Climate Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan's extremely continental location and its particularly high relief play a decisive role in the country's climate. The climate is continental and dry, and its altitude only accentuates its character. It is very hot in summer, very cold in winter, and the inter-seasons are very little marked. If during the summer season the presence of mountains and glaciers moderates the heat in altitude, the differences between day and night temperatures remain very important, the thermal amplitude can frequently exceed 30 °C. While being very harsh, the climate is also very capricious. The weather can change from one valley to another, or from one day to another. And it is not uncommon to see snow falling at high altitude in the middle of August. You will have understood it, a trip to Kyrgyzstan is done in a short window, and remains subject to climatic hazards that may jeopardize a trip or a hike.
The dangers of the weather
Given this hostile climate, the vagaries of the weather are not to be taken lightly. Neither in the organization of your tour nor in the composition of your luggage. Snowfalls can start as early as October and continue until March. But early winters and late springs are not uncommon. If you are mountaineering around the Lenin Peak or one of the many peaks in the country, inform the embassy of your departure and return dates and don't neglect your supervision: many tour operators in the area have specialized in extreme sports and can provide you with equipment and assistance to make your expedition safe. During the thaw, even the most insignificant rivers can suddenly flood and take improvised bridges, banks and ... walkers or horseback riders with them. Always be on the lookout and be aware that nature in Kyrgyzstan remains wild and untamed. These weather conditions also have an influence on the state of the roads, of course, and therefore on the safety of your trip. A landslide, a landslide, a road blocked by snow... So many hazards that you will have to count on and know how to deal with without losing patience.
A reduced tourist season
The weather dictates the life of the Kyrgyz, but also that of the tourists! You will have understood it, the tourist season is extremely short in Kyrgyzstan. For a classic tour of the country, spring and autumn remain practicable, but for hiking or horseback riding in the high mountains, summer remains the only practicable period unless you are well equipped and determined to spend time to make the slightest move. From 15 July to 15 August, you will suffer from the heat in the capital and in the Ferghana valley, but you will be assured of access to all the country's riches. Outside this period, some lakes will not be thawed, or simply inaccessible. Nevertheless, with the tourist boom of the destination and the growing interest of the Chinese for the whole region, roads have become a priority for the government. Until recently, the only road that was really practicable all year round was the road between Osh and Bishkek; a road with a strong political interest, since it connects the south and the north, two regions that are still rival. However, it is now the road to Lake Issy Kul, which is also passable even in winter. And at the time of writing, the Jalalabad-Naryn axis via Kazarman is also being modernized, opening up the Kyrgyz Ferghana and linking it to China via the Torugart and Irkhestam passes. The Kyrgyz climate will not be tamed any time soon, but little by little the Kyrgyz people manage to adapt to it and to enter into modernity.
The Kyrgyz spring
In the spring, Kyrgyzstan comes alive again. The sides of the mountains become green and the first jailoo, the pastures where the Kyrgyz nomads will stay all summer long to watch over their herds. Temperatures are still cool, especially at high altitudes and at dusk. In May and June, it is still necessary to bring warm clothes for the evening or for the bivouacs in the mountains. However, snow continues to block many passes and traffic remains difficult above 2,000m. In the towns and in the Ferghana valley, the bazaars are already bustling as the inhabitants start to seek coolness during the day near the rivers that are growing in size with the thaw. Nature blossoms and the trees find their foliage. The climate is much milder here than in the mountains, and the off-seasons are more marked than in the rest of the country.
Sweltering summers
In summer, the heat is stifling in Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley. Temperatures can reach 40°C and the lack of air is oppressive. But after these difficult moments, the season is ideal to discover the mountains and high altitude lakes like Song Kul. The roads are well cleared, the temperatures in altitude are milder during the day, much less stifling, and the cold at night is more bearable. The only problem is that it is also the season when the rains are more frequent. But in Kyrgyzstan, the rain is never too embarrassing and never lasts very long. Nevertheless, it is better to bring a light waterproof jacket and trousers just in case, for the days of hiking.
A fleeting autumn
Even more than spring, the Kyrgyz autumn is a very fleeting season, compressed between summer and winter, to the point of not even being noticed in some years. The months of October and November are however marked by some revealing signs of its presence: fogs are more frequent, particularly in Bishkek. Temperatures begin to decline rapidly, but can experience stages that suddenly make them pleasant, between the summer drying and the winter frost. If winter comes early, some passes may be difficult to cross. The colours in the mountains are still attractive when the trees are covered in shimmering colours, but then again, the temperatures drop dramatically and in the blink of an eye, it's already winter!
Harsh winters
In winter, snow falls all over the country without exception, covering trees, houses, cars... In Bishkek, the pavements are transformed into ice rinks and in the country most of the passes are closed or at least have to undergo long hours of work before becoming passable again. In general, it is still possible to go around Lake Issyk Kul, but the interior of the country, apart from the Osh-Bishkek road, is difficult to access and each stage will be a long and arduous undertaking. Don't dream of discovering the jewels of the country such as Song Kul or Tash Rabat: the access roads are usually closed and it can take weeks to clear them. Towards China, only the Torugart Pass remains open, but can be closed without notice in case of heavy snowfall. In terms of temperature, -30°C is a commonplace... In other words, even if you are going to enjoy a very authentic view of the country as it is what it looks like 6 to 9 months of the year, you will have little chance to discover the wonders offered by nature..
