The best time to visit Uzbekistan

Central Asia’s biggest showstopper, Uzbekistan promises rich travel experiences on the historic Silk Road, in fascinating cities and through its vibrant culture. The nation is alive with bazaars, arts and crafts, sustainable fashion and exciting music festivals.

With an extreme continental climate, the best times to visit are spring and autumn, but other seasons appeal to adventure seekers and budget travelers. Whatever you are looking for, here are the best times to come to Uzbekistan.

March to June has perfect weather

Weather in Uzbekistan in spring: Spring arrives early in Uzbekistan, and apricot trees blossom by the beginning of March. The weather in spring is warm and relatively dry, with temperatures hovering between 14°C (57°F) and 30°C (86°F). From March till early June, you can enjoy comfortable weather and make the most out of the sunny days.

This is the ideal time to wander around Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva; escape to the mountains; and discover art and culture on a weekend in Tashkent, the capital. However, you can expect to pay more for transportation and accommodations at this time.

A hiker walks over a small stream toward a stone building with a waterwheel. — The Nuratau Mountains. Angela Meier/Shutterstock

September to November is a feast of fresh produce

Weather in Uzbekistan in fall: Autumn in Uzbekistan is also mild and pleasant. From September to early November, the daytime temperature usually falls between 21˚C (70˚F) and 30˚C (86˚F). Best of all, in autumn you can partake of a feast of fruits, including Uzbekistan’s famous melons and watermelons. Locals are enthusiastic consumers of seasonal produce and very proud of the sweet taste and variety of the fruit produced by the nation’s sun-kissed farms and orchards.

A special treat is visiting the Fergana Valley at harvest time, particularly around Margilan, with its long streets of grape growers’ houses. Other highlights in the valley include the cozy restaurants of Fergana city and the studios of world-famous ceramic artists such as Alisher Nazirov and Rustam Usmanov in Rishtan.

Margilan is one of the birthplaces of traditional ikat weaving, which uses patterns dyed into the fibers. You can learn about the history of Uzbekistan’s ancient crafts at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory and artisan-run pottery centers all over this small town.

Two skiers carve paths through deep snow in a mountainous area. — Skiers in Uzbekistan. Maxlevoyou/Getty Images

December to January is the best time for skiing

Weather in Uzbekistan in winter: A nation in the desert might not sound like an obvious ski destination, but the quality of the snow and the improving infrastructure in Uzbekistan earn growing respect from winter sports lovers. The Amirsoy mountain resort, easily accessible from Tashkent, has made Uzbekistan Central Asia’s newest high-end skiing destination.

This makes winter a great time to visit Uzbekistan’s mountains, which are home to a wide variety of resorts. The beautiful Charvak reservoir, the UNESCO-listed Chatkal mountains and highland regions such as Beldersay and Chimgan compete with the Alps when it comes to easily accessible winter activities.

Mountain lovers will also enjoy Zaamin National Park in the Jizzakh region – a popular destination year-round, thanks to summertime temperatures that stay below 25°C (77°F). It snows a lot here in winter, but Wyndham operates three modern hotels and resorts in Zaamin, so your stay in the mountains can be both comfortable and adventurous.

If you’re after good deals, winter is also the perfect time to visit the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva on a budget while avoiding the crowds. Prices fall for both accommodations and transportation as the weather cools. Winter temperatures rarely dip below -3°C (26.6°F), but heating might be an issue in remote regions. If you come from November to early December or in late February, the weather will be mild and the prices a pleasant surprise.

An ancient stone structure is built on top of a low hill; the landscape is dry, with small bushes, and the sky is blue and cloudless. — Ayaz-Qala in the Karakalpakstan region. Kadagan/Shutterstock

July and August have fewer visitors

Weather in Uzbekistan in summer: Summer in Uzbekistan is dry and hot, with temperatures reaching 35–40°C (75–104°F) in July. In southern areas, including Bukhara, Khiva and Karakalpakstan, temperatures can be uncomfortable – locals have a siesta in the afternoons and stay indoors for much of the day.

However, this is also a time for low prices and few tourists. At the height of summer, guides will suggest going sightseeing in the morning or after 5pm and filling the rest of the day at museums, an art class or spa.

While days are quieter, nightlife becomes more active in summer. There’s a special holiday vibe at this time of the year. Enjoy late dinners on restaurant terraces with fogging machines or small fountains, evening walks in city parks, lots of shopping and ice cream, and staying out at bars and clubs.

Catch the marathon spirit 4 times a year

Running a marathon in one of Uzbekistan’s historic cities or out in the countryside is a convenient reason to plan a trip to Uzbekistan around a particular date. Even if you are not a runner, the big sporting events are great for socializing and a good excuse to spend a weekend making new friends.

The number of runners coming to Uzbekistan is growing steadily, courtesy of a lively program of events staged by local sports societies. It all starts with the Samarkand Marathon, held in November, which puts on 2 days of events for runners and their cheering followers, including music at the monuments in the Registan.

The Bukhara Night Race happens in late summer, providing an outstanding opportunity to see the city’s magnificent architecture lit up by the colorful lights installed specifically for the event. In June, participants of the Zaamin Ultra, a 42km ultramarathon through this long-established national park, sleep under the stars and see this beautiful mountain region at the greenest time of year. Tashkent also hosts an international marathon in spring as part of the Navruz holiday celebrations.

A weaver wearing patterned clothing and sitting on a floral cloth works on the fringe of a red and gold carpet. — Carpet weaving in Khiva. Getty Images

Time your trip to coincide with Uzbekistan’s big festivals

Navruz, a celebration of the spring equinox and the Persian New Year, is March 21. The government announces 5 days of holidays around this date, so it’s a great time to catch street festivities, arts and crafts fairs, music and gastronomic events. If you plan to visit Uzbekistan during Navruz, book well in advance, especially for the high-speed trains to Samarkand and Bukhara.

The important Sharq Taronalari festival (celebrating traditional Central Asian melodies) in Samarkand and a maqom festival (showcasing the Arabic-inspired music) in Shakhrisabz occur every other year; the former is usually in August, and the latter was last held in June 2024. Folk musicians gather from around the world to perform concerts at various stages, including in Samarkand’s Registan. Jam sessions and open-air events further immerse you in Uzbekistan’s vibrant artistic life.

If you prefer electronic music, consider the Stihia festival in the desert in May. Exploring music, social activities and the human impact on nature, the festival can be a highly emotional experience.

Art and fashion are the key features on the calendar during Uzbekistan Fashion Week, Visa Fashion Week Tashkent and the Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art (hosted by the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan). They all typically take place in the autumn, but smaller arts and crafts fairs, such as Tashkent’s art bazaar and Teplo market, are held every weekend, offering a chance to meet and talk with the founders of local brands.

Spring is the season for Bukhara’s Silk and Spices Festival, held every other year in May or June, where you can find handmade souvenirs, watch music and dance shows, and try Uzbek cuisine.