Best time to visit · Samarkand · Uzbekistan
The best time to visit Samarkand
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
Quick answer
The best times to visit Samarkand are April to May and September to October, when days are warm but not hot and the light on the tilework is soft. July and August regularly pass 33°C, so sightseeing shifts to early mornings and evenings. Winter is cold and quiet, with the lowest hotel prices. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; daily life and sightseeing continue largely as normal.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and September–October
- Shoulder season
- March, June and November
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 34°C (93°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 6°C (43°F))
- Rainiest month
- March (~11 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- December–February
Seasons
Samarkand has a dry continental climate: hot, almost rainless summers often above 33°C, cold winters with frost and occasional snow, and short, pleasant springs and autumns when most rain falls in March and April.
March–May
Spring
Blossom, green hills and mild days, with Navruz celebrations in March and the most rain of the year in March and April.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry and bright with little shade at the monuments; fruit season in the bazaar and long, warm evenings.
September–November
Autumn
The most popular season, with warm days, harvest produce and golden light, cooling quickly in November.
December–February
Winter
Cold, frosty and quiet, with occasional snow on the domes and the lowest prices of the year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | -2°C | 9 | 9.7 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 8°C | 0°C | 10 | 10.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 14°C | 5°C | 11 | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 21°C | 10°C | 10 | 13.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 27°C | 14°C | 7 | 14.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 32°C | 18°C | 2 | 15 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 34°C | 20°C | 1 | 14.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 33°C | 18°C | 0 | 13.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 28°C | 13°C | 1 | 12.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| October | 21°C | 7°C | 4 | 11.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 14°C | 3°C | 7 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 8°C | -1°C | 9 | 9.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | Navruz — spring new year, with sumalak cooked overnight and public celebrations (21 March) |
| August | Sharq Taronalari — international music festival on the Registan (held in some years, usually late August) |
| September | Independence Day — national holiday with concerts and decorations (1 September) |
| December | New Year — city decorations and celebrations (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in December–February, and the sights are quietest in December–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Samarkand?
The best times to visit Samarkand are April to May and September to October, when days are warm but not hot and the light on the tilework is soft. July and August regularly pass 33°C, so sightseeing shifts to early mornings and evenings. Winter is cold and quiet, with the lowest hotel prices. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; daily life and sightseeing continue largely as normal.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Samarkand?
Usually in December–February. Cold and often grey with frosty nights and occasional snow on the domes; monuments are almost empty and hotel rates are at their lowest.
+What is the rainiest month in Samarkand?
March, with about 11 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Samarkand get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F).