THE CITY
Atyrau (together with Aktau) is Kazakhstan's main harbour city, on the Caspian Sea, Atyrau at the delta of the Ural River. Atyrau city is approximately 20 meters below sea level and that city is considered to be located both in Asian and Europe as it is divided by the Ural River - so one of the first novelties you can experience is walking across the bridge from Europe into Asia!
Many expats come here to work in the oil industry. The city is a hub for the oil-rich Caspian Depression, so many oil wells have been drilled in the Tengiz Field and Kashagan Field areas. An oil pipeline runs from Atyrau to Samara where it joins the Russian pipeline system. A separate oil pipeline runs from the Tengiz field to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiisk.
Although Atyrau most likely qualifies as a small city compared to North American and European standards, there are multiple establishments in town catering to families and singles alike. For some reviews on restaurants check out TripAdvisor (or ask other expats!), and some information on shopping locally can be found here.
WEATHER
Atyrau's climate is semi-arid, just shy of being classified as arid with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is low throughout the year. Snow is common, though light, in winter. The lowest temperature on record is −37.9 °C (−36.2 °F), recorded in 1909, and the highest temperature is 42.7 °C (108.9 °F), recorded in 1984. It is much more continental than areas further west on the European continent, with summers characterized by temperatures averaging 33 °C (91 °F) and lack of precipitations, resembling continental hot-summer mediterranean climates, and subarctic winters with little snow but with chilling temperatures. These vast temperature swings are more comparable to Siberia and the North American plains. Having the right clothes is important. You will need light summer clothes for the hot summer months and long coats, hats, scarfs and snow boots for winter.
To learn more about weather, specifically regarding spring weather patterns in Atyrau, click here.
WHAT TO BRING
For some tips on what to bring click here
SUPPORT FOR EXPATS
Expat partners Atyrau (EPA) strives to provide expats with a network of friends, activities and information to help make your move, and stay in Atyrau an enjoyable experience. Come along to a Newcomers Coffee (date advertised on Home Page) or contact us to get information on joining our group.
Atyrau (together with Aktau) is Kazakhstan's main harbour city, on the Caspian Sea, Atyrau at the delta of the Ural River. Atyrau city is approximately 20 meters below sea level and that city is considered to be located both in Asian and Europe as it is divided by the Ural River - so one of the first novelties you can experience is walking across the bridge from Europe into Asia!
Many expats come here to work in the oil industry. The city is a hub for the oil-rich Caspian Depression, so many oil wells have been drilled in the Tengiz Field and Kashagan Field areas. An oil pipeline runs from Atyrau to Samara where it joins the Russian pipeline system. A separate oil pipeline runs from the Tengiz field to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiisk.
Although Atyrau most likely qualifies as a small city compared to North American and European standards, there are multiple establishments in town catering to families and singles alike. For some reviews on restaurants check out TripAdvisor (or ask other expats!), and some information on shopping locally can be found here.
WEATHER
Atyrau's climate is semi-arid, just shy of being classified as arid with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is low throughout the year. Snow is common, though light, in winter. The lowest temperature on record is −37.9 °C (−36.2 °F), recorded in 1909, and the highest temperature is 42.7 °C (108.9 °F), recorded in 1984. It is much more continental than areas further west on the European continent, with summers characterized by temperatures averaging 33 °C (91 °F) and lack of precipitations, resembling continental hot-summer mediterranean climates, and subarctic winters with little snow but with chilling temperatures. These vast temperature swings are more comparable to Siberia and the North American plains. Having the right clothes is important. You will need light summer clothes for the hot summer months and long coats, hats, scarfs and snow boots for winter.
To learn more about weather, specifically regarding spring weather patterns in Atyrau, click here.
WHAT TO BRING
For some tips on what to bring click here
SUPPORT FOR EXPATS
Expat partners Atyrau (EPA) strives to provide expats with a network of friends, activities and information to help make your move, and stay in Atyrau an enjoyable experience. Come along to a Newcomers Coffee (date advertised on Home Page) or contact us to get information on joining our group.
