- Issyk Kul 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 Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Based on the climate and weather in Issyk Kul, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Issyk Kul, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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 may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thick pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Issyk Kul, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Issyk Kul has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Issyk Kul is biting 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 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a head protector at night here like this
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated gloves
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Issyk Kul, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Issyk Kul has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March for Issyk Kul can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost nearly every day this month. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Issyk Kul, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Issyk Kul has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in 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 a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you go to Issyk Kul in May, you will notice that it is cold. 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:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June in this region is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost occasionally. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you are traveling to Issyk Kul in July, you will notice that it is crisp. 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:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
August
August here is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
September
September in Issyk Kul can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost once in a while. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
October
October in this region can be very chilly. 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 about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
November
Traveling to Issyk Kul in November, you will notice that it is frosty. 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 most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Issyk Kul, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Issyk Kul has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
Traveling to Issyk Kul in December, you will notice that it is beyond freezing. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). There is frost nearly every day this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head protector at night here like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thick pajamas
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Issyk Kul, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Issyk Kul has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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.