Uzbekistan Weather in January
Season: Winter
In short: Cold, dry, occasional snow, and chilly winds
Uzbekistan experiences its coldest time in January, with dry air and occasional light snow. Temperatures even remain below freezing at night. Brisk winds sweep across the country, intensifying the winter chill.
Temperature
|
Bukhara Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Winter Days
|
January is the coldest month in Uzbekistan, with daytime averages hovering around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit), while night averages drop below zero.
Temperature swings are common this month, with some days being mild with the highest temperature reaching 10°C (50°F) while some plunge toward freezing.
A notable challenge is the sharp temperature contrast between indoor and outdoor conditions. The indoor heating is exceptionally strong, especially in hotels, creating a clear difference from the chilly outdoor air. These disparities can be particularly tricky for tourists to adapt to.
The warmest places in Uzbekistan in January:
Termez: -2 - 9°C (28.4 - 48.2°F); Samarkand: -4 - 6°C (24.8 - 42.8°F)
The coldest places in Uzbekistan in January:
Nukus: -9 - 0°C (15.8 - 32°F); Tashkent: -3 - 6°C (26.6 - 42.8°F)
Precipitation
|
Snow Mountain in Uzbekistan
|
Rainfall is scarce across Uzbekistan in January, averaging just 33mm over about 11 days, with mountainous areas receiving more compared with the plains. Heavy rains are uncommon in January, but occasional drizzle often turns into light snow overnight as the temperature drops. You might fall asleep to the sound of rain and awaken to a magical snow-covered landscape. For the most breathtaking winter scenery, start at clear mornings after a fresh snowfall, before temperatures rise and the snow begins to melt. The perfect pure white scenery depends entirely on weather conditions, so checking forecasts before departure is essential.
Humidity
Despite an average humidity of 73% in January, Uzbekistan’s continental climate, combined with occasional sandy winds, leads to awfully dry air. Remember to drink plenty of water and pack moisturizing skincare products to counter the drying effects of both indoor heating and outdoor winds. Lip balm and facial moisturizers may be particularly useful during winter explorations.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Day Length
|
Khiva Itchan Kala at Dusk
|
As the winter sun is gentle with low UV intensity, sunscreen is optional but recommended for tourists with sensitive skin during prolonged exposure.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Uzbekistan?
Despite the cold, Uzbekistan receives fewer tourists in January, ensuring you a quieter travel experience and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in local culture without crowds. Also, as winter is the off-season, travel costs become more affordable. For example, you can book comfortable hotels with breakfast included for just USD 41-69 per night. If you are not sensitive to the cold, January 2026 is not a bad month to travel here.What to Wear and Pack
|
|
Clothes: During the daytime, warm layers such as a padded coat, woolen sweater, or short down jacket are advisable. As for the bottoms, woolen pants, warm jacket pants, or thick sweatpants are suggested. For extremely cold nights, a knee-length down jacket is necessary. If you plan to visit mountainous areas, bring extra layers for double protection.Shoes: Sturdy and warm shoes with good traction are essential to deal with cold weather and occasional snow. Waterproof and anti-slip winter boots and thermal hiking shoes are appropriate for outdoor activities. For a comfortable journey, choose shoes with medium-thickness soles. Thick soles may make walking tiring, while thin ones may cause foot pain over time. Accessories: The cold-winter trio, including a hat, scarf, and gloves, is essential. Also, it’s advisable to prepare socks of different thicknesses since indoor heating can be strong enough even while it’s freezing outside. Additionally, bring along some stomach medicine to prevent acclimatization issues. Lastly, carry an umbrella for unexpected rain or snow.Uzbekistan January Travel Tips & Recommendations
Schedule outdoor explorations when the sun climbs higher.Based on January’s weather, it’s suggested to plan indoor scenic spots for early mornings when temperatures are lower. Outdoor explorations are better scheduled at a time when the sun climbs higher. As night falls, settle into a seat at some indoor places to wrap up your day while staying comfortably warm.
|
|
|
Early Morning/ Late Afternoon Indoor Sites: State History Museum and Alisher Navoi Theater in Tashkent, and Siab Bazaar in Samarkand.Daytime Outdoor Sites: Hazrati Imam Mosque and Khast-Imom Complex in Tashkent, Registan Square and Chor-Bakr Necropolis in Samarkand, and Magoki-Attori Mosque in Bukhara.The right time for winter sports
January offers perfect conditions for skiing at Amirsoy Mountain Resort or Chimgan ski base. Try ice skating at Tashkent’s rinks or snow trekking in the Nuratau Mountains. These activities provide exciting ways to embrace Uzbekistan’s winter beauty. For winter sports lovers, January can be a good travel time.
|
Enjoy Winter Sports in Uzbekistan
|
Experience vibrant holiday celebrations through early January.
During the new year, immerse yourself in vibrant celebrations featuring circus performances, ice shows, and colorful street decorations. Don’t miss the festive markets offering seasonal treats and warm drinks, capturing the winter cheer.Weather in Major Cities of Uzbekistan in January
| City | Temp. | Rainfall (mm / days) | Humidity (%) |
| Tashkent |
-1.5 - 6.9°C |
57 / 11 |
73 |
|
Samarkand |
-3.1 - 4.8°C |
16 / 6 |
64 |
|
Khiva |
-2 - 7°C |
9 / 6 |
61 |
|
Urgench |
-2.3 - 4°C |
5 / 2 |
64 |
|
Andijon |
-5.8 - 3.2°C |
26 / 7 |
84 |
|
Namangan |
-3.1 - 4.1°C |
37 / 8 |
66 |
|
Fergana |
-2.8 - 4.6°C |
18 / 5 |
81 |
|
Nukus |
-3.8 - 2.6°C |
6 / 3 |
69 |
|
Karshi |
-2 - 7.3°C |
33 / 7 |
67 |
|
Termez |
3.7 - 10.8°C |
12 / 7 |
53 |
