Travel seasons

The Nuratau-Kyzylkum area is attractive for visitors all year long due to its relatively mild climate and the beauty of its landscape. However, the most suitable time for traveling is during spring and autumn as temperatures are moderate and the vegetation is most attractive. The months from March till May give the opportunity to experience the unique spring beauty. You can see the sharp contrast between green foothills and mountain peaks covered with snow. Different migratory birds arrive from remote locations. In autumn the overall color of walnut, apricot, and mulberry trees changes into a reddish-gold, giving the landscape a totally different but not less breathtaking character.

Short descriptions of the seasons

Spring is the time when almond, cherry, apple, and apricot trees are flowering and the meadows are covered with greens and flowers. The air is fresh and full of flowery scents and of course amazing bird songs. Early spring is the most popular time for Kupkari. In May the population becomes engaged in the ancient and strenuous tradition of silk production. Moderate temperatures make this season most favorable for active tourism.

Weather conditions: Spring is moderately warm with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 30°С. Regular refreshing spring rains exhilarate the mood of the population in the expectation of a good harvest and green pastures. On average, 35% of the annual precipitation (56mm in April, 25mm in May) falls in spring (see Table 1).

Summer is the time of profusion in this area. It is the time when gardens are full of fruits such as apricots, apples, mulberries, cherries, grapes, and many more. The mountain gardens are a perfect place to relax from hot summer days on a tapchan close to small mountain streams under the cool shadows of walnut trees. Having a refreshing ayran (buttermilk) drink, you can watch the daily activities of the village life.

Weather conditions: The average summer temperature (June, July, August) is 30°С and the average precipitation rate is 4 mm per month. Such climate provides sweet and tasty fruits (see Table 1).

Autumn means long-awaited harvesting, for which local people have worked the whole year. Autumn is called “Velvet Season” in this area due to the abundance of almonds, walnuts, peaches, apples, and many other fruits. Hosil Bayrami, the public holiday dedicated to the harvest. Weddings and Kupkaris are celebrated during this season. All this demonstrates the centuries-old culture and tradition of the local population. Guests are welcome to join all of these celebrations.

Weather conditions: In September and October, the average temperature is 18-20°С, and precipitation is 20mm per month. Twenty percent of the annual precipitation is expected during this time. The weather is often still warm even until early December (see Table 1).

Winter: After early autumn rains, active secondary vegetations start sprouting. In general, the region is characterized by relatively mild winters. The winter season has its own advantages. There is a unique opportunity to go on walks through snowy mountain passes and to see and understand this place’s life in winter. Huge numbers of geese, ducks, and other waterfowls such as the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus Crispus) and the Red-breasted Goose (Rutibrenta ruficollis) make winter an exciting time for bird watching. Nonetheless, one has to admit that some of the guesthouses only have very basic infrastructure, and visiting them during winter will not be as comfortable as during the warm period. Others have hammams and heating facilities and can accommodate guests the whole year-round.

Weather conditions: Late December and January show the first signs of winter. Temperature fluctuations in winter lie between –20-22°С and +22-24°С. Precipitations reach an average of 48 mm/month (see Table 1).

 

Table 1: Monthly average and annual temperature and precipitation rate at the foothills of the Nuratau Mountains (Forish weather station 1975-2010).