When to go
Uzbekistan in August
What to expect in Uzbekistan in August: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
August is hot, with afternoons around 32–35 °C, but evenings become a little cooler by the end of the month. It is the peak of the melon and grape season, and in some years Samarkand hosts the Sharq Taronalari music festival. Sightsee early and late, and combine the cities with the mountains.
Is August a good time to visit?
August in Uzbekistan is hot like July but with the start of the melon and grape season and, in some years, the Sharq Taronalari festival. The country has a dry, continental climate, with big differences between seasons and between day and night, so the month you choose shapes your trip: what you wear, which regions are comfortable, and how busy the monuments are. Below you will find what to expect, what to do and how to plan. For a year-round overview, see when to go.
Weather in August
August remains hot and dry, with clear skies. The first half is similar to July; by late August, nights cool down slightly, especially in Samarkand. Dust can be carried by wind in the desert regions. The mountains near Tashkent are pleasant, and high-altitude treks are in season.
Approximate long-term averages for August:
| City | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent | 34 | 19 |
| Samarkand | 32 | 17 |
| Bukhara | 35 | 19 |
| Khiva | 34 | 19 |
Individual years vary. For month-by-month detail, see the weather pages for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Festivals and events
In some years, Samarkand hosts the Sharq Taronalari ("Melodies of the East") international music festival in late August, with musicians from around the world performing at the Registan. Preparations for Independence Day on 1 September begin at the end of the month.
See our calendar of festivals in Central Asia for dates.
Things to do in August
- Taste the famous melons of Khorezm and the grapes of the Fergana Valley.
- Attend a Sharq Taronalari concert at the Registan, if it is held that year.
- Hike in Ugam-Chatkal National Park.
- Explore the old towns at dawn and in the evening.
- Swim at Charvak.
Where to go
The cities with early and late sightseeing, plus the mountains. The Aral Sea trips resume more comfortably at the end of the month. Avoid long midday drives in the desert and Termez.
Food in August
August is the peak of the melon season: the sweet melons of Khorezm and Bukhara are famous across Central Asia, and grapes ripen in the Fergana Valley and around Samarkand. Peaches, figs and plums fill the markets. Try qovun, the long golden melons, and the many varieties of grapes. Evenings are perfect for shashlik and cold drinks on a terrace. Families begin drying fruit for winter, and you will see apricots and grapes laid out on roofs to dry. See our guides to Samarkand food, Bukhara food and Khiva food.
What to pack
Light, covering clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle; a light layer for mountain evenings. Whatever the season, bring a scarf or shawl for visiting mosques and shrines, and comfortable shoes for cobbled old towns. See our packing list.
Crowds, prices and booking
If you visit during the Sharq Taronalari festival, book Samarkand hotels early. Late August is a good compromise: still summer, but evenings start to become pleasant, and the high season of September is approaching.
The fast Afrosiyob train links Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara; see Tashkent to Samarkand and Uzbekistan by train. For a route, see our 7-day and 10-day itineraries.
Other months
Compare with Uzbekistan in July and Uzbekistan in September, or see the full year on our when to go page. We can help plan a trip in any season, from winter city breaks to spring and autumn tours with desert camps. Remember that Ramadan and the two Eid holidays follow the lunar calendar and move about eleven days earlier each year, so check their dates for your year: they can affect opening hours, transport and hotel availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is August a good time to visit Uzbekistan?
It is hot, but good for fruit, the mountains and, in some years, the Sharq Taronalari festival.
When is Sharq Taronalari?
In late August in some years, at the Registan in Samarkand; check the year’s dates.
Rules, timetables and prices change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm entry requirements with official sources before you travel.
