Weather in Uzbekistan in September

The arrival of fall transforms Uzbekistan, and the climate, into a traveler's paradise. Daytime temperatures drop to a pleasant 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C), making the weather in Uzbekistan in September amongst the most comfortable of all the months to explore this captivating country. Uzbekistan in September is ideal for walking through historical cities, visiting bustling markets, and even venturing into the desert without extreme heat. September also marks the start of the harvest season, with markets overflowing with fresh fruits and melons. At the same time, the weather in the mountains is still friendly to trekkers who can take advantage of the many miles of trails that all seem to offer breathtaking views.

Uzbekistan in September at a glance

In short, September is one of the best months to explore Uzbekistan. The weather is warm but no longer stifling, the skies are blue and the rhythm of local life seems to pick up as people return to the streets.

  • In places like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, temperatures sit comfortably between 59°F and 90°F (15°C and 32°C), while the desert stays hot but manageable. Evenings start to cool, making sunset walks and rooftop dinners a real treat.
  • This is a perfect time to visit Uzbekistan’s historic sites. Landmarks like Registan Square, Itchan Kala and the Ark of Bukhara can finally be enjoyed without seeking constant shade.
  • The weather in Uzbekistan in September is dry - on average rain only falls on two days of the month.
  • It’s also peak harvest season, and the markets are bursting with late-summer and early-fall produce. The air smells of grapes, melons and spices, and it’s a wonderful time for food lovers to dive into local flavors.
  • With comfortable weather, active festivals and stunning landscapes, September brings together the very best of Uzbekistan. Just make sure to book ahead, as it’s a popular time to travel.

Is September a good time to visit Uzbekistan?

September is widely considered one of the most enjoyable months to visit Uzbekistan. Temperatures are warm but not overwhelming, with cities like Samarkand and Bukhara reaching around 86°F (30°C) during the day and cooling off nicely at night. Desert regions remain hot but without the searing extremes of summer. In the mountains, it’s ideal for trekking as the cool and dry conditions make it visually stunning.

It’s also harvest time. Markets come alive with color and fragrance, offering ripe grapes, pomegranates, figs, and fresh herbs. Many rural areas host seasonal gatherings or informal celebrations, giving travelers an authentic glimpse of Uzbek life transitioning from summer to fall.

As one of the most popular times of the year, September does see an increase in visitors. Sites will be busier, especially around Independence Day, and prices for hotels and guided tours tend to rise. Still, the mix of comfortable weather, lively culture, and stunning landscapes checks off several key reasons to visit Uzbekistan — and makes September one of the best months to go.

Average daily temperatures in September

September brings relief from summer’s extremes and ushers in Uzbekistan’s most comfortable season.

In Tashkent, you can expect daytime highs of 84°F (29°C) and cooler nights around 60°F (16°C). Samarkand and Bukhara are slightly milder, with highs near 81°F (27°C) and evenings cooling to 57°F (14°C).

The Fergana Valley stays a little warmer, with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows around 61°F (16°C). Desert regions like Khiva and the Kyzylkum still reach 88°F (31°C) but become more accessible as the humidity stays low and nights cool off to 63°F (17°C).

In the mountains, the weather is ideal at around 68°F (20°C) during the day and a crisp 46°F (8°C) at night. These conditions are perfect for hiking, camping and wildlife spotting before the highlands start to cool for winter.

It’s still wise to carry sun protection, but most travelers can comfortably spend full days outside without the exhaustion of summer heat.

Ancient town of Itchan Kala. Khiva, Uzbekistan

Ancient town of Itchan Kala. Khiva, Uzbekistan

What about the crowds and cost?

September marks a shift back to peak travel season. As the weather improves, more visitors return, especially to the Silk Road cities. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva see noticeably more foot traffic, and popular sights like Registan Square or Itchan Kala are at their liveliest.

With this uptick in tourism, prices for accommodation and flights tend to rise. It’s not the most expensive time of year, but it’s definitely worth reservation ahead to secure good rates and avoid disappointment. Trains and domestic flights can fill up quickly too, especially around vacations.

Even with more people around, September still offers a relaxed feel. The mood is celebratory — between harvest, festivals and national vacations — and most places handle the flow of visitors well.

Things to do in Uzbekistan in September

September strikes the perfect balance for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, history or food, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

Explore the bustling markets of Samarkand

Siab Bazaar is in full swing, overflowing with seasonal fruits, nuts and spices. Pick up juicy pomegranates, figs or a bag of sun-dried apricots while soaking up the market’s buzzing energy.

Hike to the Pulatkhan Plateau

In the Western Tien Shan, this panoramic plateau offers sweeping views and a rewarding challenge. With cooler air and clear skies, September is one of the best times to tackle the trek.

Discover the Katta Langar Mosque

Hidden in the Kashkadarya region, this Timurid-era mosque is a stunning but often overlooked site. The journey through fall-tinted hills makes the visit even more memorable.

shohizinda in Samarkand

Shohizinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Take a boat ride on the Amu Darya River

This historic river once sustained the Silk Road. A gentle boat trip lets you experience its beauty while learning about its role in Central Asia’s past.

Experience cotton harvest life in rural villages

September is peak cotton-picking season. In the countryside, you can see families working the fields, learn about the industry and get a feel for life beyond the cities.

Festivals and events in Uzbekistan in September

With cooler days and plenty to celebrate, Uzbekistan’s cultural calendar kicks into gear in September.

  • Independence Day: On September 1, Uzbekistan celebrates its major national vacation, which features fireworks, concerts, dance performances and parades in every major city. It’s a vibrant time to be out and about.
  • Tashkent Book Festival: A lively event for readers, publishers and authors, featuring literary discussions, poetry readings and book fairs, often with multilingual programs.
  • Silk Road Cultural Festival: In Samarkand, this colorful celebration of the country’s Silk Road heritage includes music, storytelling, exhibitions and performances in beautiful open-air settings.
  • Horse Festival: In the central Navoi Region, this festival dedicated to Uzbekistan’s equestrian traditions features racing, trick riding, archery and displays of horsemanship in a festive, rural setting.
Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 31.03.2025

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.