Weather in Samarkand

Planning a trip or already in Samarkand? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Samarkand is characterised as sharply continental, with features of an arid climate. This means there are significant temperature fluctuations both throughout the year and during the day. The city experiences four clearly defined seasons: a hot and dry summer, a warm and sunny autumn, a cool but relatively mild winter, and a pleasant, blooming spring.

The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are distinguished by high temperatures, often exceeding 30-34°C, and minimal rainfall. During this period, Samarkand is very sunny, and rainy days are practically non-existent. Winter, by contrast, is cooler, with average temperatures around 2-5°C, sometimes dropping below freezing, especially at night. Winter and the transitional seasons (spring and autumn) see the bulk of the annual precipitation, although the total amount is low. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable periods to visit, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunny days.

The annual temperature trend in Samarkand is marked by significant fluctuations, typical of a sharply continental climate. The annual temperature range is quite wide: the hottest month is July, when the average temperature is +27.0°C, and maximum daytime values can reach +34.2°C. The coldest month is usually January, with an average temperature of +2.3°C and minimum nighttime temperatures dropping to -2.8°C.

The summer months in Samarkand, particularly June, July, and August, are distinguished by dry heat. Average maximum temperatures during this period consistently exceed +31°C (June +31.3°C, July +34.2°C, August +31.8°C), and precipitation is virtually absent, creating a sensation of very hot weather. Nights bring some relief but remain quite warm, with temperatures rarely falling below +17°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer can be quite substantial, reaching 14-15°C, indicating significant diurnal fluctuations.

Winter in Samarkand, covering December, January, and February, brings cool weather. Average temperatures during these months range from +2.3°C to +4.7°C. Frosts are not uncommon at night, when the thermometer can drop below freezing (for example, down to -2.8°C in January and -1.5°C in December). During the day, however, the temperature most often remains positive, rising on average to +7.5°C - +10°C. Diurnal temperature fluctuations are also noticeable in winter, though not as pronounced as in summer, averaging 10-11°C.

Samarkand has a clearly defined seasonality of precipitation, with a relatively wet period occurring in late winter and spring, and a prolonged dry season in summer and early autumn. Overall, the amount of precipitation in the city is low throughout the year, which is characteristic of the region's climate.

The highest amount of precipitation falls from February to May. March is the wettest month, with an average of about 4 mm of precipitation and approximately 13 days of rainfall. During this spring period, precipitation mainly falls as rain. Winter months, such as January (2 mm, 10 days with precipitation) and February (3 mm, 11 days with precipitation), also bring moisture, which, given the average minimum temperatures below freezing (from -0.8°C to -2.8°C), often falls as snow or wet snow.

The summer months – June, July, August – as well as September, are characterised as the driest in Samarkand. During this period, precipitation is practically absent (0 mm), and the number of days with rainfall is minimal – just 1-2 days per month. This is predominantly a time of hot and sunny weather. In autumn, the amount of precipitation gradually increases: October sees about 1 mm (approximately 6 days with precipitation), and November sees 2 mm (about 7 days), mainly as rain, although by the end of November, with dropping temperatures (average minimum +1.4°C), the first snow is possible. December also brings about 1 mm of precipitation (7 days), often in the form of snow, as minimum temperatures again drop below freezing.

When planning a trip to Samarkand, it is important to pack your suitcase wisely, taking the local climate into account. In summer, from June to August, hot and dry weather sets in with average temperatures of +24°C to +27°C and highs reaching +34°C. During this period, the foundation of your wardrobe should be lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), and a hat to protect against the scorching sun, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen are mandatory. Since Samarkand is a city for long walks through ancient streets and squares, comfortable broken-in shoes are an absolute necessity at any time of year.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Samarkand are transitional seasons with quite comfortable but changeable weather. Temperatures in spring range from +9°C in March to +19°C in May, and in autumn from +20°C in September to +7°C in November. The principle of layering works best during these periods: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a light sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a windbreaker or mid-season jacket. In March, April, and May, as well as October and November, despite the small total amount of rainfall (1-4 mm), there can be anywhere from 6 to 13 wet days per month, so a light folding umbrella or a waterproof jacket may prove very useful.

In winter, from December to February, it is cool in Samarkand. The average air temperature hovers around +2°C...+5°C, however, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing (down to -2.8°C). For a winter trip, you will need a warm jacket (possibly insulated), sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although heavy snowfall usually does not occur here, and monthly precipitation does not exceed 1-3 mm, it is still worth being prepared for periodic wet days (7-11 per month). Layering your clothing will help you adapt to temperature changes between the outdoors and the heated interiors of museums and restaurants.