Is August a good time to visit Uzbekistan?
If you're comfortable with heat and willing to take it slow, August can still be a rewarding time to travel. Cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva sit around 104°F (40°C), and the deserts often push beyond that. Things begin to cool slightly by late August, especially in the evenings, but it's still very much summer.
The best strategy is to get out early, explore until late morning, and then find shelter during the afternoon. Many historical sites — from palaces to madrasas — stay cooler inside, and air-conditioned cafes, hotels, and restaurants help make city travel bearable.
August is also peak fruit season. Markets brim with melons, peaches, grapes, and plums, and local vendors will insist you sample more than you can carry. For nature lovers, the mountains are in top form, offering cool air, great visibility, and plenty of quiet trails to explore.
August might not top the typical lists, but if you’re after fewer crowds, seasonal food, and clear mountain hikes, it delivers. In fact, for those who can handle the heat, it quietly check marks off some of the more surprising reasons to visit Uzbekistan.
Average daily temperatures in August
The weather in Uzbekistan in August is hot, dry and packed with sunshine. In Tashkent, daily highs reach around 95°F (35°C), with nights cooling to a still-warm 70°F (21°C). Samarkand and Bukhara are similar, with highs of 96°F (36°C) and lows around 69°F (20°C).
The Fergana Valley stays on the warm side too, hitting around 99°F (37°C) most afternoons.
In the desert regions, including Khiva and the Kyzylkum, it’s blistering with highs of 102°F (39°C) are common, and even at night, it rarely drops below 75°F (24°C).
Head into the mountains, and things change fast. Chimgan and the Nuratau Mountains are much cooler, with daytime temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and nights dipping to a comfortable 52°F (11°C).
If you’re visiting this month, early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities. Hydration and sun protection are a must, especially in the lowlands.