When to go
Uzbekistan in December
What to expect in Uzbekistan in December: 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.
December is winter in Uzbekistan: cold days around 4–8 °C, frosty nights and occasional snow, colder in Khiva. It is the quietest time for tourism, with low prices and empty monuments. At the end of the month, cities prepare for New Year with lights and decorations. Focus on Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.
Is December a good time to visit?
December in Uzbekistan is a cold, quiet winter month, with festive New Year decorations and the monuments almost to yourself. 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 December
December is cold, with clear frosty days alternating with grey, damp spells. Snow is possible, especially in Khiva and the mountains, but usually does not last long in the cities. Days are short. Termez is the mildest city.
Approximate long-term averages for December:
| City | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent | 8 | −1 |
| Samarkand | 8 | −1 |
| Bukhara | 8 | −1 |
| Khiva | 4 | −4 |
Individual years vary. For month-by-month detail, see the weather pages for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Festivals and events
At the end of the month, cities prepare for New Year: squares are decorated with lights and trees, markets sell decorations and gifts, and families get ready for the biggest celebration of the year. 8 December is Constitution Day. Ski resorts near Tashkent open when snow allows.
See our calendar of festivals in Central Asia for dates.
Things to do in December
- See the monuments in winter light and, with luck, under snow.
- Enjoy New Year decorations and festive markets in Tashkent.
- Ski at Amirsoy.
- Visit museums and craft workshops.
- Taste winter dishes: shurpa, manti, norin and halim.
Where to go
The cities, linked by train, and the ski resorts near Tashkent. Khiva is cold and very quiet. Desert camps and the Aral Sea are closed.
Food in December
December food is warm and filling. Try shurpa, mastava, manti, chuchvara dumplings in broth and halim on cold mornings. Around the New Year, families prepare festive tables with salads, plov and sweets, and markets sell oranges, tangerines and dried fruit. Bread fresh from the tandir oven is especially welcome on cold days. Many restaurants and teahouses have heated rooms or a sandal, a low heated table, where you can warm up over tea. See our guides to Samarkand food, Bukhara food and Khiva food.
What to pack
A warm winter coat, hat, gloves, thermal layers, warm waterproof shoes and moisturiser. 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
December is low season until the New Year holidays, when domestic travel to the mountains increases. Hotels are cheaper; check that they are well heated. Days are short: start early.
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 November and Uzbekistan in January, 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 December a good time to visit Uzbekistan?
Yes for quiet sightseeing and low prices, if you are prepared for cold weather.
Does it snow in Uzbekistan in December?
Sometimes, especially in Khiva and the mountains.
Rules, timetables and prices change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm entry requirements with official sources before you travel.
