When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

Visiting Uzbekistan in March - April

Temperatures start to warm up from mid-March, but the chance of rain increases. Late March and early April are still fairly quiet times to visit, and the country’s main sites of interest will continue to be relatively uncrowded.

Events & Festivals

• Uzbekistan’s most significant holiday Novruz is celebrated on 21st March. It celebrates the arrival of spring with traditional music, dance, and communal feasts.

Visiting Uzbekistan in May - June

Mid-April through to early June is one of the most popular times to visit Uzbekistan because temperatures are warm without being too high — typically mid to high 20°s C (50° to 60° F). Consequently, hotels and visitor sites will be at their busiest.

Events & Festivals

• The Silk and Spices Festival is held annually in Bukhara towards the end of May or beginning of June. The city buzzes with a celebration of traditional music, crafts, and cuisine.
• The UzChess Cup is an annual closed chess tournament that takes place every June in Tashkent and attracts top international players.

Visiting Uzbekistan in July - August

July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year in Uzbekistan, with temperatures in the mid to high 30°s C (above 80° F). Visiting during this period can be quite uncomfortable, particularly with any long overland journeys because the sun is extremely strong.

Events & Festivals

• Khiva hosts an annual melon festival in August, celebrating the melon harvest with tastings and cultural performances.
• The Samarkand Plov Festival celebrates Uzbekistan’s national dish (plov) every August with culinary competitions and tastings.

Visiting Uzbekistan in September - October

Temperatures start to cool down from September. You can expect mid-20°s C (mid-70°s F), making it more enjoyable to explore the country’s old towns and Islamic architecture. The autumn months are typically drier than spring and are also when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are ripe with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Events & Festivals

• Khiva’s Itchan Kala district hosts the International Dance Festival, Raqs Sehri, which features workshops, exhibitions, and performances.

Visiting Uzbekistan in November - December

As winter falls on Uzbekistan both its temperatures and visitor numbers drop. You can make the most of crowd-free sights, if you don’t mind dressing up warmly.

Events & Festivals

• Constitution Day is celebrated across Uzbekistan, commemorating the adoption of the country’s constitution. It’s marked with official ceremonies and public celebrations.