Tashkent weather by month

Tashkent lies at about 450 metres above sea level in the Chirchik valley, at the foot of the western Tian Shan mountains. The nearby mountains bring more rain and snow than in the desert cities of the west, while summers are long, sunny and dry. The city’s parks, canals and tree-lined streets make the heat more bearable than in Bukhara or Khiva.

The table gives approximate long-term averages. Individual years vary, and summer heatwaves can bring temperatures over 40 °C.

Spring is beautiful in Tashkent. March is changeable, with rain and cool spells, but also the celebrations of Navruz on 21 March, with music, festivals and special dishes such as sumalak. April brings blossom on fruit trees and in the Botanical garden, and the mountains around the city turn green, with wild tulips in the foothills. Showers are common in March and April, so bring a light rain jacket. May is warm and settled, perfect for the city and the mountains.

Summer is hot and dry, with afternoon temperatures often in the mid-30s. The city stays lively in the evenings, when families fill the parks and fountains. Plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and spend the afternoons in museums, in the cool metro or in a shady park. Summer is the best season for the Chimgan mountains and the Charvak reservoir, where it is several degrees cooler; see day trips from Tashkent. Fruit is at its best: cherries, apricots, peaches, melons and grapes.

September and October are excellent: warm, dry days, cool nights and golden light. Bazaars are full of melons, grapes, pomegranates and persimmons. The trees of the city’s avenues turn yellow in late October and November. November is cooler, with the first frosts and some rain, but often pleasant sunny days.

Winters are cool rather than harsh, with daytime temperatures often between 3 and 10 °C and nights around freezing. Snow falls some years but rarely lasts in the city. In the mountains, the ski resorts of Chimgan, Beldersay and Amirsoy open, usually from December to March, making Tashkent a base for winter sports. Indoor sights, museums, theatres and restaurants are at their best. Bring a warm coat, hat and waterproof shoes.

• Best overall: mid-April to May and September to October.
• For festivals: Navruz around 21 March; Independence Day on 1 September.
• For the mountains: June to September for hiking; December to March for skiing.
• For lower prices: winter, except around New Year.

Combining Tashkent with other cities? Samarkand is slightly cooler; Bukhara and Khiva are hotter in summer and drier. See Samarkand weather, Bukhara weather and Khiva weather.

Comfortable walking shoes; a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen from April to October; a light rain jacket in March and April; layers for cool evenings in spring and autumn; and a warm coat from December to February. Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for mosques and shrines, and a scarf for women. If you plan to go to the mountains, bring a warm layer even in summer.