Central Asia lies far from any ocean, and its climate shows it. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cold, and the difference between the two is large. Geographers call this a continental climate, and it shapes when people plant, travel, celebrate and rest.

The four pictures in this story show one imaginary valley with mountains behind it, once for each season. They are drawings by the newsroom, not photographs, and they show no real place. Real conditions differ from the lowlands to the high mountains and from the north of the region to the south.

Spring and summer

Spring is short and green. Fruit trees blossom, the hills turn green for a few weeks, and snow still lies on the peaks. The weather is changeable, with warm days, rain and wind following one another, so a traveller needs both a light jacket and something waterproof.

Summer is the long, dry season. The grass on the hills turns yellow, the snow retreats from the lower peaks, and the middle of the day is very hot in the lowlands. Daily life moves to the early morning and the evening, and many people head for the mountains, where the air is cooler. Travellers do well to plan walks for the cooler hours and to carry water.

Autumn and winter

Autumn is the season of harvest. The heat eases, the days are mostly dry and clear, and markets fill with fruit, melons and grapes. Many travellers find it the most comfortable time of the year for walking around cities, though the nights grow cold quickly.

Winter brings frost, snow and short days. In the mountains snow can close high passes, and fog or ice may slow roads and flights, so it is wise to leave spare time in any plan. In return, the cities are quiet, and the mountains offer snow to those who come for it.