A continental climate
The climate is continental, even excessively so: very dry and cold in winter, very hot in summer. Daytime and night-time temperature variations are often considerable in the desert. In the hottest months, from mid-June to early August, the mercury soars above 40°C in the west and south of the country. Leading the way are Termez and Khiva, where the air becomes particularly stifling. These 40 days of extreme heat, from June 25 to August 4, even have a name: lietnie tchili. In winter, during the forty coldest days, or zimnie tchili, from December 25 to February 5, the temperature drops to -10°C and the wind is sometimes icy. It can even reach -40°C in January in Karakalpakstan and in the mountainous regions of the Tian Shan and Fan, where the passes are frequently closed.
Hot summers
In summer, the whole country is sweltering. The Kyzyl Kum desert scorches, the south of the country slows down, and even if the Ferghana Valley is a few degrees cooler, the climate is stifling. June and July are the most difficult months, and the thermometer explodes in August. However, the country is not uninhabitable during this period. Of course, you'll get very hot as soon as you follow the main stages of the Silk Road, but if your main aim is to do some hiking in the Nurata or Fansky mountains, the summer season is particularly recommended. The relative coolness at altitude means you can hike in good conditions and bear the hottest months more easily.
Nevertheless, a few precautions are in order: take a wide-brimmed hat with you, rather than a simple cap, to provide sufficient shade for your head and shoulders. Remember to stay hydrated as often as possible. Drinking during the day won't do you much good, as you'll sweat a lot and the beneficial effects will quickly wear off, but drink plenty at night and in the morning. Avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol, sugary drinks and coffee. Bottles of still or sparkling water are available all over the country, so make sure you always have one with you. In public transport, carry a washcloth that you can soak in water and place on your forehead to cool down.
Autumnal beauty
This is the perfect season to visit the country. Rainfall is relatively low, although there are occasional showers during the day. September and October are months when the thermometer drops to milder temperatures and the forests take on their most beautiful flamboyant hues. The Ferghana Valley's crops are in full swing and the bazaar stalls are covered with fresh fruit and vegetables: pomegranates, apples, strawberries, grapes, melons and watermelons... Freshness is guaranteed! In the desert, from late October onwards, temperatures start to drop as night falls and the days get shorter and shorter.
A rather mild winter
Travelling to Uzbekistan in winter is still possible, but you can expect to face sub-zero temperatures, especially in January and February. These are the coldest months, and snow is not uncommon even in the desert. Even though, as Westerners, you'll enjoy the comfort of your hotel's heating system, remember to bring warm, insulating clothing. Gas cuts are frequent in winter, and heating systems can break down. Public transport, with the exception of the new TGV high-speed trains and air travel of course, is not really heated, and a bus journey in Karakalpakstan in December can be... freezing. Since the disappearance of the Aral Sea, temperatures have plummeted to -40°C in some places!
Spring, the ideal season
April and May are the ideal months to visit Uzbekistan. Temperatures are mild, neither too hot nor too cold, and the weather is mostly sunny, with the odd short-lived shower. Whether you're in the desert, the cities or the mountains, this is the best time of year. The desert blooms and the bazaars begin to fill up with melons! Navruz, the spring festival, is celebrated from March 21, and Kovum Saili, the melon festival, from April 15. In addition to the revival of nature, according to rites and traditions inherited from Zoroastrianism, the whole of Uzbek society is celebrating the return of fine weather. A doubly auspicious time of year!
