Best Times to Visit Uzbekistan

As Central Asia’s premier destination, Uzbekistan offers travelers rich experiences along the historic Silk Road, in captivating cities, and through its lively culture filled with bustling bazaars, crafts, sustainable fashion, and thrilling music festivals.

Given its extreme continental climate, spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, though each season has its appeal for adventurers and budget travelers. No matter your interests, here are the best times to explore Uzbekistan.

March to June brings delightful spring weather

Spring in Uzbekistan begins early, with apricot trees blooming by early March. The season offers warm, relatively dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 30°C (86°F). From March to early June, you can enjoy pleasant weather and take full advantage of the sunny days.

This is the perfect season to explore the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, enjoy nature in the mountains, or immerse yourself in art and culture in the capital city, Tashkent. However, be prepared for higher prices on flights, local transport, and accommodation during this period.

September to early November is prime time for autumn harvests

The autumn months in Uzbekistan are mild and delightful. From September to early November, daytime temperatures typically range from 21˚C (70˚F) to 30˚C (86˚F). During this season, you can indulge in a bounty of fruits, including Uzbekistan’s renowned melons and watermelons. Locals take great pride in the sweet flavors and variety of fruits harvested from the nation’s sun-drenched farms and orchards.

A delightful experience awaits in the Fergana Valley during harvest season, especially around Margilan, known for its picturesque streets lined with grape growers' homes. Notable attractions in the valley include the charming restaurants of Fergana city and the opportunity to visit the studios of renowned ceramic artists like Alisher Nazirov and Rustam Usmanov in Rishtan.

Margilan is also one of the cradles of traditional atlas (ikat) weaving, featuring beautifully dyed patterns in the fibers. Explore the rich history of Uzbekistan’s ancient crafts at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory and the artisan pottery centers throughout this quaint town.

December to January is the ideal time for skiing and winter sports.

A country in the desert may not immediately seem like a prime skiing spot, but Uzbekistan is gaining recognition among winter sports enthusiasts for its exceptional snow quality and improving infrastructure. The 2019 launch of the Amirsoy mountain resort, conveniently located near Tashkent, has positioned Uzbekistan as Central Asia’s latest upscale skiing destination.

This makes winter an excellent time to explore Uzbekistan’s mountainous regions, which offer a variety of resorts to suit all types of travelers. The stunning Charvak reservoir, the UNESCO-listed Chatkal mountains, and highland areas like Beldersay and Chimgan provide winter activities that rival those of the Alps.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Zaamin National Park in the Jizzakh region—a favored spot throughout the year, with summer temperatures staying below 25°C (77°F). This area receives plenty of snow in winter, and the Wyndham chain has established three modern hotels and resorts at Zaamin, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous stay in the mountains.

For those seeking bargains, winter is also an ideal time to visit the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva on a budget while avoiding large crowds. As temperatures drop, accommodation and transport costs decrease, with winter temperatures rarely falling below -3°C (26.6°F). While heating might be less reliable in remote areas, visiting from November to early December or in late February offers mild weather and pleasantly low prices.

Visitor numbers in Uzbekistan tend to decrease during the scorching summer months.

Uzbekistan experiences dry and sweltering summers, with temperatures soaring to between 35°C (95°F) and 40°C (104°F) in July. In southern regions like Bukhara, Khiva, and Karakalpakstan, the heat can be intense—locals often take afternoon siestas, retreating indoors for much of the day.

Nonetheless, this season brings lower prices and fewer tourists. During peak summer, guides recommend sightseeing in the morning or after 5 PM; you can spend the rest of the day exploring museums, enrolling in an art class, or indulging in a spa treatment.

While daytime activities may slow down, the nightlife thrives during summer. The atmosphere is lively, with a festive vibe—enjoy late dinners on restaurant patios equipped with misting fans or small fountains, evening strolls in city parks, plenty of shopping and souvenir hunting, ice cream treats, and late nights at local bars and clubs.

Experience the marathon spirit four times a year.

Participating in a marathon in one of Uzbekistan’s historic cities or amidst stunning natural scenery is a fantastic reason to plan your visit around a specific date. Even if you’re not a runner, these grand sporting events offer a great chance to socialize and make new friends over a weekend.

The influx of runners to Uzbekistan is steadily increasing, thanks to an exciting lineup of events organized by local sports associations. It all began with the Samarkand Half Marathon, held every September, featuring two days of activities for runners and their enthusiastic supporters, including modern music performances amid the historic backdrop of Registan Square.

The Bukhara Night Race takes place in late summer, offering a remarkable chance to admire the city’s stunning historical architecture illuminated by vibrant lights specifically set up for the event. In spring, you can either watch or participate in the Zaamin Ultra, a 42km ultra-marathon that winds through this established national park, allowing participants to camp under the stars and enjoy the region in its lush, green splendor. Additionally, Tashkent hosts an international marathon in spring as part of the Navruz festivities.

Plan your visit to align with Uzbekistan’s major festivals.

Speaking of Navruz, this vibrant celebration of the spring equinox and the Persian New Year officially falls on March 21. The government typically designates five days of holidays around this time, making it a fantastic opportunity to experience street celebrations, arts and crafts fairs, musical performances, and culinary events. If you’re planning to visit during Navruz, be sure to book your accommodations and high-speed train tickets to Samarkand and Bukhara well in advance.

The significant Sharq Taronalari festival, which honors traditional Central Asian melodies, along with the Maqom festival, celebrating Arabic-inspired maqom music, take place in Samarkand and Shakhrisabz every other year in September. Folk musicians from around the globe come together to perform at various venues, including the iconic Registan Square. Engage in jam sessions and open-air events to truly experience Uzbekistan’s rich artistic culture.

If electronic music is more your style, check out the Stihia (Element) Festival held in the desert at the end of August. This festival focuses on music, social activities, and the environmental impact of humanity, providing a deeply emotional experience for attendees.

For art, fashion, and food enthusiasts, Uzbekistan's yearly art and fashion weeks are must-see events on your itinerary. Events like Uzbekistan Fashion Week, Visa Fashion Week Tashkent, and the Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art (organized by the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan) generally take place in the autumn. Additionally, smaller arts and crafts markets such as Tashkent’s Art Bazaar and Teplo Market occur every weekend, providing opportunities to connect with local brand founders.

Spring brings Bukhara’s Silk and Spices Festival, celebrated in May and June. This vibrant event features handmade crafts, music and dance performances, and a chance to savor local Uzbek dishes.