When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is best visited during spring and autumn (April to May, and September to early November). During these periods, it’s typically warm and dry, and you can enjoy the heat of this desert region without it being uncomfortably hot, as it can be during the summer months. From November to March it can be very cold, but this also brings clear, bright skies which provide an exceptional backdrop to any photos you take during your trip. This is also the quietest time of the year, so if you’re willing to dress warmly you’re likely to have the country’s exquisitely beautiful sites to yourself.
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John, Russia, Central Asia, & The Silk Route SpecialistMy favourite time to visit Uzbekistan is November, when it’s cold but not freezing. Best yet, most places are really quiet, which means you can capture some brilliant photos of Uzbekistan’s impressive Islamic architecture against the bright and clear sky.
Uzbekistan Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Bukhara | 5°C 24mm | 9°C 20mm | 15°C 33mm | 23°C 25mm | 30°C 12mm | 34°C 1mm | 37°C 0mm | 34°C 0mm | 30°C 1mm | 22°C 6mm | 14°C 14mm | 8°C 20mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khiva | 2°C 9mm | 5°C 9mm | 12°C 20mm | 22°C 18mm | 29°C 11mm | 34°C 3mm | 36°C 2mm | 34°C 1mm | 28°C 2mm | 19°C 5mm | 11°C 9mm | 4°C 13mm |
| Samarkand | 6°C 47mm | 8°C 39mm | 13°C 68mm | 21°C 63mm | 26°C 36mm | 32°C 5mm | 34°C 2mm | 32°C 0mm | 28°C 2mm | 21°C 22mm | 14°C 26mm | 9°C 42mm |
| Tashkent | 6°C 53mm | 8°C 51mm | 14°C 75mm | 22°C 61mm | 28°C 36mm | 33°C 12mm | 36°C 5mm | 34°C 2mm | 29°C 4mm | 21°C 28mm | 14°C 46mm | 8°C 56mm |
Month-by-month guide to travelling in Uzbekistan
- January - February Jan - Feb
- March - April Mar - Apr
- May - June May - Jun
- July - August Jul - Aug
- September - October Sep - Oct
- November - December Nov - Dec
Visiting Uzbekistan in January - February
January and February are the coldest months in Uzbekistan. Temperatures don't drop too far below zero degrees but chilling winds can often make it feel colder. However, it tends to be dry and bright during this time, with clean air and blue skies that provide an excellent backdrop for photographing the country’s impressive mosques and minarets. You're likely to have the various sites to yourself as the winter months don't see many visitors to the country.
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.
Visiting Uzbekistan in May - June
Mid-April through to early June is one of the most popular times to visit Uzbekistan, as temperatures are warm without being too high – typically mid to high 20s Celsius (50 to 60 Fahrenheit). Consequently, hotels and sites will be at their busiest.
Events & Festivals
- The Silk and Spices Festival is occasionally held during May, which highlights the country’s culture and traditions, as well as its local arts and crafts.
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 30s Celsius (above 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Visiting during this period can be quite uncomfortable, particularly with any long overland journeys, as the sun is extremely strong.
Visiting Uzbekistan in September - October
Temperatures start to cool down from September. You can expect mid 20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit), making it more enjoyable to explore the country’s intriguing old towns and Islamic architecture. The autumn months are typically drier than spring, and are also when they country goes to harvest, meaning markets are ripe with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Visiting Uzbekistan in November - December
As winter falls on Uzbekistan both its temperatures and visitor numbers drop. This can be a wonderful time to make your trip if you don’t mind dressing up warmly.
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