Best Time To Visit Uzbekistan

When should you travel to Uzbekistan?

This Central Asian country experiences, to a large extent, extreme continental weather characterized by hot, sultry summers and frigid winters. The best time to visit Uzbekistan is from May to June, when spring turns into summer. The fall months of September and October also offer pleasant temperatures, allowing you to immerse yourself in its historic cities, vibrant festivals, lively bazaars, and more.

Thanks to the rains, the country’s deserts and mountains are awash with colors during spring. With several festivals to attend and autumn harvests to enjoy, the fall months of September and October are a great time to visit the country, too.

Best Time To Visit

Most Ideal

Low Season

overview

It’s the coldest month of the year. In many parts, temperatures drop below freezing point and wind chill can make it feel colder than it is. Bright, blue skies and lean crowds make it an excellent time for photography.

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Learn about the country’s rich heritage at the Timurids History Museum

overview

The cold wave continues with temperatures hovering around freezing point. But by the end of the month, things start to warm up. It’s a quiet time to visit the country, but you’ll have its famous historical sites all to yourself. Just be sure to pack sufficient warm layers.

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Marvel at the snow-dusted landscape of the ancient city of Samarkand, even more magical during winter
Delve into the country’s rich weaving heritage at the Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent

overview

The first signs of spring appear during the latter half of the month. Expect rainfall, which brings the landscape to life – blooming flowers across the desert and mountains make for a delightful sight. Navruz or New Year celebrations make it a busy time for domestic travel.

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Enjoy lively folk music and the warm hospitality during Navruz, the Persian New Year
Stroll amid red poppies and colorful tulips in the Tien Shan Mountains

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Temperatures inch up to the 60s, and there is a good chance of rain during the month. With the peak travel season yet to take off in Uzbekistan, expect quieter and more immersive experiences, including city sightseeing and desert stays.

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Experience the rugged and breathtaking beauty of the Nuratau Mountains
Enjoy stunning views of the city and beyond from the top of the Islam Khodja Minaret in Khiva

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Clear skies and moderate temperatures make May one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan. It is also a busy time to travel to the country. The country is buzzing with festivals and events, and it’s the perfect time to go on camel treks in the desert.

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Revisit the legacy of the ancient Silk Road at the colorful Silk and Spices Festival in Bukhara
Taste test the many regional variations of plov, the country’s traditional rice dish at local restaurants

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Temperatures continue to rise, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the 80s. Overall, the weather is still conducive for travel and sightseeing, especially during the first half of the month. It is one of the most popular and best months to visit Uzbekistan.

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Lose yourself in the many alleys, minarets, and palaces of Ichan Kala, Khiva’s inner city
Shop for dry fruits at the famous Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent

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With daytime temperatures in the 90s, July is one of the hottest months of the year with no crowd. If you are planning a visit, schedule your sightseeing for the early morning or evening hours

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Escape the heat with a tour of the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum in Samarkand, known for its intricate tilework

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The hot and dry weather trend continues into August, but temperatures start to cool down later in the month. The days may be quiet but there’s plenty to do in the cool evenings – be it strolls in the park, bar hopping, or late-night dining.

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Marvel at the scale and beauty of Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Samarkand, during sunrise and sunset

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Temperatures are now in the 70s. The month marks the start of the country’s harvest season, and markets overflow with fresh produce. From open-air concerts to lively festivals, there’s plenty of action all across the country, and it is one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan

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Take time to appreciate the scale and grandeur of Bukhara’s historic monuments
Be part of the Tashkent’s lively Independence Day celebrations

overview

Daytime temperatures are in the mid-50s to 60s, and it’s the last good month to visit the desert. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, though, so be sure to pack some warm layers. Harvest season is in full swing, and it is one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan.

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Visit local markets and sample a variety of fresh fruits and other seasonal produce
Learn about traditional mulberry paper-making techniques at a paper workshop in Samarkand

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Cold weather arrives, and the crowds leave, making it a quiet time to visit the country. Daytime temperatures fall to the 40s, but the days are bright and sunny, so you can experience the country’s historic attractions sans the crowds (with a few added layers for warmth!)

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Capture breathtaking pictures of the country’s most popular attractions against clear and brilliant blue skies
Hunt for holiday gifts and souvenirs in the country’s bustling bazaars

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Temperatures drop further and are below or around the freezing point. Rain and snowfall occur frequently. Ski season takes off and attracts snow lovers looking for an offbeat winter destination. Elsewhere, there is little travel or visitor activity.

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Spend time admiring the thousands of artworks at the Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan

Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan by Season

Spring and fall – The country’s scenery is breathtaking, and the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant during the spring and fall. The periods from May to June and September to October are the best times to visit Uzbekistan. The desert landscape comes to life in the spring with flowering blooms, while the autumn season is when the country celebrates its harvest season. Temperatures are perfect for city sightseeing, desert activities, and mountain treks during these months, and there are plenty of lively and traditional festivals to attend.

Summer – Temperatures soar into the 90s across many parts of the country and even break into the 100s, particularly in the southern parts. The heat is too intense for desert experiences and city tours, making summer a lean travel season in the country.

Winter – If you visit from the end of November to February, expect rain, snowfall, and temperatures around or below sub-zero. The good news, however, is that the popular tourist attractions are devoid of visitors, the landscape is dusted with snow, and the skies are clear, bright, and blue, presenting the perfect conditions for some stunning photography.

What to Pack for a Trip to Uzbekistan

While Uzbekistan is not an overly conservative country, it’s best to dress modestly. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended while traveling across the country. Visitors are expected to cover their heads while visiting a religious site or place of worship, so it’s best to pack a scarf or shawl for sightseeing. For women, denim or regular trousers, comfortable tops and shirts, skirts, and dresses work well. For men, cargo pants, relaxed shorts, polo or collared t-shirts, and casual shirts work well on city tours. Exploring Uzbekistan’s historic sites requires you to be on your feet for long periods, so pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

While daytime temperatures during the busy spring and fall months are conducive to sightseeing, expect cooler weather conditions during the morning and evening hours. Pack an extra layer or two to stay warm. If you plan to hike, take moisture-wicking t-shirts, hiking pants and shoes. A waterproof layer always comes in handy when the weather gets unpredictable.

If you are traveling during the summer, carry plenty of sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and clothing made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Winter travel in Uzbekistan requires visitors to bring their best winter gear, including thick jackets, gloves, woolens, caps and thermals.

We are happy to help you discover the best time for you to visit Uzbekistan. Call us for a tailor-made itinerary that will allow you to experience this country to its fullest!

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Best Places To Visit

The romantic oasis of Bukhara is considered the holiest city in Central Asia and in times past served as an interface for ideas, cultures and religions between Asia and Europe.

Bukhara

The open-air museum city of Khiva enchants with its impressive architecture, vibrant crafts, local music and distinctive food. Its Itchan Kala center is home to countless museums, mosques, mausoleums and minarets.

Khiva

This legendary jewel of Central Asia features both modern and historic architecture with the beautiful Registan Square located at the heart of the city.

Samarkand

Experience Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road heritage in the modern capital of Tashkent where intricately built mosques stand alongside brutalist Soviet-era buildings and contemporary structures.

Tashkent

Travel Guide

The jewel in Central Asia’s crown is famed for its traditions, culture and hospitality. We’ve laid out essential information in our Uzbekistan travel guide for your tour.

Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Things To Do

Delve into the history and admire the Islamic architecture of brilliant Silk Road cities like Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. Or venture out into the countryside.

Things to do in Uzbekistan

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