Which regions should already switch to winter tires

Tengrinews.kz — According to Kazhydromet, October 2026 has been warmer than normal, with average monthly temperatures in most regions running 1–2°C above the climatic norm.

However, that does not mean drivers should wait until November to switch tires. Night frosts, fog and icy roads are already forecast across much of the country, while some regions are expecting rain mixed with wet snow and drifting snow. Here is where winter tires are already needed and where summer tires are still appropriate.

When should you switch tires

Drivers should not rely on the calendar alone. The key factors are the stable average daily temperature and road conditions.

Summer tires are designed to perform at temperatures of about +7°C and above. At lower temperatures, the rubber compound hardens, reducing grip and noticeably increasing braking distances on wet and cold asphalt.

Winter tires are recommended when the average daily temperature consistently falls to around +5…+7°C or lower, as well as when night frosts, fog, icy roads, wet snow and packed snow become regular.

In short: night frosts + daytime temperatures of +5…+10°C + rain and wet snow = time to switch tires. If daytime temperatures are still around +15…+25°C and nighttime temperatures only briefly approach 0°C, you can wait, but keep your winter tires ready.

Who should switch to winter tires now

North Kazakhstan Region

Drivers should already switch to winter tires without waiting for persistent snowfall. Night frosts and wet snow in the third ten-day period of the month make summer tires unsafe.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will fluctuate from +1…+6°C to -2…-7°C, while daytime temperatures will range from +14…+19°C to +6…+11°C. In the third ten-day period, temperatures may fall to -5…-10°C at night and reach +3…+8°C during the day, with frequent rain and wet snow, fog and icy conditions.

Kostanay Region

Winter tires should already be fitted, especially for those who drive early in the morning or late in the evening.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from 0…+5°C to -1…-6°C, while daytime temperatures will vary from +15…+20°C to +9…+14°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -2…-7°C and daytime temperatures to +3…+8°C. Rain and snow, fog, icy roads and drifting snow are forecast.

Akmola Region

Local drivers are also advised to switch to winter tires now. Night frosts and icy roads in the third ten-day period pose a direct risk for summer tires.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from 0…+5°C to -2…-7°C and daytime temperatures from +12…+17°C to +6…+11°C. In the third ten-day period, temperatures may drop to -3…-8°C at night and +2…+7°C during the day, with frequent rain and wet snow, fog and icy conditions.

Pavlodar Region

Winter tires are already needed, especially in northern and eastern areas.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from -5…-10°C to 0…+5°C, while daytime temperatures will range from +6…+11°C to +13…+18°C. In the third ten-day period, temperatures may fall to -3…-8°C at night and +2…+7°C during the day, with rain and wet snow, fog and icy conditions.

Abai Region

It is already time to switch to winter tires. Night frosts are becoming persistent, and snow is possible in the third ten-day period.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from -1…-6°C to +2…+7°C and daytime temperatures from +6…+11°C to +15…+20°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -2…-7°C, while daytime temperatures will be around +6…+11°C, with rain and snow expected.

East Kazakhstan Region

Winter tires should already be fitted, especially in eastern and mountainous areas.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from -2…-7°C to +1…+6°C and daytime temperatures from +2…+7°C to +11…+16°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -2…-7°C and daytime temperatures to +2…+7°C, with rain and snow expected. In mountainous areas, nighttime temperatures may drop to -12°C in the third ten-day period.

Ulytau Region

Drivers should switch to winter tires now, as night frosts are becoming regular and snow is possible toward the end of the month.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from -1…-6°C to +1…+6°C, with daytime temperatures of +10…+20°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -1…-6°C and daytime temperatures to +6…+11°C, with rain, snow and fog expected.

Karaganda Region

Winter tires should be fitted, especially for those driving on highways or early in the morning.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from -1…-6°C to +2…+7°C and daytime temperatures from +6…+11°C to +12…+17°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -2…-7°C and daytime temperatures to +5…+10°C, with rain, snow and fog expected.

