Shymkent, Kazakhstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Shymkent, Kazakhstan? If you're planning to go to Shymkent, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shymkent
- Important essentials for Shymkent
- Activities for Shymkent
- Shymkent in January: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in February: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in March: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in April: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in May: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in June: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in July: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in August: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in September: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in October: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent in November: weather and what to pack
- Shymkent 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 Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Based on the climate and weather in Shymkent, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shymkent, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
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).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shymkent. 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.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one should work in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Shymkent, Kazakhstan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Shymkent in January, you will notice that it is frigid. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Shymkent, 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 option.
February
February can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Shymkent, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
March
March here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential 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:
April
If you are traveling to Shymkent in April, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
May
May is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
June
If you are traveling to Shymkent in June, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
July
Traveling to Shymkent in July, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
August
If you are traveling to Shymkent in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
September
September in Shymkent dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
October
Traveling to Shymkent in October, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
November
If you go to Shymkent in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
December
December for Shymkent is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Shymkent, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
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