Samarkand is Uzbekistan's Silk Road showpiece, a 2,700-year-old city of turquoise domes, the Registan's three madrasas, Timur's tomb and the tiled mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda.
Samarkand (about 700 m above sea level) has a continental climate with hot dry summers (July highs 33–37°C), cold winters (January lows around −4°C) and pleasant springs and autumns.
Best time to visit
Best: April–May and September–October
Peak Season: April–May, September–October
Avoid: July–August heat and December–February cold
Summary: Mild weather and clear days make spring and autumn ideal.
Notes: Pack layers for evenings.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
1°C/34°F
Cold and grey, occasional snow; few visitors
February
3°C/37°F
Cold and damp
March
8°C/46°F
Spring begins; Navruz on 21 March
April
14°C/57°F
Blossom and green gardens; pleasant
May
19°C/66°F
Warm and sunny; best sightseeing
June
24°C/75°F
Hot; rising heat
July
26°C/79°F
Very hot, daytime highs often above 35°C
August
24°C/75°F
Hot and dry
September
19°C/66°F
Warm, dry; fruit season
October
12°C/54°F
Golden foliage; cooler evenings
November
6°C/43°F
Cool and damp
December
2°C/36°F
Cold; quiet
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar–May
Mild 8–25°C, green gardens, some rain.
Summer
Months: Jun–Aug
Hot and dry, 28–37°C.
Fall
Months: Sep–Nov
Warm in September, cooler in October and November.
Winter
Months: Dec–Feb
Cold, −4 to 7°C, occasional snow.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Apr–May and Sep–Oct (tour groups at Registan)
- Shoulder Season
- Mar and Nov
- Low Season
- Dec–Feb and Jul–Aug
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Navruz
Spring festival with performances, plov and fairs around Registan and the city.
Independence Day
National holiday with concerts and fireworks.
Sharq Taronalari music festival
International music festival held at Registan Square; confirm the year's dates.