Who can wait before switching tires

West Kazakhstan Region

In general, summer tires can still be used until the beginning of the third ten-day period, but drivers should be ready to switch. Nighttime temperatures of up to -7°C and icy conditions in the middle of the third ten-day period will be a clear sign that it is no longer safe to delay.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from +12…+17°C to 0…+5°C, with ground frost down to -5°C, while daytime temperatures will range from +25…+30°C to +5…+10°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -2…-7°C and daytime temperatures to +3…+8°C. By the end of the period, temperatures will rise to 0…+5°C at night and +9…+14°C during the day. Rain is expected, with rain and snow, fog and icy conditions in the middle of the third ten-day period.

Atyrau Region

Ground frosts will appear in the second ten-day period, while nighttime temperatures may fall to -5°C in the third. Drivers in northern and eastern areas should consider switching by the end of the second ten-day period.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from +11…+16°C to 0…+5°C, with ground frost down to -2°C, while daytime temperatures will range from +21…+26°C to +12…+17°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will fall to around 0…+5°C, and to -5°C in the north and east, while daytime temperatures will be around +6…+11°C.

Mangystau Region

Summer tires can be used for most of October. However, those who drive early in the morning or in northern areas should consider switching by the end of the second or beginning of the third ten-day period because of ground frosts.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to +2…+7°C, while daytime temperatures will be around +18…+23°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to 0…+5°C and daytime temperatures to +8…+13°C. Rain is expected.

Aktobe Region

Summer tires can generally be used until the end of the second ten-day period, but drivers should switch at the first persistent night frosts and wet snow toward the end of the month. In eastern areas, where nighttime temperatures may fall to -3°C, winter tires are already advisable.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to +1…+6°C, and to -3°C in the east, while daytime temperatures will be around +10…+15°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to -1…-6°C and daytime temperatures to +5…+10°C, with rain, wet snow and fog expected.

Kyzylorda Region

October will remain mostly warm, so summer tires are still suitable. However, ground frosts are possible in the second and third ten-day periods. Those who drive in the morning or in northern areas should keep winter tires ready, but a widespread switch is not yet necessary.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to 0…+5°C, with ground frost down to -3°C, while daytime temperatures will be around +11…+16°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may also fall to 0…+5°C, with ground frost down to -3°C, while daytime temperatures may rise to +23…+28°C. By the end of the period, temperatures will be around +2…+7°C at night and +14…+19°C during the day. Rain is expected.

Turkestan Region

Summer tires will remain suitable throughout the month. Brief ground frosts are not a reason for a widespread switch to winter tires, but drivers heading out early in the morning should exercise greater caution.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from 0…+5°C to +7…+12°C, while daytime temperatures may reach +23…+28°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to 0…+5°C, with ground frost down to -3°C, while daytime temperatures may rise to +27…+32°C. By the end of the period, nighttime temperatures will be around +4…+9°C and daytime temperatures around +20…+25°C. Rain is expected.

Zhambyl Region

Summer tires are still suitable in valley areas, but drivers should switch if night ground frosts become regular. In the plains, it is possible to wait until the end of the month.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to +7…+12°C, while daytime temperatures may reach +23…+28°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to 0…+5°C and daytime temperatures may reach +24…+29°C. By the end of the period, nighttime temperatures will be around 0…+5°C and daytime temperatures around +16…+21°C.

Almaty Region

Drivers in foothill and mountainous areas can generally switch to winter tires already. In the plains, summer tires can still be used for a while.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to +3…+8°C and to -3°C in mountainous areas, while daytime temperatures may reach +18…+23°C and up to +26°C in the south. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to frost levels of -1…-6°C, while daytime temperatures may drop to +10…+15°C. Rain is expected, with rain and wet snow in the mountains, as well as fog, dust storms and squalls.

Zhetysu Region

Drivers in mountainous areas can already switch to winter tires. In the plains, it is possible to wait until the end of the second ten-day period, but with night frosts and wet snow in the mountains, it is better not to delay.

In the second ten-day period, nighttime temperatures will range from 0…+5°C to frost levels of -2…-7°C, while daytime temperatures will range from +15…+20°C to +10…+15°C. In the third ten-day period, nighttime temperatures may fall to frost levels of -1…-6°C, while daytime temperatures will be around +10…+15°C before rising later. By the end of the period, nighttime temperatures will be around +2…+7°C and daytime temperatures around +10…+15°C. Rain is expected, with rain and wet snow in the mountains, as well as thunderstorms.