Ashgabat's January Contrasts: From 27°C to Historic Frosts
Ecoworld | ORIENT. This January 2026 in the capital of Turkmenistan began unusually mildly: in the first days of the month, the thermometer rose to 19.2°C. For many residents, this was a reason to swap winter jackets for light raincoats, but in the city's meteorological history, such "swings" are more normal than anomalies.
Heat Records: When January Turns into April Few remember, but the absolute maximum temperature for January in Ashgabat was recorded in 1968. Then, the air warmed up to an incredible 27.8°C. This figure remains an unrivaled peak winter warmth in the capital. For comparison, the average maximum for this month usually hovers around 8°C to 10°C.
The Icy Breath of History At the other extreme is the harsh January of 1969. It was then that the absolute lowest temperature ever recorded in Ashgabat was recorded—the temperature dropped to –24.1°C. That year went down in history as one of the most extreme: the city literally froze under the onslaught of Arctic air masses. Another "cold" mark in recent history was left by January 2008, when temperatures reached –18.2°C.
Why is this happening? Ashgabat is located in a sharply continental climate zone. The lack of natural barriers in the north allows cold Siberian anticyclones to penetrate the country unimpeded. At the same time, warm air masses from Iran can transform a harsh winter into a semblance of early spring in a matter of days.
Fact: Over the past 15 years, meteorologists have noted a general warming trend. For example, in 2025, temperature records were set one after another not only in the summer but also during transitional periods. However, as history shows, January in Ashgabat is a treacherous month: spring warmth can always be followed by a sharp cold snap.
The data is based on long-term observations from Weather and Climate and Weather Spark.
