Best Times to Visit

Weather

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate: it is generally colder in the north and warmest in the south. During the summer, temperatures can climb to 45°C (113°F) and above. Winter temperatures average 0°C (32°F) in the south and -8°C (18°F) in the north, although extremes as low as -35°C (-31°F) are sometimes experienced.

For more information on the Uzbekistani weather, see Climate in Uzbekistan.

Festivals

Uzbekistan holds many festivals and religious holidays throughout the year. The biggest festival is the Navrus (New Days) Festival on 21 March. It consists of renewal celebrations involving traditional games, drama, street festivals and fairs.

Other festivities include Toi, Uzbek family parties where foreigners are welcome to enjoy the fun. The Uzbekistanis celebrate Independence Day on 1 September by crowding into what used to be Lenin Square (now named, appropriately enough, Independence Square) to enjoy a carnival of celebration.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Uzbekistan: