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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Karakol is a high-altitude sanctuary for those who prioritize an outdoor-centric lifestyle over metropolitan convenience. It offers a rugged, authentic charm, serving as a gateway to world-class trekking and mountain culture. For professionals seeking a slower pace, the city provides a manageable scale and a sense of community that is difficult to find in larger Central Asian hubs.
While the cost of living remains highly favorable, relocating here requires a mindset shift regarding infrastructure. You will find reliable public transport and decent healthcare, but the city lacks the seamless digital and service-oriented amenities of a capital. It is an ideal choice if you value nature and simplicity, provided you are comfortable navigating a more provincial, developing environment.
Population
70,171
Area
19 km²
Density
3,779 per km²
Founded
-
Language
Kyrgyz, Russian
Distance to Coast
2639 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Karakol
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Climate & Weather in Karakol
Karakol has a **humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb)** with warm summers and long, cold winters. Annual precipitation is moderate to fairly high for Kyrgyzstan, with about 920 mm/year, and the city’s mountain setting keeps temperatures cooler than the lowland parts of the country. The current mild, overcast conditions are consistent with a variable continental climate, but long-term averages are much colder in winter and cooler in summer than the current weather.
Summer Average
18°C
Winter Average
-7°C
Climate Type
Humid Continental
Rainy Days
110
Sunny Days
220
Humidity
55%
Spring
March - May
2-12°C
Spring is cool and changeable, with frequent temperature swings as the snowpack melts and conditions become wetter. Late spring is usually the most comfortable part of the season, but frost can still occur in March and April.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
14-22°C
Summer is mild to pleasantly warm rather than hot, with the warmest weather usually in July and August. Afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms are common in the mountain-influenced climate.
Moderate rainfall
Autumn
September - November
0-15°C
Autumn cools quickly, with crisp days and cold nights becoming more frequent from October onward. Rain and early snow are both possible as the season progresses.
Moderate rainfall
Winter
December - February
-15--2°C
Winter is long, cold, and snowy, with subfreezing temperatures common for much of the season. Clear periods can occur, but the city is typically dominated by frost, snow cover, and cold continental air.
Low rainfall
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Air Quality
Karakol
Advantages
Karakol
Gateway to Issyk-Kul Lake
Stunning mountain scenery nearby
Nine beautiful parks
Affordable cost of living
Adventure tourism hub
Welcoming local community
Disadvantages
Karakol
Limited job opportunities
Harsh winter conditions
Poor internet connectivity
Basic healthcare services
Seasonal tourism dependency
Safety & Security in Karakol
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Moderate
53
/100
Kyrgyzstan Avg
53
Asia Avg
57
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Karakol to Kyrgyzstan averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Karakol
Kyrgyzstan Average
No city-specific data available — showing Kyrgyzstan country averages instead.
Safety Index
0510
Moderate
Safety from Crime
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Day)
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Night)
0510
Low
Safety from Violent Crime
0510
Moderate
Safety from Property Crime
0510
Moderate
Environmental & Natural Hazard Risks
Resilience Score: N/A
Data Currently Under Investigation
Environmental risk assessments are being researched. The indicators below show what data will be available soon.