Turkmenistan, predominantly consisting of vast plains and arid deserts, experiences a continental and dry climate. The weather is notably milder in the mountainous regions and along the western boundary at the Caspian Sea. Temperature extremes can be quite dramatic, with winter lows plummeting to -32°C in the desert areas and summer highs soaring up to +50°C. Even during the hot summer months, nighttime temperatures in the desert can drop to a chilly +14-18°C, leading to temperature swings of up to 30°C between day and night.
Precipitation in Turkmenistan is minimal, averaging only about 80 mm annually. In contrast, the mountainous regions receive slightly more, ranging between 300-400 mm of rain each year. Most of this precipitation occurs from December to March, while the remainder of the year is typically dry and sunny. If you’re planning a trip to Turkmenistan, it’s advisable to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect against the intense sun.
Spring offers the most pleasant weather for travel. In March, temperatures hover around +15°C during the day, rising to +22°C in April, and reaching up to +32°C by May. However, even in April, temperatures can occasionally spike to +40°C.
Visit ancient city of Merv
Explore UNESCO-listed Old Nisa
Marvel at Darvaza Gas Crater
See Akhalteke horses up close
Tour Ashgabat’s white marble buildings